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Mombasa is worth a visit for a variety of reasons. Aromatic marketplaces, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fort Jesus, or simply the majesty of the sunset call to prayer echoing through the labyrinthine alleyways of the ancient city may be among these.
There are also some fantastic Indian Ocean beaches nearby. Mombasa’s safari opportunities are less well-known. Across the city’s outskirts, you’ll find world-class national parks, secluded sanctuaries with few people, and even a marine safari. Here are a few of our picks.
Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park is a bit of a drive from Mombasa, but it’s one of Kenya’s greatest parks and it’s not all that far away. The area is dominated by strange and magnificent rock formations and lava tubes. Mzima Springs, for example, feels like another universe, complete with lush vegetation, hippos, and crocs. Tsavo West’s other wildlife may be magnificent, even if the deeper foliage makes it more difficult to spot elephants, lions, leopards, and other animals than in nearby Tsavo East NP. Giraffes, rhinos, and a plethora of birds are additional attractions.
Kisite mpunguti marine Park
Going on safari in Mombasa offers more than simply seeing cats, elephants, and other creatures grazing on the savannah.
This marine national park also contains the Mpunguti Marine National Reserve, which is located in the waters around Wasini Island. It is ideal for diving and snorkeling to see dolphins, turtles, and other marine life on the wonderfully maintained coral reefs.
Mombasa Marine Park
It is located near tourist destinations on the coast and is a popular beach because of the snorkeling and diving; additional activities include taking a boat trip, recreational fishing, windsurfing, water skiing, and watching various species on land and underwater.
It is Kenya’s most popular marine park. Its seas are home to coral reefs. Crabs, starfish, stonefish, cucumbers, sea urchins, corals, turtles, seagrasses, and migratory birds such as crab plovers may also be found in the reserve.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills National Reserve, southwest of the city and inland from Diani Beach, is one of the greatest wildlife reserves around Mombasa.
The steep scenery here is a stunning blend of lush, tropical greens, and savannah fauna. While you’re here, you could witness elephants, sable antelope, and buffalo, as well as baboons, giraffes, a plethora of birds, and more butterflies than you ever imagined. There aren’t many safaris out here, and practically all of them are day trips from the shore. If at all possible, stay the night.
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
Elephants may be seen within a short distance of Mombasa. Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary is one of Kenya’s newest reserves, located along an important elephant migratory route. While you’re here, you’re pretty certain to see an elephant.
The riverine landscape of the Cha Shimba Valley, along with the fact that there are few visitors, combine to make this one of the more rewarding safari experiences in Kenya’s southeast.
Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary
Lumo is a community-run sanctuary for big cats, elephants, and other creatures. If you are going from Mombasa, it is recommended to combine with Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary.
While you’re here, you could even see a black serval or an aardwolf! Over half of Kenya’s 1,100 bird species are probable, with the Taita thrush, Taita white-eye, and Taita Apalis being possible highlights you won’t see anyplace else. You may even go on a walking safari, which is not possible in Kenya’s national parks.
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a bit of a drive from Mombasa, but it is well worth the trek.
The reserve has 28,000 acres of mosaic habitat, including riverine forest, savanna wood, and grassland plant physiognomy. The vegetation is often dense, layered, and constantly dominated by Acacia/Commiphora trees, and it may appear to be evergreen in rainy sections, such as the sanctuary’s middle lowlands.
The heart of this private community sanctuary is an area of forested hills surrounded by savannah grasslands, not far from the arid plains of Tsavo. Elephants are nearly probably present, although lions, cheetahs, and klipspringers are all possible. But it’s the birding that really brings visitors in, especially the chance to see specific forest species as well as birds of prey.