African Safari Series
July 20, 2025
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Mombasa, Kenya’s jewel on the Indian Ocean coastline — a city of spice-laden air, coral-white beaches, and centuries of layered civilization waiting to be explored.
Perched on a coral island at the edge of Kenya’s southern coast, Mombasa is one of Africa’s most captivating and historically rich destinations. Long before the modern tourist trail mapped its way through the continent, Mombasa was already a crossroads — a port of consequence where Arab merchants, Portuguese explorers, East African traders, and Swahili seafarers crossed paths, layering the city in culture, cuisine, and architecture unlike anywhere else on the continent.
Today, Mombasa has blossomed into a world-class tourist destination without surrendering its soul. Whether you arrive seeking the warm embrace of the Indian Ocean, the thrill of a coastal safari, or the quiet wonder of a coral-stone old town, this city delivers in generous, unforgettable measure. At Umani Bliss Safaris, we consider Mombasa not merely a stop on the itinerary — it is often the heartbeat of the entire journey.
Planning Africa
Private Safaris Since 2010
Embark on a captivating journey that blends the majesty of Kenya’s wildlife with the idyllic beauty of its pristine beaches. This unforgettable Amboseli safari and Diani Beach Mombasa experience offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. From $ 1,665
Few cities in Africa offer such a vivid collision of natural grandeur and human history in such compact proximity. Mombasa is a destination that rewards slowness — the kind of travel where lingering at a dhow-filled harbour or wandering a narrow Old Town alley yields memories that outlast any checked item on a bucket list.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in 1593 – 1596, Fort Jesus is an architectural marvel housing East Africa’s most important archaeological artefacts.
Wander carved wooden doorways, narrow labyrinthine lanes, and 18th-century mosques still in active worship — a living museum of Swahili coastal culture.
A remarkable ecological restoration story turned wildlife sanctuary, home to hippos, giraffes, and rich tropical biodiversity.
Miles of white coral sand lapped by warm turquoise Indian Ocean waters. Diani Beach regularly ranks among Africa’s finest beaches.
Within easy reach lie spectacular wildlife reserves home to lions, elephants, leopards, and Kenya’s rare sable antelope.
Fragrant biryanis, coconut fish curries, fresh grilled crab, and tamarind-spiced pilau rice shaped by centuries of ocean trade.
Beyond these headline attractions, Mombasa rewards the curious explorer. Its fish markets at dawn, the call of the muezzin over Old Town rooftops at dusk, the scent of cardamom from a street-side tea stall — these are the moments that transform a holiday into a life-expanding experience.
Mombasa’s identity is inseparable from the Indian Ocean trade winds that have blown fortune and culture to its shores for well over a thousand years. The Swahili people — themselves a rich synthesis of Bantu African and Arab heritage — built the foundations of this coastal civilization, and their language, architecture, and customs remain the city’s cultural bedrock.
The Portuguese left their fortifications. The Omani Arabs brought their ornate wooden balconies and trading networks. Indian merchants introduced textiles, spices, and culinary traditions that became fundamental to the Mombasa palate. The result is a city that wears its multicultural history with effortless grace — where a mosque, a Hindu temple, and a church may stand within metres of one another, and the streets reflect this harmony in food, music, and daily life.
Visiting Mombasa with Umani Bliss Safaris means gaining access to this depth. Our guides do not merely show you monuments — they bring the stories alive, connecting you to the living community and culture of one of Africa’s most extraordinary cities.
This isn’t just a safari—it’s freedom to explore Africa’s most iconic destinations with complete accessibility. From specialized vehicles to accessible lodges, every detail is designed for your comfort.
Starting From USD $ 3,385 Today.
Walking through Mombasa’s Old Town is one of the most immersive cultural experiences available anywhere on the African continent. The narrow, winding streets — some barely wide enough for two people to pass — are lined with centuries-old coral rag stone buildings adorned with intricately carved hardwood doors. Each door is a work of art in itself, often inlaid with brass studs and ornate geometric or floral patterns that speak to the Indian, Arab, and Swahili influences that shaped this remarkable neighbourhood.
Mombasa’s Old Town is a living district — residents still inhabit and maintain these historic structures, and the sound of daily life filters through the latticed wooden balconies above: cooking aromas, children’s laughter, the distant call to prayer echoing from one of the neighbourhood’s many ancient mosques.
This thoughtfully designed 6-day journey through Tsavo East, Amboseli, and Tsavo West isn’t just about seeing Africa’s magnificent elephants, lions, and diverse wildlife against the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro—it’s about experiencing them with complete comfort, dignity, and independence. From $ 1,710
Mombasa is not only a beach and cultural destination — it serves as the perfect launchpad for exploring Kenya’s southern wilderness. Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks together form one of the world’s largest wildlife conservation areas, lying just a few hours from the city. Here, the famous red elephants of Tsavo — their hides stained rust-red by the region’s volcanic soil — roam across a vast savannah landscape that feels genuinely untouched.
Shimba Hills National Reserve, positioned just south of Mombasa, offers a rare forest and grassland safari experience where the endangered sable antelope can be spotted alongside elephants, leopards, and hundreds of bird species. For those combining beach relaxation with wildlife adventure, Mombasa offers perhaps the most convenient confluence of both experiences anywhere in East Africa.
Your dream African safari doesn’t require a luxury budget—just an adventurous spirit and five unforgettable days.
From USD $1,295.
Lush green landscapes and far fewer tourists make this ideal for cultural immersion. Short afternoon storms rarely disrupt a full day, and rates are significantly lower than peak season.
Cooler temperatures and reliable sunshine. The coastline is at its most beautiful. The period draws visitors from across Europe — book accommodation well in advance during August.
Perfect for beach lovers seeking a thrilling safari escape from Mombasa, this 4-day Kenya Prime Safari delivers maximum wildlife impact in minimum time—ideal for those precious vacation days when you want both adventure and relaxation. From $ 1,020
Mombasa is served by Moi International Airport, with direct connections from Nairobi and international flights from several European and Middle Eastern hubs. The city is compact enough to explore meaningfully within a few days, but generous enough to reward a full week or more of discovery.
We recommend pairing at least three nights in Mombasa with a two-to-three night safari extension into Tsavo or Shimba Hills for the complete coastal Kenya experience. Getting around the island city and its coastal surroundings is straightforward with private transfers, which Umani Bliss Safaris arranges as part of every itinerary.
The city’s climate is warm and tropical year-round, making it an attractive escape from colder northern climates regardless of the season. With Umani Bliss Safaris, every detail of your Mombasa journey — from transfers and accommodation to guided experiences and safari extensions — is handled with care and local expertise.
Our guides are more than just drivers; they are seasoned naturalists and storytellers, who bring the park to life. Whether it’s explaining the complex social dynamics of a lion pride or spotting a well-hidden rhino, our team ensures every sighting is educational and exhilarating.
We believe in comfort and unobstructed views. Our fleet of 4×4 Land Cruisers and safari vans feature pop-up roofs for 360-degree game viewing and guaranteed window seats for every guest. To enhance your experience, our vehicles come equipped with cooler boxes for refreshing drinks and bean bags for photography enthusiasts.
We handle the details so you can focus on the wildlife. From convenient pick-ups at your Nairobi hotel or the JKIA airport to navigating park entries and timing your drives for the best sightings, we ensure your transition from the urban bustle to the African savanna is effortless.
Whether you have a few hours between flights or a full day to explore, we curate itineraries that match your schedule and interests. We specialize in personalized service that caters to solo travelers, families, and photographers alike.
We are dedicated to preserving Kenya’s natural heritage. By working with local suppliers and adhering to sustainable tourism practices, we ensure that your visit contributes positively to the conservation of the “World’s Wildlife Capital.”
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