Here is a list of the best picnic sites in Mombasa County. Mombasa is a historic coastal town in Kenya, known for its beautiful beaches and white-blue colonial architecture. With its pristine beaches, lush forests, and exotic culture, this idyllic setting is ideal for couples, families, and friends to make unforgettable memories.
Whether you are seeking peace and serenity or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Kenya’s coastal region has something to offer everyone. Here are the best and most romantic picnic sites in Mombasa for a magical and memorable experience.
List Of Best Picnic Sites on the Kenyan Coast
1. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary
The Nguuni Nature Sanctuary is situated off Kiembeni Road, 4 km from the Bamburi Cement Factory and a 10-minute drive from Bamburi Beach. Just a stone’s throw away from the hustle and bustle of Mombasa.
It is a wonderful man-made sanctuary that has been named to the United Nations Environment Programme’s Global 500 list. The sanctuary is located 4 kilometres from the main entrance of the Bamburi cement works on a hill and contains three distinct habitats. Open Savannah, woodland, and wetlands all attract a variety of birds. Visit the location to spend quality time watching animals, being surrounded by nature’s beauty, and enjoying an open-air barbeque. It’s an African safari from the comfort of the resort. Enjoy nature, flora and fauna, and food, as well as a variety of activities available at the sanctuary. They include game drives, a visit to the ostrich farm, the elands & oryx farm, feeding the giraffes, taking a bird walk, bird watching, sitting by the campfire, and perhaps the most loved moment, catching a glimpse of the exquisite sunset behind the Nguu Tatu Hills.
Giraffes, waterbucks, and ostriches roam freely, and when you visit, you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the serene animals as they feed during sunset and come and feed on your hands if you are willing. Small rustic shelters are set up for visitors to enjoy their picnics or to grill their packed foods. Evenings are spent sipping your best-brought beverages while the attendants light a bonfire as you chit-chat under the starry skies.
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
Details of entrance fees here
2. Butterfly Pavillion
The Butterfly Pavilion, located on Bamburi Road, Mombasa, is a tropical paradise that is home to over 16 different species of butterflies as well as various antelope. The facility is ideal for day trips, jogging, walking several different routes, doing some exercises along the way and providing a variety of outdoor activities suitable for the entire family. Its reclaimed forest, ponds, and hills make for an interesting picnic spot. Keep an eye out for the sneaky monkey swarms that swoop down from the trees to join the fun. There are well-marked trails to follow and you can rent a bicycle if you want to cycle for Ksh 350 for an hour. You get access to the park as often as you wish. You can also hold events at the park and go camping within the camp.
The entrance fee is Ksh 250 for adults, Ksh 150 for children (residents), Ksh 600 for adults, and Ksh 300 for children (non-residents). All payments should be done via M-PESA
Opening hours: 5:00 am to 7:00 pm daily
3. Jumba La Mtwana
The Jumba ruins, located 15 kilometres north of Mombasa near the mouth of the Mtwapa Creek, house the ruins of an ancient Swahili stone town. The picturesque museum is an ode to Coastal Kenya’s multicultural history, complete with archaeological relics from the 14th-century trade between Swahili, Arab, and Chinese traders. Visitors can enjoy cool picnics in the lush rainforest or find a quiet spot by the beach.
The entrance fee is Ksh 200 for adults, Ksh 100 for children (Resident), Ksh 500 for adults and Ksh 250 for children (Non-Resident)
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
4. Shimba Hills National Reserve
The Shimba Hills National Reserve on the south coast provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of busy beach resorts. Woodlands, lily-topped ponds, and savannas come together to form a beautiful habitat for a wide range of plants and animals. Cycad and orchid species are among the rare plants. The park is also home to the endangered sable antelope, one of Kenya’s highest elephant concentrations, and an abundance of bird life. There are guided forest walks available, and visitors can cool off in the swimming hole before settling in for a picnic near the picturesque Sheldrick Falls.
Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily
Details of entrance fees here
5. Bamburi Beach
Bamburi Beach is a great place to enjoy a memorable picnic with your loved ones on a perfect day out in Mombasa. The natural sandy beach is a popular picnic spot for city residents and a great place for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. It’s a great place to start the day with a delicious lunch with friends and family, then relax and enjoy the moment. If you want, you can spend the entire weekend here. There are several beach-front resorts with luxury accommodations just steps away from the white sandy beach. The beach is open to the public year-round. Entry to the beach is free.
6. Haller Park
The park is located on Mombasa’s North Coast, along the Mombasa-Malindi road, next to the Bamburi Cement factory on Kenya’s coast. Haller Park was established in 1971 after converting an abandoned quarry of Bamburi Cement into an ecological area. Haller Park was the first recipient of the UNEP Global 500 Roll of Honour award for its innovative, environmentally responsible, and successful rehabilitation. This nature park is home to numerous animal and plant species. If you’re here for a picnic, you’ll undoubtedly have a great time. Visit this park with your family or friends and you will have some of the most exciting moments of your life. There is plenty of space to walk around the park. Animals such as the hippopotamus, crocodiles, snakes, and tortoises will make your day, especially if you are an animal enthusiast.
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
Details of entrance fees here
7. Fort Jesus Museum
The Fort is located in Mombasa City along Nkurumah Road on the coast of Kenya. Fort Jesus is Mombasa’s most popular tourist attraction. The fort, which was built by the Portuguese in 1593 and was designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati, has withstood the test of time. It was constructed to ensure the security of the Portuguese population residing on the east coast of Africa. The fort has survived numerous assaults and hostilities. It even served briefly as a prison. The fort is now a significant historical site and a museum.
Fort Jesus is, without a doubt, a museum, but due to its location on the coast, there are many open areas for visitors to explore. You can also see the exclusive Kenyan archaeological finds on display at the museum. So, when you visit, you not only get to experience the historic feel that this 16th-century Portuguese fort exudes, but you can also feast your eyes on the breathtaking views that the surrounding areas provide. A fantastic picnic spot in any season
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm daily
Details of entrance fees here
8. Diani Beach
This not-so-secret, scenic beach is ideal for a picnic with the whole family. Diani Beach is one of Africa’s most beautiful beaches, and it attracts both tourists and locals all year. Sailing, diving, parasailing, water skiing, and windsurfing are just a few of the water sports available to keep everyone entertained. You’ll undoubtedly find a peaceful location to enjoy an afternoon picnic and relax on the beach.
9. Mama Ngina Waterfront
Mama Ngina Waterfront, located next to the Likoni ferry channel, is one of the most popular places to visit in Mombasa on a budget. This 26-acre (10.52-hectare) park is always open and free of charge. You can take a romantic walk with your loved one and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. There’s a well-kept garden on site, and you’ll also have the opportunity to watch ships arrive and depart from Kilindini Harbour. Tourists are drawn to the park by activities such as horseback riding, bicycle riding, and photography. In addition, vendors sell coconut water, fried cassava, water, and french fries in and around the tourist attraction. Children enjoy playing in the large park as well. The waterfront park was renovated in 2019 and is now well-paved and tidy. Whilst there, ride on one of the Likoni ferries to see the enchanting beauty of the coast in the evening.
10. Uhuru Gardens, Mombasa
The famous Mombasa Elephant Tusks can be found on Moi Avenue, just outside of Old Town. The tusks were built to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1952. The intersecting aluminium tusks form the letter ‘M’ for Mombasa and mark the entrance to the city’s heart. The aluminium tusks resemble elephant ivory from a distance and are nicknamed ‘Pembe Za Ndovu’ by the locals, a Swahili word for elephant ivory. The tusks are a towering symbol of Mombasa’s rich history and heritage. The Uhuru Gardens public recreational park is adjacent to the landmark and frequently hosts groups of local and international tourists. Because of its central location and diverse range of natural flora and fauna, the busy park is a free and convenient picnic spot.
11. Mombasa Butterfly House
Mombasa Butterfly House, located on the grounds of Fort Jesus. The relatively new attraction includes a tropical butterfly paradise in a world-class eco-tourism facility. The breeze from the Indian Ocean keeps the atmosphere cool. There is a well-kept lawn and a lovely garden, perfect for a quiet picnic away from the hustle and bustle of town. Watch as colourful butterflies feed, rest, and flutter around in their natural habitat.
The entrance fee is Ksh 500 for adults and Ksh300 for children
Opening hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm daily
Contact: 0719 874 472
