Mombasa is worth visiting for a variety of reasons. These could include fragrant marketplaces, Fort Jesus, which is recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site, or even the enchantment of the sunset prayer call reverberating through the winding streets of the historic city. Naturally, there are also some excellent beaches in the Indian Ocean close by.

The safari options in Mombasa are less well-known. World-class national parks, specialized sanctuaries with few visitors, and even the chance to go on a marine safari may be found in the city’s hinterland. Here are a few of our top picks.

1. Tsavo East National Park

Choose Tsavo East NP if you can only spend time on one safari close to Mombasa. One of the greatest parks in Kenya, it is well-known for its elephants, who you frequently see soaking in the red Tsavo dust. Sightings of lions are also frequent, and they have a story to tell: Tsavo lions are noted for their fierceness and the disheveled manes of the males in the park.

Additionally, cheetahs are a major attraction here, particularly on the plains in the park’s easternmost region, which is Tsavo East’s area nearest to Mombasa. Among the park’s more unusual animal prizes are the Somali ostrich, the gerenuk, and the endangered Hunter’s hartebeest (hirola). The untamed Galana River and the species-rich Kanderi Swamp are other beautiful focus points for your stay.

2. Tsavo West National Park

Tsavo West NP is one of Kenya’s best parks, and it’s not that far from Mombasa, but it’s quite the journey. The park is dominated by strange and amazing lava tubes and rock formations. With its lush vegetation, hippos, and crocs, places like Mzima Springs seem like they belong in another planet. Even while the deeper jungle makes it more difficult to spot elephants, lions, leopards, and other animals than in nearby Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West can still have some great species. Highlights here include giraffes, rhinos, and an abundance of birds.

3. The Wildlife Sanctuary in Taita HillsEven though Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary is a bit of a drive from Mombasa, the trip is certainly worth it. Situated in the parched plains of Tsavo, this private community sanctuary is centered on a pocket of forested hills encircled by savannah grasslands. Elephants are likely to be seen here, but lions, cheetahs, and klipspringers may also be spotted. However, what really excites visitors is the birdwatching, particularly the opportunity to view several forest species and raptors.

4. The Wildlife Conservancy of Lumo Community

Lumo is a community-run conservancy featuring elephants, big cats, and other wildlife that is close to Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and worth combining with it if you’re traveling from Mombasa. You may even spot an aardwolf or a black serval while you’re here!

Additionally, the birding is amazing: more than half of Kenya’s 1,100 bird species may be found there, with the Taita thrush, Taita white-eye, and Taita apalis being potential highlights that aren’t found anywhere else. You can even embark on a walking safari, which is different from national parks in Kenya.

5.Kisite Marine National Park

There is more to a safari near Mombasa than just seeing elephants, big cats, and savannah creatures. This marine national park also encompasses the Mpunguti Marine National Reserve in the waters surrounding Wasini Island. On the exquisitely maintained coral reefs, diving and snorkeling are excellent ways to find dolphins, turtles, and other marine creatures.

6. Shimba Hills National Reserve

One of the best game reserves close to Mombasa is Shimba Hills NR, which is located southwest of the city and inland from Diani Beach. This area’s hilly terrain is a stunning blend of savannah fauna and lush, tropical greens.

You may witness buffalo, sable antelope, elephants, baboons, giraffes, and more butterflies than you could have ever imagined while you’re here. Nearly all safaris arrive here on day trips from the shore, and very few make it out here. If you can, spend the night there.

7. Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary

Elephants may be seen without traveling far from Mombasa. One of Kenya’s more recent reserves, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, is situated in a crucial corridor for elephant migration. You’re almost certain to see an elephant while you’re here. This is one of the more fulfilling safari experiences in the southeast of Kenya because of the riverine landscape via the Cha Shimba Valley and the low number of tourists.

8. The Conservancy of Tsavo

Tsavo Conservancy is a unique location south of Voi and somewhat off the regular safari track. The wildlife contributes to its allure. More than 300 bird species have been spotted in the conservancy, which is located along an elephant migration corridor and is home to Grevy’s zebras. However, it also provides the opportunity to participate in neighborhood initiatives designed to boost locals’ self-sufficiency and alternative revenue streams.