Overview
Explore Mombasa’s Rich History and Nature
Mombasa, Kenya’s vibrant coastal city, boasts a fascinating blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural beauty. On this full-day tour, you will delve into Mombasa’s captivating past, starting with the historic Fort Jesus, and then continue on to discover the city’s unique landmarks, including the Arab Town, Elephant Tusks, and Akamba Handicraft Co-operative Society. Afterward, head to the tranquil Haller Park, a once barren cement quarry turned lush wildlife sanctuary, for a refreshing experience among giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and more.
7:00 AM – Hotel Pick-Up
Your day begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel. Set off for a day of discovery as you explore Mombasa's fascinating history and wildlife.
8:00 AM – Visit Fort Jesus
The first stop is Fort Jesus, a stunning historical site and one of the most well-preserved examples of 16th-century military engineering. Built by the Portuguese in 1592 to protect the harbor, this iconic fort tells the story of Mombasa’s strategic importance in the region's history. Inside, you will find fascinating exhibits, including artifacts from the Portuguese, Omani Arab, and British periods. Learn about the fort’s tumultuous past, including the dramatic siege in 1699 and its later use as a prison in the 19th century.
9:30 AM – Dhow Harbor & Arab Town
Next, explore the Dhow Harbor, where you’ll see traditional Arab dhows, wooden sailing vessels that have been used for centuries along the East African coast. These historic boats still operate today, and it’s a great opportunity to learn about Mombasa's rich maritime heritage.
From the harbor, wander through Arab Town, a charming maze of narrow alleys that showcase beautifully curved doors, local jewelry, curio shops, and a Hindu temple. This area reflects the multicultural heritage of Mombasa, with its blend of African, Arabic, Indian, and European influences.
11:00 AM – Elephant Tusks & Akamba Handicraft Co-operative Society
Drive past the famous Elephant Tusks on Moi Avenue, an iconic landmark in Mombasa, built to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to the city in 1952. These giant tusks are a must-see when visiting Mombasa, symbolizing the entrance to the city.
Afterward, head to the Akamba Handicraft Co-operative Society, where you can observe skilled artisans at work, crafting beautiful wood carvings and other traditional crafts. With over a thousand members, this cooperative produces a wide variety of reasonably priced hand-carved sculptures, making it an ideal place to purchase unique souvenirs.
1:00 PM – Lunch Break
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Swahili dishes or fresh seafood while soaking in the local atmosphere.
2:30 PM – Haller Park
After lunch, journey to Haller Park, a 200-hectare nature reserve that was once a cement quarry. This transformed park is now home to a wide variety of animals and plants, including hippopotamus, giraffes, antelope, crocodiles, giant tortoises, and numerous species of birds. Walk along the nature trails, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and witness the feeding of the resident animals up close.
The Baobab Adventure is a highlight here, showcasing the park’s eco-tourism efforts and the incredible transformation of the land from a barren quarry to a lush tropical paradise.
4:00 PM – Return to Hotel
After a day filled with history, culture, and wildlife, return to your hotel for drop-off around 5:00 PM, reflecting on the beauty and diversity of Mombasa.
End of the Excursion
What's Included:
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Entrance fees to Fort Jesus, Dhow Harbor, Akamba Handicraft Co-op, and Haller Park
Local guide for the day
Lunch at a local restaurant
What to Bring:
Comfortable shoes for walking
Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
Camera to capture the sights
A bottle of water
Why Choose the Mombasa City & Haller Park Tour?
Rich Cultural History: Explore Mombasa’s unique history, from its Portuguese past to the present-day fusion of cultures.
Iconic Landmarks: Visit Fort Jesus, the Elephant Tusks, and the historic Arab Town.
Wildlife & Nature: Enjoy a mini-safari at Haller Park, where you’ll see giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and more.
Local Experiences: Engage with the local community at the Akamba Handicraft Co-op and discover the vibrant craftsmanship of Mombasa.
Book your 1 Day Mombasa City Tour & Haller Park today and immerse yourself in the beauty, history, and wildlife of Kenya’s coastal gem!
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- Lunch
- All entries fees
- Transport as per the itinerary in a tourist pop up safari van
- All transfers
- All our transport has insurance
- 2 litres of mineral water per day per client
Excludes
- Drinks
- Tips for the service
- Yellow fever vaccination
- Visa
- Things of personal use