Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city and a popular coastal destination, offers several safari options to nearby national parks and reserves. Safaris departing from Mombasa provide tourists with a chance to experience Kenya’s incredible wildlife and natural beauty, often combined with the coastal experience. Here are some of the most popular safari options departing from Mombasa:
1. Tsavo National Park (East & West)
- Distance from Mombasa: 2-3 hours by road
- Highlights: Tsavo is one of Kenya’s largest national parks and is famous for its large elephant herds, as well as lions, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and diverse bird species.
- Activities: Game drives, visit to the Mzima Springs (a freshwater spring with clear waters), and exploring the Yatta Plateau (one of the longest lava flows in the world).
- Best for: A diverse range of wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
2. Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Distance from Mombasa: 1-1.5 hours by road
- Highlights: Known for its rare sable antelope, Shimba Hills also hosts elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and various bird species.
- Activities: Game drives, nature walks, and visiting the Sheldrick Falls.
- Best for: A closer, more serene safari experience compared to the larger parks.
3. Amboseli National Park
- Distance from Mombasa: 4-5 hours by road
- Highlights: Famous for its views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli offers excellent wildlife viewing, particularly elephants, who roam in large herds. You can also see lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and an abundance of birdlife.
- Activities: Game drives, visiting the observation hill for a panoramic view, and learning about the local Maasai culture.
- Best for: Iconic African landscapes with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
4. Wasini Island & Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park
- Distance from Mombasa: 1.5-2 hours by road to the boat departure point
- Highlights: A marine safari offering boat trips around Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park, ideal for dolphin watching, snorkeling, and visiting Wasini Island.
- Activities: Snorkeling, diving, dolphin watching, visiting the island’s historical sites, and enjoying fresh seafood.
- Best for: Marine life and a more relaxed, aquatic safari experience.
5. Shimoni Caves & Kisite Marine Park
- Distance from Mombasa: 1.5-2 hours by road
- Highlights: Shimoni Caves, which once served as a slave trade port, are a historical site worth visiting. The nearby Kisite Marine Park is ideal for snorkeling and diving.
- Activities: Cultural visits to the caves, snorkeling, dolphin watching, and relaxing on the beach.
- Best for: A combination of history, culture, and marine adventures.
6. Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara (longer trip, usually from Mombasa by air)
- Distance from Mombasa: Approximately 1 hour by flight
- Highlights: If you are visiting Mombasa during the migration season (July to October), you can fly to the Maasai Mara for the famous wildebeest migration.
- Activities: Game drives, witnessing the annual migration, and enjoying the Mara’s rich biodiversity.
- Best for: Experiencing one of nature’s greatest spectacles – the wildebeest migration.
7. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
- Distance from Mombasa: 2.5-3 hours by road
- Highlights: A private conservancy offering a more exclusive safari experience, home to elephants, lions, rhinos, and a variety of antelope species.
- Activities: Game drives, bird watching, and scenic views of the hills.
- Best for: Those looking for a more private and tranquil safari experience.