Mombasa is located at the coastal part of Kenya in the southeastern region. The city is a significant historical town dating back to 900 AD, and today Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya after Nairobi.
Mombasa Marine National Park was established in 1986 with the aim of protecting coral reefs and marine life. It is characterized by coral reefs, white sand beaches, forests, and much more.
Entry Fee The entry fee to Mombasa Marine National Park helps with the continuous conservation of the park through the payment of park guides and maintenance. The entry fee to Mombasa Marine National Park is 200 KES for adult Kenyan citizens and residents, 125 KES for Kenyan children and resident children, while adult non-residents pay $15 and non-resident children pay $10.
History Though the exact founding date of Mombasa is unknown, it has a very long history dating back to 900 AD. The Moroccan traveler Ibn Battuta visited the city, and the Arab geographer Al-Idrisi mentioned it in 1151, indicating the town already existed way back in the 12th century. The first stone mosque was built in 1300.
Mombasa Marine National Park was established in 1986 with the major aim of protecting coral reefs and other marine life along the Kenyan coastline. Mombasa plays a very important role in Kenyan history. The first inhabitants were Bantu-speaking people of Kenya until the end of the 16th century when the Portuguese built Fort Jesus and ruled the town for about a century.
The port later became an important trade route during the pre-modern period, majoring in spices, gold, and ivory. Mombasa’s trade links reached as far as India, China, Arabia, and Portugal. Late in the 19th century, it became a metropolis of a plantation society dependent on slave labor where slaves were bought from inland Kenya.
Mombasa later became a center for trade with other African ports. In 1498, Vasco Da Gama became the first European to visit Mombasa. The ruling family members of Malindi were put to rule over Mombasa after building Fort Jesus. In 1631, the ruler of Mombasa, Don Jeronimo, slaughtered the Portuguese garrison, defeating the relief force sent by the Portuguese. The Portuguese returned and ruled Mombasa in 1632 when Don Jeronimo left to become a pirate.
Fort Jesus was captured by Omani rule in 1698 until it was reconquered by the Portuguese from March 1728 to September 1729. The new four Omani Liwalis ruled again until 1846 when the last of them made it independent.
From 1824 to 1826, Mombasa was controlled by the British protectorate, represented by governors until Oman rule was restored in 1826. The Sultan of Muscat and Oman annexed Mombasa from Omani rule in 1837.
Mombasa was acquired by the British East Africa Association in 1887 and came under British administration in 1895, becoming the capital of British East Africa protectorate. However, the capital was later moved after medical officers warned that the town was swampy, and the capital was moved to avoid the potential for disease.
Queen Elizabeth II visited the city, and the Mombasa tusks were built to commemorate her visit in 1952.
Location Mombasa Marine National Park is situated 487 kilometers from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Once you reach Mombasa, you can then connect to the park from various points. Severin Gate is found at the beach of Severin Hotel, Serena Gate at Serena Hotel beach, Voyager Gate at Voyager watersport area, and Nyali Gate, which is the main gate at the Mombasa Marine National Park headquarters. Mombasa town can be accessed by road or by air.
Best Time to Visit Mombasa Marine National Park can be visited all year round as the country experiences an equatorial climate. However, some months are better than others for specific activities. The best time for observing humpback whale migration is from June to December, sport fishing is best done from August to October, and the best time for snorkeling and scuba diving is from March to October.
Accommodation There are no numerous accommodation options at the park apart from Mombasa Marine campsite, but several other accommodation options are available outside the park. These include Serena Hotel, Severin Hotel, PrideInn Flamingo Resort and Spa, Jacyjoka Nyali Apartments, Jambo Village Hotel, Airport Link Inn Hotel and Accommodation, Sea Breeze Accommodation and Restaurant, Voyager Beach Resort, Amber Apartments, Elite Luxurious Home, Evergreen House, Mombasa Beachfront Homestay, Adorable Guest House, Mombasa Bamburi Staycation, Akogo House, Tulia House Backpackers, Mali Guest House, Mombasa Cage Inn, Falcon Bay Hotel, and many others.
Animals Mombasa Marine National Park is an ideal place for watching marine life, which can be done through snorkeling or using a glass-bottom boat. Some examples of animals found in the park include bottlenose dolphins, sharks, angelfish, stonefish, turtles, crabs, jellyfish, octopuses, spinner dolphins, damselfish, zebrafish, sea cucumbers, starfish, and much more.
What to Do
Snorkeling Visiting Mombasa Marine National Park without snorkeling would make your trip incomplete. One of the top and main activities done in the park is snorkeling. You can hire snorkeling gear from the park and explore living sea creatures in their natural habitat.
Scuba Diving Mombasa prides itself as one of the top diving places in coastal Kenya. There are various scuba diving sites within the park to choose from, and you can as well hire diving gear from your respective hotel or company. Both daytime and night diving can be done at the park.
Sport Fishing Anglers can enjoy fishing at Mombasa Marine National Park at designated fishing sites. You can bring your own fishing gear or hire it at the park. There are quite several species of fish to be caught, although you are not allowed to take away your catch. On some occasions, you might have the chance to enjoy it for dinner.
Marine Wildlife Viewing Mombasa Marine National Park offers great opportunities for watching marine wildlife, with lots of them to be seen.
Boat Rides Boat rides are one of the ways you can explore the spectacular marine national park. This will help you study the park’s flora and fauna, with lots of aquatic birds to be seen.
Sunbathing You wouldn’t want to leave Mombasa Marine National Park without relaxing at the world-class hotels and dipping yourself in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
Bird Watching Bird enthusiasts can spot various species of birds at the park, especially aquatic birds. Some examples include the crab plover, spur-winged goose, African pygmy goose, yellow-billed duck, white-faced whistling dove, Egyptian goose, red-billed teal, helmeted guineafowl, blue quail, greater flamingoes, little egret, laughing dove, Namaqua dove, red-tailed tropicbird, slender-tailed nightjar, Bohm’s spinetail swift, African black coucal, Madagascar cuckoo, spotted crake, African finfoot, grey-crowned crane, black-bellied storm-petrel, tropical shearwater, African openbill, woolly-necked stork, pink-backed pelican, little bittern, white-backed night heron, cattle egret, red-footed booby, water thick-knee, black-winged stilt, little ringed plover, bar-tailed godwit, broad-billed sandpiper, bronze-winged courser, African skimmer, crowned eagle, long-crested eagle, Mombasa woodpecker, eastern nicator, and east coast boubou, among others.
Water Skiing Water skiing is available for those who love gliding over the water at high speed.
Wind Surfing Wind surfing is also offered, with conditions suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Kite Surfing and Board Surfing Kite surfing and board surfing can be done at various beaches around Mombasa, offering fun for all skill levels.
Jet Skiing There are also a lot of jet skis for hire at Mombasa beaches, and this is one of the fun activities you shouldn’t miss out on.
Kayaking Compared to other tourist activities, kayaking is relatively inexpensive yet one of the most satisfying ways of exploring the Indian Ocean.
Banana Boat Rides Banana boat rides are also common and fun, especially when doing it with family and friends.
Attractions/What to See
Marine Life Mombasa’s coral reefs are home to a wide range of marine life, offering one of the best opportunities for watching these sea creatures under the sea. Examples of marine life include crabfish, octopuses, zebrafish, starfish, green sea turtles, humpback dolphins, stonefish, spinner dolphins, and damselfish.
Birding Mombasa is one of the top tourist destinations for birding in Kenya. The most common species at the marine national park are aquatic birds, and sometimes migratory birds are also present during certain seasons.
Coral Reefs Mombasa Marine National Park protects a wide range of coral reefs stretching 230 kilometers along the coastline. These coral reefs play a very important role in the marine national park ecosystem by providing habitat and food to over one million species of fish and other marine life. Kenya’s reefs are among the top diving sites in the world.
Beaches The coastline at Mombasa provides some of the most beautiful white sand beaches accompanied by the stunning Indian Ocean. You can relax at one of the beaches to cool off after exploring the marine national park. Engage in a variety of water activities, sunbathe, and enjoy the cool breeze.
Visit Historic Sites
Visiting historic sites in Mombasa, Kenya, is an enriching experience that bridges the present with the past. From the imposing Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dominates the Old Town’s skyline, to the ancient Gedi Ruins shrouded in mystery, each site whispers tales of the Swahili coast’s storied history. The Old Town’s narrow lanes are lined with intricately carved doors leading to buildings that reflect centuries of Arabic, Portuguese, and Swahili influences. Exploring these cultural treasures amidst the coastal city’s bustling atmosphere offers a unique perspective on the rich tapestry of trade, culture, and conquest that has shaped Mombasa into the vibrant hub it is today.
