Mombasa is the smallest county in Kenya, covering an approximate area of 229.7 square kilometers, excluding 65 square kilometers of the water mass. The county is headed by Governor Ali Hassan Joho. Mombasa County is endowed with several tourist attraction sites and holiday destinations.

In no particular order, here is a list of the 10 best places to visit in Mombasa County.

1. Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve

The park lies between the Mtwapa and Tudor creeks. It is home to a variety of marine species such as crabs, corals, turtles, starfish, seagrasses, stonefish, cucumbers sea urchins. Different varieties of seabirds and coral species can also be found at the park. It is an ideal place for diving, snorkeling, sunbathing, water skiing, and windsurfing.

2. Haller Park

It is a nature park located in Bamburi, off the Mombasa-Malindi Road. It features a game sanctuary, a palm garden, fish farm, a reptile park, crocodile pens, and a giraffe viewing area. Different species of birds can also be found at the park. The park is suitable for game viewing activities, bird watching, camping, and nature walks.

3. Fort Jesus

It is a world heritage site that was built by the Portuguese between 1593 to 1596. It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2011. It houses a museum that displays a collection of ceramics and pottery used by the different cultures and communities that traded along the Kenyan Coast. There are also numerous ruined buildings within the fort, the notable one being the Omani house that features Omani jewelry and early Swahili cultural artifacts. The park is always open from 8:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m, from Monday to Saturday.

4. Mamba Village Centre

Mamba Village is located in Nyali, Mombasa County. The center features the largest crocodile farm in East Africa, boasting over 10,000 crocodiles in the farm. It is a perfect place for learning the life cycle and behaviors of different species of crocodiles. A restaurant, which is well known for serving delicious crocodile meat is also located within the center. Other activities one can engage in at the center include horse riding, camel riding, camping, and nature walks.

5. Bombolulu Workshop and Cultural Centre

It is a cultural center founded in 1969 and is managed by the Association for Physically Disabled in Kenya. It is located off the Malindi Road in Bombolulu. It features four sheltered workshops, a restaurant, and a cultural center with eight traditional homesteads. The center mainly showcases the diverse Kenyan culture, from traditional dances to unique displays of jewelry, textiles, wood carvings, and crafts.

6. Mombasa Old Town

Mombasa Old Town is strategically located on the southeast side of Mombasa Island. It brings some memories of the days when Arabs, Asians, and the Portuguese had a heavy influence on the town and its culture. Most of the buildings in Mombasa Old Town reflect the cultures of the Arabs, Asians, and Portuguese. It is an expansive area where you can take some walk as you explore different shops that sell antiques, spices, and souvenirs.

7. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary

It is located approximately four kilometers from the Bamburi Cement Factory. It is a perfect spot for camping, game rides, game viewing, and picnicking It features lush gardens ideal for holding outdoor events. The sanctuary is home to different bird species, giraffes, elands, waterbucks, elands, and antelopes.

8. Pirates Beach

It is Mombasa’s busiest public beach located off the Mombasa- Malindi highway. It is actually the perfect place to visit if you are a beach lover. However, the best time to visit the beach is during the morning hours when it is less crowded.  Some of the leisure activities to engage in at the place include; swimming, camel riding, snacking, boat riding and beach sports.

9. Nyali Beach

It is located approximately five kilometers from Mombasa CBD, in the leafy suburbs of Nyali estate. The place is less crowded compared to other beaches such as Pirates beach, thus making it an ideal place for those who love a tranquil environment. It is a perfect place for swimming activities, water sports, boat riding, and sun gazing. Several beachfront hotels and lodges are located within the area.

10. Bamburi Beach

It is located approximately 10 kilometers from Mombasa CBD. It actually offers a real flavor of Mombasa's north coast life. It is a perfect place to enjoy camel rides, swimming, boat rides, and water sports. It also features several beachfront hotels, lodges, and villas.