7-Hour Mombasa City Tour with Fort Jesus, Old Town and Spice Trail

7 Hours Round trip from Hotel lobby in Mombasa Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Fort Jesus National Museum and uncover Mombasa's layered coastal history
  • 02 Walk through Old Town's narrow streets and admire its traditional Swahili architecture
  • 03 Discover Mombasa's lively Spice Town and learn about the city's long-standing spice trade
  • 04 Take memorable photos at the iconic Elephant Tusks and learn their historical significance
  • 05 Visit the Akamba Craft Centre to watch skilled artisans create traditional ornaments

Step into the story of Mombasa on this immersive 7-hour city tour, blending centuries of coastal history with vibrant local culture. Visit Fort Jesus National Museum, wander the atmospheric lanes of Old Town, and see the old dhow harbor that reflects the city's maritime heritage. Explore Spice Town to discover the aromas and history of Mombasa's famed spice trade, stop at the iconic Elephant Tusks for memorable photos, and continue to the Akamba Craft Centre to watch traditional ornament-making from start to finish. The tour includes about 3 hours of total travel time.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
City Mombasa
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Fort Jesus, Old Town, Spice Town and Akamba Craft Centre

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the ancient city of Mombasa as we take you on a journey through time. Begin your adventure at the iconic Fort Jesus National Museum, where history comes alive before your eyes.

Explore the charming Old Town, with its narrow streets and traditional architecture dating back centuries. Marvel at the old dhow harbor, a testament to Mombasa's maritime history.

You will also visit Spice Town and discover different spices that have been key trade items from time immemorial. We will then take you to the Elephant Tusks, where you will have a chance to take iconic photos and learn about the tusks' significance.

Finally, we will visit the Akamba Craft Centre, where you will see how African traditional ornaments are created from start to finish, with a chance to get a unique souvenir to take back home. The total tour duration is 7 hours, with 3 hours being total travel time.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Hotel lobby in Mombasa 1 city · 7 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, residence, or location
  • Private transportation
  • All activity fees, including Fort Jesus entry fees
  • Entry/Admission - Fort Jesus
  • Entry/Admission - Old Town
  • Entry/Admission - Mombasa
  • Entry/Admission - Mombasa Tusks
  • Entry/Admission - Akamba Handicraft

What's Not Included

  • Lunch
  • Tips
  • Items of a personal nature

What to bring

  • Light shoes

Know before you go

  • This is a typical itinerary for this product.

    Pass by: Diani Beach, Diani Beach, Ukunda, Coast Province.

    Pick-up is at 7:30 AM, followed by a drive to Mombasa to begin your adventure.

    Stop at: Fort Jesus, Nkurumah Rd, Mombasa 80100 Kenya
    Learn about Fort Jesus, which was built by the Portuguese in 1593 and designed by the Italian architect JoaoBatista Cairato. The fort has stood the test of time. It was built to secure the safety of the Portuguese living on the east coast of Africa. The fort has faced many attacks and hostilities and has lived to tell the tale.
    Duration: 1 hour

    Stop at: Old Town, Near Ndia Kuu Road, Mombasa 00200 Kenya
    Old Town covers an area of 72 hectares (180 acres) and is inhabited by a mix of local, Arab, and Asian settlers. Walking through Old Town takes you back in time and puts into perspective the story of the Kenyan coast. One thing you are sure to notice while walking through Old Town is the carved doors - the higher the tenement, the bigger the gateway; the heavier the padlock and the larger the iron studs that nail the heavy timber door, the greater the owner's dignity.
    Duration: 45 minutes

    Stop at: Marikiti Mtaani, Mombasa, Kenya
    The spice market in Mombasa is a lively place right in the city centre. People from all walks of life gather here to discover a wide variety of spices, herbs, and cooking ingredients. The market is bustling with colourful stalls showcasing aromatic spices, creating a vibrant and fragrant environment that enchants the senses. Exploring Mombasa's spice market isn't just about buying ingredients. It's a chance to dive into the local culture. You'll meet friendly vendors who love to talk about spices and cooking traditions. Besides spices, you can find dried fruits, nuts, teas, and even local crafts, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers and travellers.
    Duration: 45 minutes

    Stop at: Mombasa Tusks, Moi Avenue, Mombasa 80100 Kenya
    Visit the iconic Mombasa Tusks and take memorable photos. Located in the heart of Mombasa, Kenya, the Mombasa Tusks, also known as Pembe Mbili, are a well-known tourist attraction and a symbol of the city's history and culture. The four aluminum tusks, arranged in an M shape, stand over Moi Avenue, a major thoroughfare in the city. While the tusks are a popular destination for tourists visiting Mombasa, they also hold significant cultural and historical importance for the people of Mombasa. From their construction in 1952 to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to the renovations and additions made in 1956 and 2017, the tusks have stood as a testament to Mombasa's past and a meeting place for its residents.
    Duration: 30 minutes

    Stop at: Akamba Handicraft, Airport Rd, Mombasa 80100 Kenya
    Discover the Akamba Handicraft Village in Mombasa and learn more about the rich culture of the Akamba people. From beautifully carved wood sculptures to intricately woven baskets, this village is a haven for art enthusiasts. Experience the authentic craftsmanship and connect with local artisans as they showcase their skills passed down through generations. Delve into the captivating history, take part in interactive workshops, and bring home unique souvenirs that will forever remind you of the spirit of Kenya.
    Duration: 1 hour

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Hotel parking lobby
Tour start
Hotel lobby in Mombasa
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 hours finish where they began, in Hotel lobby in Mombasa.

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