Christmas in Mombasa: Get Your Holiday Season Started Right

Christmas in Mombasa is a fusion of many traditions and customs, celebrated in various ways by people from different backgrounds. Many Kenyan people also return home from around the world to celebrate with their families.

Mombasa is a city of Christmas. From December to January, the city celebrates its Christmas festivities with happiness and joy. Christmas celebrations vary throughout Kenya during this festive time, ranging from family events & dinner parties to charity work. It’s the perfect time to get the whole family together and have a good time!

If you are wondering about how to get your holiday season started right then you should consider vacationing in Mombasa. There are many things to do and see with your friends and family while staying here all through the Christmas season.

How do People Celebrate Christmas in Mombasa, Kenya?

As with Christmas across the world, this event is very important in Mombasa. People will gather around their families and friends to celebrate with food and gifts and to sing songs together on Christmas Eve.

The celebration starts at midnight on December 24th when a lot of people try to be home for Christmas Eve so they can help decorate their families’ homes with Christmas decorations. Houses, churches, and even the occasional tree may be decorated with paper decorations, flowers balloons, ribbons, and more.

Many Christians attend Midnight Church Services to celebrate Christmas. The service usually includes Christmas hymns, carols, and songs as well as nativity plays – showing the Christmas story. Poems, dances are also often featured in these services. After the service, many people go out and have a good time. In cities, going carol singing is becoming more popular too. Some people will also attend Church on Christmas morning.

Popular foods for Christmas include barbecue, which may be a goat, sheep, beef, or chicken – typically eaten with rice and chapati flatbread. The main meal of the day is called ‘Nyama Choma’. People also often brew their own beer on that day as well in different tribes.

The beaches of Mombasa are a popular destination during Christmas. Tourists and locals flock to the beaches to indulge in different activities, from camel rides to other water sport activities. The whole city is decked out for the festive season and has a whole host of events that draw crowds in.

9 Top Places to Visit in Mombasa During Christmas

Mombasa is an amazing city to visit during Christmas. Here are some of the best places you can visit during Christmas in Mombasa-

Fort Jesus

Built-in 1593 to 1596, Fort Jesus was designed by the Italian architect Cairati. It is one of the best historical examples of 16th-century Portuguese architecture.

The structure was built in the shape of a man when it was initially constructed, and various religious groups saw it as a reference to Jesus. It changed hands 9 times between 1631 and 1875 before finally being incorporated into the British military.

Although the fort is partially ruined, Fort Jesus still holds a museum with an expansive collection of ceramics and pottery from trading cultures in the area. The popular museum at Fort Jesus provides a glimpse into the history of the area. There are numerous exhibits to explore and some of which show traces of different cultural artifacts.

North Coast Beaches

There are many reasons why beach holidays in Mombasa are worth spending on. The beautiful beaches, water sports, and recreation opportunities provide plenty of holiday action for visitors to this destination.

Tourists can plan to have a blast at these beaches by engaging in various water sports like snorkeling and scuba diving, experiencing an array of coral reefs, taking part in recreational activities such as water-skiing or jet skis.

Nyali Beach is the first stop as you travel north from Mombasa. Shops and hotels line the beach here. The soft white sand provides a pleasant stroll throughout your day, making this beach one of the best options on your trip.

Bamburi Beach is also a tourist hub with a wide range of accommodation, from luxury resorts to beach bungalows. The Mombasa beaches have a lot of nice things to do and places to stay. They’re also major tourist hotspots, filled with restaurants & hotels for you to enjoy. One of the most popular activities on a Mombasa beach is riding a camel along the shoreline.

If you’re looking for a vibrant beach in East Africa, Shanzu Beach in Mtwapa is an excellent destination. This shoreline has a wide range of activities waiting for you like scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and glass-bottom boat trips.

Old Town

The Old Town of Mombasa centers on a fascinating blend of cultures, including Arab and Arab, Asian and Asian, & European and European. It’s an important building that celebrates the past, present, & future. The old, stone buildings are a sight to behold with their ornately-carved doors and balconies.

If you’re looking for a site to get an authentic feel of Mombasa, this is the perfect place. People can easily spend half an hour strolling along atmospheric alleys and shopping for souvenirs or trying out local restaurants.

Haller Park

Looking for a cool place to visit in Mombasa? Haller Park is the place to be! Haller Park is home to a variety of animals, including buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, and antelopes. They’ve also been recognized for the number of awards and recognitions that they’ve received.

Haller Park is a nature park in Bamburi, Mombasa. The park holds plant and animal species to provide recreation for tourists and locals. The park is a wonderful destination for nature lovers of all ages. In addition to providing hours of fun and relaxation, it attracts about 160,000 people round the year — for good reason!

South Coast Beaches

Mombasa is home to plenty of beaches, and the south coast is one of the most popular destinations in the region. Tourists flock to the coastline south of Mombasa during holidays.

The natural beauty on the Mombasa Coast is a beautiful example of pure inspiration, and this coastline is home to some of the world’s most peaceful beaches. The turquoise seas and lively coral reefs are landmarks often referred to when visiting Mombasa today.

Diani Beach is a rather famous beach in Mombasa, providing fantastic views of the coastline and relaxing walks along the coast. A lot of Europeans love to visit Diani Beach, which has a busy lineup of water sports-from windsurfing & sailing, diving, snorkeling, and parasailing to skiing. The beach also has vibrant nightlife.

If you’re looking for something a little more peaceful, head to Tiwi Beach, 17 kilometers south of Likoni. Sunbathers or snorkelers will find some picture-postcard views here and it’s also one of the most romantic places to visit on the island.

Mamba Village Center

Mamba Village Centre in Nyali is East Africa’s largest crocodile farm, where you can learn about the life cycle and behavior of these fascinating amphibians.

Kids love the chance to hold a baby croc, and it enables them to have the opportunity to play in an exciting, animal-filled environment. Another highlight for many visitors is watching the crocodiles fight for tasty morsels during feeding time.

For those looking for adventure, a visit to Mamba Village Center provides limitless opportunities. Whether you want to try horseback riding or take in the botanical gardens with an aquarium, this place has lots of options.

Mombasa Marine National Park

The Mombasa Marine National Park is a beautiful sight both on land and underwater. It also protects mangroves, seagrass, sandy beaches & coral reefs. Diving and snorkeling are popular activities, as they often provide an up-close view of the rich diversity of marine life there.

Marine creatures such as seahorses, stingrays, and eels inhabit the reserve, and the MV Dania is a popular wreck dive here. If you prefer to stay dry, you can view the marine life from a glass-bottom boat. Nyali Beach, Bamburi Beach, and Shanzu Beach all offer access to the Mombasa Marine National Park.

Mombasa Tusks

Mombasa Tusks is a famous landmark in the city. It was made to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Mombasa in 1952. The structure is made of aluminum and is situated near the main city square where most banks, shops, and marketplaces are located.

Bombolulu Cultural Center

At Bombolulu Workshops in Mombasa, you can shop for local crafts & help disabled Kenyans, who otherwise might not be able to earn a living from their crafts. This project is sponsored by Kenya Association for the Physically Disabled and helps them make a living for themselves.

The cultural center has a lot to offer and you can enjoy various attractions like tribal dance performances, traditional homesteads, and more. The center offers workshops in a variety of crafts and includes items like jewelry, textiles, woodcarving, and leather crafts. The proceeds from sales help to sustain their work.

Top 5 Things You Should Do While Visiting Mombasa During the Holidays

Mombasa is a beautiful Kenyan coastal city. It is a mix of cultures and people from different parts of the world. It is also known for its great beaches, stunning coral reefs, and rich wildlife. The city is also known for its amazing nightlife that has attracted people from all over the world to visit.

The list of things you should do while visiting Mombasa during the holidays includes:

Whiz around in a Go-Kart

Mombasa Go-Kart offers a thrilling ride for young & old alike with smooth or off-road driving opportunities. Have fun on any of our off-road vehicles as they circle the track. Choose between go-karts or buggies and enjoy the ride.

This family-friendly venue opens late and offers a range of activities throughout the day. With an expansive area for people to enjoy, you can relax during the day before going on the Go-Karts in the evening. There is also plenty of space for children to play.

Enjoy Exciting Water Sport Activities

If you’re in Mombasa and looking for something to do, check out the different outdoor water activities available. You might enjoy exploring the coastline, going swimming, and viewing wildlife from a safe distance. Some great outdoor activities are kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc.

Kayaking offers a chance to enjoy the beautiful summer coast, bird-watching, and animal sightings from a new perspective. If you love exploring, you should take one of these guided sea-side tours. They are some of the best spots to explore on your own or with friends and family!

Mombasa offers a wealth of recreational diving opportunities, from historic excursions to the beautiful coral reefs. The reef life is very diverse and you can learn a lot out on these trips. Snorkeling is a recreational activity that involves scuba diving, usually for novice divers. It usually takes place in shallow water without any gear. Professional divers, on the other hand, get closer to the surface with their gear and are typically interested in what’s below the water.

Watch Dolphins at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park

The Kisite Marine Park also knowns as the ‘home of the dolphins’ was established for the purpose of protecting a wide range of endemic marine animals and breeding migratory birds. These animals and birds are not just attractive but are also important members of their ecosystems.

It lies in the coral gardens south of Wasini Island and encompasses three small coral rag forest islands, each with considerable areas of fringing reef. Kisite is one of the most rewarding snorkeling locations at the coast. Visitors can also enjoy bird-watching and sunbathing during their stay.

Take a Relaxing Dhow Trip

There are many different ways to enjoy Mombasa, but one way that has become popular is by traveling on a Dhow cruise, which is a traditional way of getting around the harbor. Peaceful and luxurious, cruising on a Dhow is an experience to be cherished.

Spend a romantic evening on an authentic Arabic dhow boat in the Indian Ocean! The boat will take you to the beautiful city of Mombasa and make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time.

Spot Wildlife at Shimba Hills Natural Reserve

The coastal forests in East Africa are some of the most biodiverse in the world. For example, Shimba Hills is less than 2 hours drive from Mombasa, making it a convenient destination for safaris and other outdoor activities.

The Shimba Hills area is also famous for its large elephant population that can be seen on game drives. Apart from elephants, the park is also known as a haven for flora and fauna. It’s home to many African elephants, leopards, giraffes, hyenas, colobuses monkeys, and much more.

Animal-lovers are invited to come to a safari in the grasslands and see animals in their natural habitat. Guests can also try nocturnal walks during nighttime hours if they want to spot nocturnal creatures.

Where to Stay in Mombasa During the Festive Season?

Mombasa is best explored during the holidays – there are many options for staying, with hotels and resorts offering diverse accommodations. If you are a traveler looking to book your stay in Mombasa, Travellers Beach Hotel and Club is an option that provides unmatched luxury.

We offer a luxurious experience with attention to detail and quality. We have well-furnished rooms & suites with round-the-clock room services, diverse dining options along fun activities. Our hotel revitalizes the sense of anticipation that you need to be relaxed during your stay.

What are the Rooms Like?

A wide range of accommodation options is available for customers to choose from, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, sea-facing superior suites, and honeymoon rooms. All our guestrooms have state-of-the-art services & technologies which provide a luxurious stay at all times.

Some of the rooms at our hotel are connected to our outdoor swimming pools and offer guests a unique, personal experience. With modern conveniences such as flatscreen TVs, charging wires, fruit baskets, coffee and tea making facilities, telephones, air-conditioning systems, and hair dryers, you won’t need to ask for anything.

The Travelers Beach Hotel & Club offers a variety of amenities to make you feel at home, including:

• Laptop size safety box
• Air conditioner
• Newspaper on request
• Free Wi-Fi
• In-Room Tv Screen
• Wake Up Calls
• Non-Smoking Room
• Daily Housekeeping
• Iron & Iron Board Upon Request
• Balcony/ Terrace
• Hair-dryer
• Premium TV Channels
• Soft Towels
• Drinking-Water Bottles
• Coffee & Tea Maker
• Walk-In Wardrobe
• Bathroom Amenities
• Bathtubs/Overhead Showers
• Working Station
• Seating Area

Travellers Beach Hotel & Club is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re going on a holiday trip or traveling for business. With a location directly in front of the beach, this hotel provides an unbeatable spot to spend your vacation.

For a luxurious trip in an exotic locale with access to extensive amenities, Travellers Beach Hotel and Club is the destination for you. You will feel safe knowing the quality of your stay will be at an excellent value by coming here. Book your stay now to experience the best of the best!

What Are the Activities You Can Do Around Mombasa on Christmas Day?

Mombasa is the second-largest city in Kenya. It is one of the most important ports in East Africa and it is also home to over 4 million people. Christmas Day celebrations are a big thing here. If you are staying in Mombasa, there are plenty of things to do, including-

Try out Local Places to Eat & Dine

The Christmas season is a joyous time all over the world, but in Mombasa, it’s even more so. If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate this fun holiday, you should plan to get out and enjoy some local delicacies this December. A hearty meal will give you memories on the beach & beyond.

Head over to Safina Restaurant for the best Swahili dishes in town! Safina Restaurant is frequented by locals and tourists, attracting a lot of attention. The food is great and the sights are beautiful.

The Suli Suli Grill specializes in seafood, so if you’re a foodie with an appetite for flavorful food, you’ll definitely be able to find your perfect match at this restaurant. You’ll also have the opportunity to check out their unique interior decor as well as their festive atmosphere.

Mombasa is a major holiday destination for the best food in the world. From fine dining to local street stalls, there is no shortage of culinary experiences for visitors. When you’re looking for some great places to eat and dine during your stay, consider checking out these local restaurants located in the Travellers Beach Hotel & Club.

[Also Read: Local Places to Eat & Dine in Mombasa During Christmas]

Rejuvenate with Spas and Massages

Looking for a relaxing activity on holiday? Spas can provide you with a variety of benefits, including mental and physical ones. Some of the treatments available at spas include massage & bodywork, which can really help you relax and focus on other things.

A tranquil and relaxing spa experience awaits you at Travellers Beach Hotel & Club. Our clients can choose from a variety of massage services and treatments in the specially designed massage room or their rooms.

The Health Centre offers a wide range of services like personal training, Aromatherapy, Hair Style Studio (among other things) with highly trained professionals on-site.

Head over to the Beach and Indulge in Water Sports

Mombasa is a beautiful city with lots of things to explore. With sandy beaches and spectacular marine life, there are also many exciting activities, for all types of travelers. If you happen to be in the area on a festive day, head over to one of these fun beaches and enjoy everything that’s going on!

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life at Beaches in Mombasa. You’ll enjoy activities such as swimming, kiteboarding, and surfing. The beaches are environmentally friendly as well, so you can make your visit even more sustainable.

Water sports in Kenya include snorkeling, diving, and fishing. These beaches also have a few cultural activities on offer for tourists to enjoy. Tourists can also receive massage therapy & yoga classes.

Shop for Souvenirs in Mombasa

Mombasa is a lively beach town. It’s well-known for having a slower pace, but in reality, the city is vibrant and bustling with many different types of vendors. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you occupied as well.

If you’re looking for something to get you started on your journey into Kenyan shopping, then Diani Beach is a great starting point. It’s an hour’s drive south of central Mombasa. It has a wide selection of international and African designers.

Head over to Akamba Handicrafts, a non-profit organization that employs people from the local area and crafts African masks, Maasai figureheads, and animals made from the ‘big 5’. Wander the showroom for a vast choice of goods, and explore the crafting taking place at on-site workshops.

What To Expect When Visiting Kenya Over The Holidays?

Eat & Dine in Mombasa, Mombasa During Christmas, Local Places to Eat & Dine in Mombasa
Kenyans are known for their hospitality, and they always put others before themselves. They love to welcome guests from all around the world and make their stay memorable. There is no better way to experience this hospitality than by visiting Kenya during the holidays.

Kenya is known for its diverse landscapes, which are best enjoyed during the holidays. You’ll find a lot of cool activities that you can enjoy in this country such as hiking, camping, and whale watching. There are also some interesting cultural practices that you can partake in like watching traditional dances or learning some local languages like Swahili or Kiswahili.