Mombasa: Fort Jesus, Old Town and Nature Experiences

Mombasa brings together a range of travel interests: Fort Jesus represents the history of a Portuguese military fortification, while Old Town is known for its markets, mosques and historic landmarks. Haller Park adds wildlife experiences and forest trails, while Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve offers a variety of activities on the water. This gives you cultural, nature-focused and maritime highlights to consider when planning your trip.

Fort Jesus and Mombasa’s Old Town

Fort Jesus in Mombasa is a well-preserved example of a 16th-century Portuguese military fortification. It also bears witness to the exchange of cultural values and influences among people of African, Arab, Turkish, Persian and European origin who fought for control of this strategic port. This offers a different perspective on the city’s history from the markets, mosques and historic landmarks of Old Town.

In Mombasa’s Old Town, you can explore the bustling markets. The many mosques and historic landmarks also offer places to explore. So the focus is not limited to a single building: Old Town offers a range of places for a cultural discovery of Mombasa.

Wildlife experiences and activities in the marine park

Haller Park in Mombasa offers wildlife experiences, forest trails and hands-on opportunities to learn about conservation. If you want to include both nature and environmental education in your travel plans, the park brings these aspects together. This gives it a different focus from Fort Jesus and the cultural sights to explore in Old Town.

At Mombasa Marine National Park & Reserve, you can snorkel and dive. Other activities include jet skiing, glass-bottom boat trips, sailing and windsurfing. These activities vary: snorkeling and diving take you into the water; glass-bottom boat trips, jet skiing, sailing and windsurfing offer other kinds of activities on the water. Availability of jet skiing, glass-bottom boat trips, sailing and windsurfing may vary by provider. If you are interested in any of these activities, ask the relevant provider about the options.

Kenya in a broader travel context

The wider destination of Kenya adds a distinct cultural context: the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests comprise ten separate forest areas stretching for around 200 kilometers along the coast. They contain the remains of fortified Mijikenda villages, known as Kayas. The Kayas were established from the 16th century onward and abandoned by the 1940s; at the same time, they are considered sacred places and the homes of ancestors, and are cared for by councils of elders. Unlike Fort Jesus, the emphasis here is not on a Portuguese fortification, but on forest areas, settlement history and the enduring cultural significance of the Kayas.

Another nature-focused highlight in the wider destination of Kenya is the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley. It is the world’s most important feeding ground for lesser flamingos; around 1.5 million birds move between the lakes. The system also provides the most important nesting and breeding grounds for great white pelicans in the Great Rift Valley. This differs from Mombasa’s water activities: here, the focus is on the importance of a lake system for birds. Wildlife populations may vary.

Discover more destinations: Mtwapa, Kaloleni, Bamburi, Mombasa; Turkana County, Kilifi District, Kajiado District and Nandi District.

Back to the broader travel overview: Kenya.