The best picnic sites in Mombasa : Mombasa is a historical coastal city in Kenya, it is the second largest city after Nairobi city the capital of Kenya. It is known for its beautiful beaches and the standing out pre colonial architectures. The coastal city has pristine beaches unique cultures and many more attractions that makes it suitable for everyone choice as a tourist destination of choice. It is ideal destination for couples, honeymooners ,friends and family safaris that leaves unforgettable memories.
Some of the best picnics sites in Mombasa that offer a magical and memorable safari include.
Bamburi Beach
Bamburi Beach is a popular picnic spot to most people of the Mombasa city. It has natural sandy beach and it is a great place for water activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and diving. It is one of the best places in Mombasa to start your day before having your delicious lunch with friends and family.
Bamburi has several high class Beach resorts that offer the world class luxurious accommodation just a few steps from the White sand beach. Bamburi Beach is open to the public all year round and its entry to the beach is free.
Haller park
Haller park is located on Mombasa’s North Coast and along the Mombasa- Malindi road and next to Bamburi Cement factory. The park was established in 1971 after reclaiming the abandoned quarry of Bamburi Cement. Haller park was the first recipient of the UNEP Global 500 roll of Honour award for its conservation effort and successful rehabilitation of a quarry. The nature park hosts a number of animals and plants species and it is the best place to visit for a family safari or group Kenya safari . The park has enough space to walk around and host Tortoise, snakes, crocodiles and hippopotamuses . The park is open to the public from 8:00am to 5:00 pm daily.
Fort Jesus Museum
This iconic and historical building is located in Mombasa city along Nkurumah Road on the Indian Ocean shores of Kenya. Fort Jesus is the most popular tourist destination in Mombasa. The Fort was built in 1593 by the Portuguese but it was designed by an Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati . The Fort was built to protect the Portuguese who were living in the East coast of Africa. It has served many purposes and it was briefly used as a prison .
Today Fort Jesus is a museum ,it not only serve as an historical site but also exclusive Kenyan archaeological which are on display at the museum. This 16th century Portuguese structure is one of the best picnic sites in Mombasa and it is open to the public daily from 8:00am to 10:00 pm.
Uhuru Gardens Mombasa
The iconic Mombasa identity is the Elephant Tusks that are found on Moi Avenue, outside the Old Town. The special tusks were built on Moi avenue to commemorate the Queen Elizabeth visit in 1952. The Tusk have been built from intersecting aluminium tusks to form the letter M for Mombasa and it has been Strategically placed to mark the entrance to the city. The aluminium tusks have been designed to resemble the Elephant ivory from a distance and they were named “Pembe za Ndovu” a swahili word which means the Elephant ivory. The Uhuru Garden is adjacent to the landmark and it is one of the most frequently visited place by both local and international tourist. This makes one of the picnic places within the city, its entrance to the Uhuru Gardens is free.
Nguuni Nature Sanctuary
Nguuni Nature sanctuary is 10 minutes drive from Bamburi Beach and approximately 4 km from Bamburi Cement factory. It one of the man made sanctuaries which have been recognised and named to the United Nations Environment programme Global 500 list. The sanctuary contain three habitat, open savannah, woodland and wetlands and it all attracts a number of birds.
The activities which are available at the sanctuary include game drives, a visit to the oryx farm, Ostrich farm and eland, feeding the Giraffes, bird watching, camping and having a sundowner as you watch the sunset over the Nguu Tatu Hills.
Waterbucks, Ostriches and Giraffes can be seen moving freely in the sanctuary. There are small set up shelters for visitors to enjoy their picnic or other packed foods. Visitors visiting the park can enjoy the night out chit chat in the bonfires under the skies. The sanctuary is open to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on a daily basis.
Butterfly Pavilion
Butterfly pavilion is located on Bamburi Road, Mombasa. It is home to over 16 different species of butterflies and Antelopes. It is the best place to visit for activities such as jogging, day trips, ,exercising and it is a suitable place for a family safari. The best place for picnic is in the reclaimed forest, ponds and the hills.
The hiking trails here have been clearly marked and for those who enjoy cycling, you can rent a bike for kshs 350 for one hour. It is also possible to hold events in the park or having just a camp. It is open daily from 5:00 am to 7:00pm.
The best picnic sites in Mombasa : Jumba la Mtwapa
Jumba la Mtwapa is ruins is a historical place at the coast located 15 kilometres north of Mombasa. It houses the remains of ancient Swahili stone Town and it is found near the mouth of Mtwapa creek. It hosts detailed Coastal cultural history and archaeological remains dating way back to the 14th century trade between Swahili, Chinese and Arab traders. Guests visiting these place can enjoy picnic in the rainforest or simply the quiet by the beach.
The best picnic sites in Mombasa : Diani Beach
This one of the best place to enjoy a family holiday in Kenya, Diani Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa. It is ideal location for most of the water sport activities such as Diving, paragliding water-skiing, windsurfing and sailing and many more.
Mama Ngina Waterfront
It is one of the most popular places to visit on a budget. It is located next to the Likoni Ferry channel ,it is open and free to the public. It is the best place to enjoy the romantic walk especially for couples who visit to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. It has also a well maintained garden from which you’ll will see arriving and departing ships from Kilindini Harbour. There are several activities to be enjoyed such as Bicycle riding, photography and horseback riding. There are also vendors who sell diverse items such as coconut water, water, fried cassava and French fries among other items on demand.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills National Reserve is located on the south coast and the best place to relax and away from the busy city life. Shimba Hills National Reserve is popularly known for its high concentration of Elephants populations. It is also home to the endangered sample antelopes and great Birding destination. The park has one of the most beautiful habitat for both plants and animals and there are guided forest walks. Sheldrick Falls is the best place in the park for setting up picnics and it is open daily from 6:00am to 6:00 pm.
