Mombasa is Kenya’s main tourist destination. It is located on the Eastern coastline of Kenya bordering the Indian Ocean which has made it a popular destination for its beaches. Mombasa offers diverse marine life, world-class hotels and a friendly atmosphere. There is a tropical climate all year; it is a great destination filled with activities for all ages.
Mombasa was ruled by the Portuguese, Arabs and British and originated back in the 16th century. Mombasa’s culture today still exhibits that of its past. Historical ruins like Forte Jesus de Mombaça (AKA Fort Jesus), an historic Portugese fort, and the Old Town are attractions influenced by Mombasa’s trade culture, with many examples of Portuguese and Islamic architecture.
The port city of Mombasa, which is the second largest in Kenya, is supposedly its one of the major center of tourism. Being Kenya’s chief port, Mombasa is the commercial and industrial hub lying on the Indian Ocean and is connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries.
Separated by two creeks, Viz-: Tudor Creek and Kilindini Harbor, the port serves Kenya and countries as well by linking them to the Ocean by means of the Moi International Airport.
The original Arabic name is Manbasa which is called as ‘Kisiwa Cha Mvita’ in Swahili that means ‘Island of War’. The reason behind this is the many changes in its possession that has got a great impact in its long history.
Majority of the Mombasa population comprise of Muslims or Swahili people, wherein the majority is constitute the migrants and merchants from countries like Iran, Middle East, Somalia and the Indian sub-continent who came and settled there.
The town overlooks a large harbor, where commercial shipping blends with long-established sailing dhows. What actually attract people from distant land to this island is the striking old town and its splendid Arab architecture. The narrow snaky streets, the air often filled with the scent of spices, the local Men & women wrapped in bright colored coastal wears ‘khanga’ and ‘kikoy & women wearing the traditional outfit-‘bui bui’ and the active markets flooded with fresh fish of the coast is the normal scene that a foreigner get to see on his/her first visit.
Capitalizing on coastal tourism, the city is well known for its exotic beach resorts and luxurious hotels. Water activities like kite surfing, scuba diving and much more are also a common site on these beaches. The city caters efficiently to a numbers of schools, shopping districts, restaurants, a lively nightlife and residential areas.
Makadara is part of the Old Town that houses many Baluchi settlers. Kibokoni is another part of the Old Town with obvious Swahili architecture, and where the famous Fort Jesus is located. Ganjoni and Tudor are residential districts with occasional shops. Kizingo is where the State House, Mombasa Golf Club and the Aga Khan Academy are established.
Sports & nature
Fort Jesus
Built in 1593-1596 by the Portuguese, Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Mombasa's top tourist attractions. Italian architect, Cairati, designed the structure, which is one of the world's finest examples of 16th century Portuguese military architecture. Built in the shape of a man, the fort was given the name of Jesus as a clear religious reference. The fort changed hands nine times between 1631 and 1875 before finally resting with the British. Although partially ruined, Fort Jesus houses a museum built over the former barracks for the garrison. Exhibits include a vast collection of ceramics and pottery reflecting the various cultures that traded along the coast. Fort Jesus has many battlements and ruined buildings within the compound, including Omani house, built in the late 18th century, which houses Omani jewelry and displays on Swahili life. The Passage of Arches was cut through the coral to give access to the sea.
Haller Park
Haller Park is a hit with animal lovers. Formerly called Bamburi Nature Trail, this inspirational project began in 1971 when Dr René Haller transformed the abandoned limestone quarries here into a thriving nature reserve. Dr Haller increased the mineral content of the soil, planted trees, added a fish farm, and created a wildlife park where each animal has a function within the flourishing ecosystem. Wildlife found here includes giraffes, Cape buffalo, zebras, waterbucks, and hippos. The park was also home to a famous interspecies couple that became an Internet sensation after the 130-year-old tortoise, Mzee, adopted Owen, an orphaned hippo. Birds are also abundant in the park. More than 160 species have been introduced to the area including weaver birds, cranes, pelicans, and storks. Walking and cycling paths wind through the groves of casuarina, and a reptile park, palm garden, and crocodile pens are other attractions. A highlight is the giraffe feeding; but be sure to check the times before visiting. Nature trails lead to a butterfly pavilion and the Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary where herds of ostrich, eland, and oryx are farmed.
Mombasa Marine National Park
One of the busiest of Kenya's offshore reserves, Mombasa Marine National Park protects mangroves, seagrass beds, sandy beaches, and coral reef. Diving and snorkeling are popular activities - especially north of Mombasa, from Mtwapa Creek south to the entrance of Likoni. Seahorses, stingrays, and eels are among the marine creatures inhabiting the reserve, and the MV Dania is a popular wreck dive here. Those wishing to remain dry can view the diverse marine life from a glass-bottom boat. The popular beaches of Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu all provide access to the marine park.
Old Town
On the southeast side of Mombasa Island, the "Old Town" is reminiscent of the days when the Portuguese ruled this important port. The town's inhabitants are mostly of Arab, Asian, and European origin, and the architecture reflects their cultures. Ornately carved doors and balconies adorn the old buildings that jostle cheek to jowl along the narrow streets. History buffs can easily spend a couple of hours here strolling along the atmospheric alleys; snacking at one of the many cafés; and shopping for antiques, fragrant oils, spices, and souvenirs. The Portuguese-built Fort Jesus, one of Mombasa's top tourist attractions, overlooks the harbor here.
Mombasa Tusks
A famous landmark in the city, the Mombasa Tusks were built to commemorate Queen Elizabeth's visit to Mombasa in 1952. Constructed of aluminum, the tusks mark the entrance to the heart of town where visitors will find most of the banks, shops, and markets. The intersecting tusks also form the letter "M" for Mombasa.
Mamba Village Centre
Mamba Village Centre in Nyali is East Africa's largest crocodile farm. Visitors can learn about the life cycle and behavior of these fascinating amphibians and the center also offers horseback riding and a botanical garden with an aquarium. Orchids and aquatic plants are the specialty, but the gardens also display carnivorous species. A highlight for many visitors is watching the crocodiles fight for tasty morsels during feeding time. Carnivores will love the restaurant, which specializes in game meat such as crocodile, ostrich, and zebra.
Bombolulu Workshops and Cultural Centre
Bombolulu Workshops is a project of the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya with four sheltered workshops, a cultural center, and restaurant. At the cultural center, visitors can enjoy tribal dance performances and explore traditional homesteads found throughout Kenya. Guests can also visit the workshops and purchase the handcrafted souvenirs, which include jewelry, textiles, wood carving, and leather crafts. Proceeds help sustain the center's work. After touring the grounds, guests can stop by the restaurant to sample Kenyan-inspired cuisine.
Mombasa Go-Kart
Mombasa Go-Kart is a hit with speedsters and kids of all ages. Zoom around the smooth concrete track in go-karts, bounce around on the off-road buggies, or learn to dig in a Bobcat excavator. After all the excitement, visitors can enjoy a snack at the family-friendly restaurant with computer games, a large playground, and a big screen showing sporting events. The Go-Kart track is floodlit at night.
Wasini Island
Generally reached by dhow, Wasini Island is a popular day trip from Mombasa. Dolphins regularly cruise these waters and passengers can stop to snorkel and dive the coral reefs along the way. The island itself is tiny - only 5 sq km. Sightseeing opportunities include visiting Wasini Village, strolling around the coastal scrub where ancient Swahili ruins lie, exploring the exposed coral gardens, and dining on fresh seafood at the small restaurant. The village of Shimoni is the launching point for Wasini Island tours and was once the headquarters of the Imperial British East Africa Company. Here, visitors can explore the Shimoni Caves, thought to hold slaves before their shipment to Arabia.
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
South of Wasini Island, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is a popular spot for snorkeling, diving, and dolphin spotting - usually from the decks of a traditional dhow. The park encompasses four small islands surrounded by fish-rich coral reef. Dolphins frolic in the Shimoni Channel, and humpback whales swim these waters between August and October. Other marine life includes moray eels, angelfish, grouper, snappers, and green sea turtles. Deep-sea fishing is fantastic south to the Pemba channel.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills National Reserve, about 33 km south of Mombasa, offers a peaceful getaway from the hubbub of the busy beach resorts. Woodlands, waterfalls, lily-topped ponds, savanna, and rainforest provide a home for a rich diversity of plants and animals. Among the rare plants are endangered species of cycads and orchids. The park also protects one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Kenya, along with leopards, sable antelope, and abundant birdlife.
Nightlife info
If you have some extra energy after basking in the sun all day, there are several clubs around Mombasa that can be a lot of fun. The New Florida Casino & Nightclub on Mama Ngina Dr is a nice club with three bars, a big screen TV, pool tables and is right on the ocean. Cover is around KSh 250. The clientele is much the same as Florida 2000 in Nairobi. About a 10 minute drive north of Mombasa Island on Nyali Beach is Mamba Crocodile Village, an unlikely combination of a crocodile farm and disco. Cover charge changes depending on the night, but is usually around KSh 250.
Mombasa doesn’t have bars on every street corner, but there are one or two watering holes scattered around the city: the Lotus Hotel on Cathedral Rd is one of the nicest places in town for a civilized beer. There are several nightclubs on the island, too, though the busiest nightlife is in the resort area north of Mombasa, especially in Mtwapa and around Kenyatta Beach. Most of the city clubs are free, but on popular nights (Wed, Fri & Sat), entry charges of Ksh100–300 are the norm. Long before the clubs get busy, a stroll around the generally safe Old Town will uncover one or two coffee-sellers serving black kahawa from traditional high-spouted jugs.
Even more fun is the huge Tembo Entertainment Plaza, about 15 minutes north of Mombasa, near Nakumatt Nyali Shopping Centre, just opposite the famous Bamuri/Haller Nature Trail. Tembo Entertainment Plaza, one of the largest of its kind in East Africa comprises of a huge Open-Air Disco which can fit almost 3000 people, the cosy Bavaria Beer Garden, the exclusive Comfy Lounge, the international Poa Restaurant & Grill and the exotic Lollipop@GoGo Bar. On Weekends Tembo Disco is packed with hundreds of locals and tourists looking to dance the night away. The atmosphere, lay-out, and music makes this the best club in all of Kenya. Tembo Disco is open only on weekends from 9pm to 6am, Bavaria Beer Garden operates daily 24hrs around the clock with a billiard table and a Giant TV Screen. The exclusive Comfy Lounge and the Poa Restaurant & Grill open daily from 6pm to 6am. Lollipop@GoGo operates daily with nonstop exotic gogo shows from 9pm to 5am. Entrance to the entire Entertainment Centre is free on weekdays. Fridays is Ladies' Night Gents pay KShs 250/- after 10pm. On Saturdays the cover charge is KShs 250/- for all after 10pm. There’s 24hrs public transportation to Tembo and Mamba Village. The fare is about 60 US cents
Culture and history info
Mombasa has a long history the traces can be found from the writings of the 16th century. Many traders did attempt to enforce their governance on the town due to its advantageously central location, where Arab influence is felt prominently till date.
The town of Mombasa remained the center of the Arab trade in ivory and slaves from the 8th to the 16th century. It is known that Arab traders sailed down around to the coast of Kenya from the first century AD who continued to build trade along the ports of Mombasa and Lamu.
Portuguese also had their influence on the port that changed the face of the land by burning it almost three times. It is believed that Vasco da Gama was the first known European to visit Mombasa, whose purpose of exploration was to spread the Christian faith to further expand Portugal’s trading area. Mombasa became Portugal’s main trading centre of spices, cotton and coffee, where Fort Jesus was constructed. The Fort served as the major center for trading goods that protected the Portuguese from conflicts with locals the remains of which still attracts a great deal of tourists and visitors. As slavery was highly practiced during that era, the local slaves were exchanged for goods. Until 1698, the Portuguese controlled the city, but soon the Omani Arabs took over the charge.
Finally, the British took control of Mombasa in 1895, wherein the British East African Protectorate was established. Colonization perpetuated in Mombasa that promoted European culture over the town and the Kenyan lands. Like in India, the British gained momentum and established control of the port. They even completed a railway line in the early 1900’s from Mombasa to Uganda which is perhaps the major landmark in the history of Mombasa. Thus, from 1887 to 1907, Mombasa remained the capital of the British East Africa Protectorate.
The British rule ended and Kenya received its independence on the 12th December 1963. From herein, began the creation of political parties and unions that faced elections for the formation of a stable government. Though significant political shifts and oppositions led to violence, the pressure from the international and African community led the leaders to finally come to a consensus and form a power-sharing agreement.
