Mombasa Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Victor Ochieng (CC BY-SA 2.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Andom, Ulf Böckenhüser, Simply Beautiful, Cristian Razvan Baloc · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Kenya
- Region:
- Indian Ocean & Africa
- Coordinates:
- 4.0500° S, 39.6667° E
About Mombasa
Mombasa is a coastal city in southeastern Kenya along the Indian Ocean. The country's second-largest city, it was the first capital of British East Africa before Nairobi took that role in 1907. Today it serves as the capital of Mombasa County and a key port of call for Indian Ocean & Africa cruises.
The city's distinctive character shows in its architecture: buildings in the Central Business District are painted blue and white, reflecting the Indian Ocean's colours. This cultural blend makes Mombasa a compelling stop for cruise passengers exploring East Africa's heritage.
Things to do in Mombasa
Several attractions lie within easy reach of the port. The Fort Jesus Museum (rated 4.4 stars) sits just 2 km away and offers insight into the city's colonial history. The iconic Pembe Za Ndovu – Elephant Tusks landmark is even closer at 1.3 km, while Mama Ngina Waterfront (4.5 stars) provides a scenic spot for a stroll just 3.3 km from the dock. For nature lovers, Haller Park and Butterfly Pavilion offer gardens and wildlife experiences, or visit Mamba Village Mombasa zoo for close encounters with reptiles.
Mombasa pairs well with nearby ports including Cape Town, Durban, Port Louis and Le Port on extended Indian Ocean itineraries.
Mombasa is a coastal city in southeastern Kenya along the Indian Ocean. It was the first capital of British East Africa, before Nairobi was elevated to capital status in 1907. It now serves as the capital of Mombasa County. Buildings in the Central Business District are blue and white, representing the Indian Ocean. It is the country's oldest and second-largest city after Nairobi, with a population of about 1,208,333 people according to the 2019 census.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Mombasa on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Armando Colella · via Google Maps Museum
Fort Jesus Museum
4.4 (10,685) 2.0 km from port
Imposing, 16th-century, Portuguese coastal fort with museum displaying Kenyan archeological finds.
Near: Fort Jesus (46 m) · Fort Jesus Park (63 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- 5 · “An important landmark in Kenyan and world history built by the Portuguese for Portuguese interests along the Indian Ocean. Maintained…” — Abi
- 5 · “Visiting Fort Jesus was one of the most interesting experiences in Mombasa. The history of this place is incredible —…” — Souad Yassine
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Photo: Bethwel Akuno · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Haller Park
4.3 (6,389) 6.9 km from port
Seaside natural reserve with trails & diverse wildlife, including tortoises, giraffes & hippos.
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
- 5 · “Great place, highly recommend to visit. You can easily combine a visit to the park with a city tour to…” — Iryna Kuksa
- 5 · “Lovely place to spend a few hours with the kids. They have designated feeding times for giraffes, crocs and hippos.…” — imran hassam
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Photo: Ezra Komu · via Google Maps Landmark
Pembe Za Ndovu – Elephant Tusks
4.4 (5,777) 1.3 km from port
These giant aluminum tusks along Moi Avenue were built to commemorate a visit by Princess Margaret.
Near: Siggol Logistics Ltd (21 m) · Uhuru Garden (69 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “A must visit on any first trip to Mombassa. The giant aluminium tasks spells M for Mombassa, M for Moi…” — Abi
- 5 · “I celebrated 100 countries visited here😃😃😃 made a video with a placard it’s on @queenbethia on Instagram” — Queen Bethia
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Photo: Ruth Awino · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Mama Ngina Waterfront
4.5 (4,640) 3.3 km from port
Near: Light house Mosque (109 m) · Mama Ngina Drive Rock Beach (220 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Tuesday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Wednesday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Thursday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Saturday: 4:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “What I liked most is that you don't have to do much to enjoy the place. You can simply sit…” — issah
- 5 · “Mama Ngina Waterfront is one of the nicest places to walk and relax in Mombasa. The sea view is beautiful…” — Souad Yassine
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Zoo
Mamba Village Mombasa
4.2 (1,645) 4.0 km from port
Playful amusement park with bumper cars, a merry-go-round & other rides, plus a big crocodile farm.
Near: Sanana bar and restaurant (32 m) · Mamba Village Crocodile Farm (117 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 11:59 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am – 11:59 pm
- Sunday: 8:00 am – 11:59 pm
- 5 · “You can learn a lot about crocodiles here. Even though the place itself requires an investment, the knowledge you gain…” — Aleksander Hejmowski
- 5 · “Such a Unique Experience 🤍🤍 Visiting Mamba Village was a very nice and memorable experience. The crocodile area felt like…” — Hadeel Hani
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Bridge
New Nyali Bridge
4.2 (1,276) 1.0 km from port
Near: ACK St. John's Buxton Church (265 m) · Mombasa City (279 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Best creek view and like a border line between old town Mombasa to the modern Nyali” — Allama Iftikhar
- 5 · “The Nyali Bridge is a concrete girder bridge connecting the city of Mombasa on Mombasa Island to the mainland of…” — Munir Sumar
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Park and Garden
Butterfly Pavilion
4.3 (669) 10.2 km from port
Near: Kahama hotel (73 m) · Indiana Beach Apartments (119 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
- 5 · “...from the adequately labelled forest trails and pathways nestling through the expansive butter pavilion to the exquisite scenic and lovely…” — Ephra TheDeejay
- 5 · “The butterfly pavilion is a scenic park with a neat environment, ample parking space,well maintained washrooms&changing rooms as well as…” — mevooo
Map of Mombasa and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Mombasa
Deals update daily — see all Indian Ocean & Africa cruises.
