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A beautiful coastal city in southeastern Kenya

Moving around Mombasa City can be pretty hectic especially if you’re not used to the soaring temperatures and humidity.

It is located towards the Southern end of the city adjacent to the Likoni Ferry crossing and accessed from the CBD using Nyerere Avenue. From Fort Jesus, use the road that passes via State House Mombasa, Florida Nightclub and Mombasa golf club.

I particularly like Mama Ngina drive and despite visiting several times; I have never run short of activities to do on this long stretch of street that borders the sea. While here, you get a chance to enjoy spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, Likoni ferry crossing, views of the Southern mainland of Likoni as well as nature at its very best. Despite the close proximity of Mama Ngina Drive to the city centre, it is surprisingly quiet especially on weekdays when few people are around.

So, why should you come to Mama Ngina Drive? If you appreciate scenic views and need to be in touch with nature, they’re plenty of different species of trees some of which have been here for centuries. Furthermore, there are several food vendors selling different types of coastal delicacies and snacks; the aroma will tempt you to grab a bite.

As you walk down the road, great views of the ocean will keep you indulged as you come across people relaxing, watching the sea and taking photos. There are also horse rides for about 100 Kenyan shillings/ 1 dollar. Mama Ngina Drive attracts crowds of all ages; during the weekend and holidays, parents come here with their children to spend quality family time, socialize and appreciate natural breathtaking sceneries Mombasa has to offer. During term breaks, schools, colleges and other tour groups from upcountry Kenya as well as the East African region and beyond, spare time to visit the scenic Mama Ngina Drive.

Though there is no sandy beach, you can venture down the cliff and walk along the shores of the ocean; it is astonishingly beautiful. While on the rocky shore, you can clearly see Shelly Beach on the other side of the Indian Ocean and if you’re fortunate enough, you might see huge ships preparing to dock at the nearby Kilindini Port. A lot of people also come here to watch ferries at close range as they make trips across the channel with passengers and vehicles boarding on one side and disembarking after crossing the Indian Ocean.

Mama Ngina Drive is a pretty busy Mombasa tourist attraction; there are hawkers selling all sorts of things. You will particularly encounter photographers who will convince you to allow them photograph you for a fee (1 photo goes for $1 or 100 Kenyan Shillings).

How do you get here? Get on a matatu (public transport van) or a tuktuk from the city center approximately 2km away. This well known Mombasa tourist attraction is accessible from different parts of the city. Most of the matatus coming from North Coast neighborhoods of Bamburi, Mtwapa, Bombolulu, Kisauni and driving through Mombasa CBD terminate their journeys at the large and busy bus terminus right next to Mama Ngina Drive. From the City Centre, there are several pickup points with major stages at General Post Office (GPO) on Digo road or adjacent to the fence of Holy Ghost Cathedral on Nkrumah road, you will hear touts shouting “ferry”.

From the ferry terminus near Mama Ngina Drive, you can board Matatus to Mombasa island neighborhoods of Tudor, Mwembe Tayari, King’orani and Majengo as well as Changamwe, Migadini and Mikindani west of Mombasa city. On the other hand, if you’re coming from the South Coast, all you need to do is to board a ferry and cross the Likoni channel.

Saturdays and Sundays are very busy with people from all walks of life. During the weekend, motorists park their vehicles along the road, relax and play music from their cars while snacking and catching up with friends. Kids on the other hand, enjoy rides from toys and engage in activities such as horse riding and face painting.

Mama Ngina drive also hosts numerous Mombasa festivals and parties such as the annual Mombasa International Cultural Festival and Marathon events. Holidays such as Christmas, Idd, New Year and Easter celebrations attract a lot of human and vehicle traffic. My word of advice; don’t leave Mombasa without coming to Mama Ngina Drive Mombasa tourist attraction. If you don’t want to find a crowded stretch; I advice you visit on weekdays or morning hours.