Mama Ngina Waterfront

Mama Ngina Waterfront is a redeveloped public park on the cliff above the Kilindini channel, and it's free to walk into. A two-kilometre palm-lined promenade runs along the water where you can watch ships come into port, with playgrounds, little cars for toddlers, camel and horse rides, an amphitheatre and rows of food stalls along the way. Four-hundred-year-old baobabs and open lawns make it a good, easy evening with kids.

How a family visit works

1. 1Come late afternoon onto Mombasa Island. The waterfront is free to walk into; sunset is when it livens up and the heat has dropped.
2. 2Start on the two-kilometre palm-lined promenade along the cliff above the Kilindini channel. Watch ships come into port — that is the walk.
3. 3Stop at the playgrounds and the little cars for toddlers. Camel and horse rides are extra, along the way.
4. 4Eat from the food stalls rather than leaving for a restaurant. There is an amphitheatre if something is on.
5. 5Find the old baobabs and sit on the lawns before you walk back. You do not need a ticket, only cash for rides and snacks.

What kids actually do here

• Free public seafront park
• A two-kilometre promenade above Kilindini
• Ships coming into port
• Playgrounds and toddler cars
• Camel and horse rides
• Food stalls along the walk
• Four-hundred-year-old baobabs and open lawns

What to pack

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
• Cash for rides and stalls
• A light layer for the evening breeze on the cliff
• A ball for the lawns

Parent questions

Is there an entry fee?

No. Walking in is free. You pay only if you take camel or horse rides or buy food.

Morning or evening?

Late afternoon into sunset. It is busier and cooler, and the ship-watching is better with the heat gone.

Hours, tickets and activity rules change. Confirm the current details on the official site or at the gate before you travel.