Mombasa Safaris – Best Kenya Safari Tours from Mombasa
Experience the Best of Kenya’s Wildlife from Mombasa
Looking for the best Mombasa safaris? Whether you want a luxury safari, a short 2-day escape, or a week-long adventure, we offer tailor-made safari tours from Mombasa to Tsavo, Amboseli, Maasai Mara, and more!
Why Choose a Safari from Mombasa?
✔ Easy Access to Top Safari Parks – Tsavo, Amboseli, Maasai Mara & Shimba Hills
✔ Beach & Safari Combo – Enjoy both wildlife & white-sand beaches in one trip
✔ Affordable Safari Packages – From budget to luxury options
✔ Big Five Sightings – Lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes & leopards
By Air:
- Moi International Airport (MBA) is the main airport serving Mombasa, with direct flights from Nairobi, Dubai, Istanbul, and other major cities.
- Domestic Flights: Airlines like Jambojet, Kenya Airways, and skyward express offer multiple daily flights from Nairobi to Mombasa (about 1 hour).
By Road:
- A road trip from Nairobi to Mombasa takes around 8-10 hours via the Mombasa Highway (A109).
By Train:
- The Madaraka Express SGR Train runs daily between Nairobi and Mombasa, taking about 5 hours.
- First-class and economy-class options are available, offering a comfortable and scenic ride through Tsavo National Park.
Safari & Beach Combo – Best of Both Worlds
- Spot lions, elephants, and giraffes on a thrilling Tsavo or Amboseli safari.
- Return to Mombasa to relax on white-sand beaches with turquoise waters.
Stunning Beach Resorts & Coastal Luxury
- Stay in oceanfront resorts with private beaches, infinity pools, and spa services.
- Enjoy fresh seafood and Swahili-inspired cuisine with ocean views.
Rich Culture & History
- Explore Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 16th-century Portuguese architecture.
- Visit Old Town Mombasa, famous for its Swahili, Arab, and Indian influences.
Breathtaking Sunsets & Marine Life
- Take a dhow cruise along the Indian Ocean at sunset.
- Go snorkeling or diving at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, home to dolphins, turtles, and coral reefs.
Adventure Activities & Excursions
- Try deep-sea fishing, kite surfing, jet skiing, and snorkeling.
- Visit Shimba Hills National Reserve for a half-day safari near the coast.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks
- Why Visit: Tsavo East is renowned for its red elephants and open savannahs, while Tsavo West boasts dramatic landscapes, volcanic features, and the Mzima Springs.
- Distance from Diani Beach: 3-4 hours by road.
- Highlights: Game drives, Big Five spotting, birdwatching, and spectacular scenery.
Amboseli National Park
- Why Visit: Known for its large herds of elephants and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Distance from Diani Beach: Accessible via air or an extended road trip.
- Highlights: Sunrise game drives, iconic photography spots, and cultural visits to Maasai villages.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Why Visit: Just an hour from Diani Beach, Shimba Hills offers a mix of coastal forests and savannah landscapes.
- Distance from Diani Beach: Only 1 hour by road.
- Highlights: Spot sable antelopes, enjoy guided nature walks, and visit serene waterfalls.
Masai Mara National Reserve
- Why Visit: The Maasai Mara is world-famous for the Great Migration and its abundant wildlife.
- Distance from Diani Beach: Best accessed by air for convenience.
- Highlights: Big Five sightings, luxury lodges, and cultural Maasai village visits.
Luxury Resorts & Hotels
Serena Beach Resort & Spa – A stunning Swahili-style beachfront resort with top-notch service.
Swahili Beach Resort – Blends African, Arabian, and Indian designs with oceanfront luxury.
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa – Perfect for honeymooners and families.
Mid-Range Hotels
Voyager Beach Resort – Family-friendly with an all-inclusive option.
Baobab Beach Resort & Spa – Located in Diani Beach with amazing ocean views.
Severin Sea Lodge – Ideal for a relaxing and budget-friendly coastal stay.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Diani Backpackers – Great for solo travelers and budget-friendly stays.
Cocos Beach Bungalows – Small, affordable, and right by the beach.
PrideInn Hotel Mombasa – A comfortable city hotel near the beach.
Fort Jesus & Old Town Mombasa
- Fort Jesus (UNESCO Heritage Site) – Built in the 1500s by the Portuguese.
- Old Town Mombasa – Explore winding streets, ancient Swahili architecture, and local markets.
Marine Adventures & Snorkeling
- Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park – Best for snorkeling and dolphin-watching.
- Mombasa Marine National Park – A must-visit for scuba diving enthusiasts.
Wildlife & Nature Reserves
- Haller Park – A rehabilitation center with giraffes, crocodiles, and hippos.
- Shimba Hills National Reserve – Just 1 hour from Mombasa, home to rare sable antelopes, elephants, and waterfalls.
Cultural & Swahili Experiences
- Bombolulu Workshops & Cultural Centre – Learn about local handicrafts and Swahili traditions.
- Gedi Ruins – Ancient Swahili ruins near Malindi.
Wasini Island & Dolphin Watching Tour
- Take a traditional dhow cruise to Wasini Island.
- Snorkel with dolphins at Kisite Marine Park.
- Enjoy a Swahili seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant.
Diani Beach & Tiwi Beach Day Trips
- Relax on white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters.
- Try kite surfing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.
Half-Day Safari to Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Spot elephants, giraffes, and rare sable antelopes.
- Visit Sheldrick Falls, a scenic waterfall in the park.
Tamarind Dhow Sunset Cruise
- Sail along the Mombasa coastline on a traditional dhow.
- Enjoy a romantic dinner with live music on board.
Mombasa City Tour
- Visit Fort Jesus, Old Town, and Haller Park in one day.
- Explore local markets and try Swahili delicacies.
Best Mombasa Safari Tours – Top-Rated Kenya Safaris
3 Day Tsavo East & West safari tour
4-Day Amboseli & Tsavo Safari – Elephants & Kilimanjaro Views
6-Day Maasai Mara & Tsavo Safari – Ultimate Big Five Experience
All-Inclusive Safari 4days
Best National Parks for a Mombasa Safari
| Park Name | Best For | Top Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Tsavo East | Big Five Safari | Red elephants, Aruba Dam, Mudanda Rock |
| Tsavo West | Scenic & Diverse | Mzima Springs, Shetani Lava, Rhino Sanctuary |
| Amboseli | Elephants & Kilimanjaro | Huge elephant herds, Maasai culture |
| Maasai Mara | Big Five & Migration | Lions, leopards, wildebeest migration |
| Shimba Hills | Close to Mombasa | Rare sable antelopes, waterfalls |
Best Time to Go on a Safari from Mombasa
✔ July – October → Best for Great Migration in Maasai Mara
✔ January – March → Best for Big Five sightings & dry-season safaris
✔ April – June → Green season, fewer crowds & budget-friendly safaris
Best Safari Lodges & Camps Near Mombasa
✔ Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge (Tsavo West) – Luxury lodge with stunning views
✔ Ashnil Aruba Lodge (Tsavo East) – Best for Big Five sightings
✔ Ol Tukai Lodge (Amboseli) – Best views of Mt. Kilimanjaro
✔ Mara Serena Safari Lodge (Maasai Mara) – Best for Great Migration
Frequently Asked Questions
The dry seasons (June-October and late December-March) are ideal for beach and safari vacations, offering great weather for beach activities and optimal wildlife viewing conditions.
Typically, 5 to 7 days are recommended to enjoy both beach relaxation and multiple safari experiences. Longer stays allow you to explore additional parks or coastal excursions.
Yes, Annest Kenya Safaris offers various beach and safari combination packages, allowing you to experience Kenya’s coast and inland wildlife destinations in one trip.
Absolutely! Tsavo East is only a few hours from Mombasa and offers excellent game viewing, making it a fantastic option for a day safari from the coast.
Mombasa offers a range of accommodations, from luxury beach resorts to budget-friendly hotels, ensuring something for every traveler’s budget and preferences.
While it’s possible to explore on your own, a guided safari with Annest Kenya Safaris ensures a richer experience with knowledgeable insights into wildlife, local culture, and conservation efforts.
