Kilifi

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Top 10 attractions in Kilifi

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Fort Jesus Museum
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Mombasa

Fort Jesus Museum

5.5
4.7/5
22 reviews

Fort Jesus Museum is located at the southeast corner of Mombasa Island. The opening of new maritime routes linking East and West fueled the growth of international trade and shipping. Mombasa was an important supply point and cargo distribution center on these new routes, making it a contested prize. In 1589, the Ottoman Empire sent an expeditionary force to occupy Mombasa and build a fortress. In 1593, the Portuguese captured Mombasa and built a larger fortress on the headland at the harbor to overlook and control the port. Because Portuguese missionaries also traveled aboard merchant ships to preach, this new fortress was named Fort Jesus Museum. Fort Jesus Museum is shaped like the Chinese character "da". It is over 100m long and approx. 80m wide. Its walls are built on coral rock, stand 15m high, and are 2.4m thick. The main gate is studded with spikes approx. 10 cm long to prevent elephants from ramming it. In 1696, the Sultan of Oman laid siege to the fortress, and the Portuguese surrendered after resisting for 2 years and 9 months. In 1958, the old fortress was converted into a museum, displaying historical images and artifacts related to East Africa and the new maritime routes. Some artifacts from China are also on display, including porcelain plates, vases, and other items made during the Xuande reign of the Ming dynasty. Research suggests that Zheng He's fleet also reached Mombasa during his voyages to the Western Seas, and these artifacts were likely left behind at that time.

Mombasa · 53.4km from Kilifi

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Experiences you can't miss in Kilifi

Featured Culture & history in Kilifi

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Diani: Traditional Basket Weaving Workshop with Locals
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromUS$30.01
Diani: Maasai Jewelry-Making Workshop with Artisans
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromUS$29.99
Mombasa City Tour, Fort Jesus, Old Town, Tusks and Spice Market
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5.0/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromUS$40.01
Mombasa City Tour
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4.9/5
· 163 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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23 consecutive positive reviews
FromUS$40.00
Walking Tour Through Old Town Mombasa and Fort Jesus
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4.9/5
· 114 reviews
Duration: 2–4 hrs
Free cancellation
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35 consecutive positive reviews
FromUS$50.00
Discover Mombasa: OldTown,FortJesus,SpiceMarket Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromUS$40.00
Fort Jesus Museum Walking Tour in Mombasa
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4.9/5
· 17 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromUS$40.00
Mombasa: Fort Jesus, Old Town & Close-Up Wildlife Viewing
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4.5/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
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FromUS$70.01

Featured Day tours in Kilifi

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Mombasa Day Tour to Watamu Marine Park and Sudi Island (Snorkeling + Lunch)
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FromUS$266.23
1-day tour to Watamu Marine Park and Sudi Island from Mombasa, Kenya
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FromUS$254.99
Diani: Snorkeling and Swimming at African Pool in Tiwi Beach
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromUS$35.01
PILLI PIPA DHOW, the genuine product, snorkeling tour to Kisite Marine Park
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4.4/5
· 37 reviews
Duration: 8–9 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromUS$135.00

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Kilifi Today's weatherPartly cloudy with thunder and rain 25-32℃
Kilifi weather for the next 2 days11/9: 25-32℃, 11/10: 24-33℃

What travellers say about Kilifi

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Queen mother10 October 2026
5.0
Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Kenya, is a historic fortress built by the Portuguese in 1593. Exploring its ancient walls and architecture was a fascinating journey into Kenya’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Fort Jesus Museum

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非你不渴23 March 2020
5.0
Mombasa Marine National Park is located on the coast of Mombasa. There are many marine creatures living in the park, such as crabs, sea urchins, starfish, etc. There are also beaches and coral reef parks, which are suitable for diving.

Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Kilifi?

Don't miss these attractions in Kilifi: Mnarani Ruins, Pwani University Library, and Mazingira Park. If you like Culture & history, try Diani: Traditional Basket Weaving Workshop with Locals. If you enjoy Day tours, try Mombasa Day Tour to Watamu Marine Park and Sudi Island (Snorkeling + Lunch).

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Mombasa Day Tour to Watamu Marine Park and Sudi Island (Snorkeling + Lunch), 1-day tour to Watamu Marine Park and Sudi Island from Mombasa, Kenya, and Diani: Snorkeling and Swimming at African Pool in Tiwi Beach. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 8 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Kilifi is around USD 35.01 – USD 266.23. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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