GUIDE ON MOMBASA IN KENYA

As you foot tour along the winding inner streets of Mombasa with your AfricanMecca guide, you are captivated by the mixture of cultures, history and coastal metropolitan flair that are reflected in the people and architecture. You may first notice the various garments worn by its residents, such as traditional black bui bui adorned by the Swahili women contrasting with the brightly colored khanga and kikoy worn by others.

The architecture of the city includes religious structures that are as diverse as the people, such as churches, temples, mosques and, as well as a blend of colonial, contemporary and Omani-style buildings. Set at the entrance of the old town harbor is Fort Jesus Museum, one of the many sites that give you great insight into the tumultuous history of Mombasa that has sculpted the city into its modern-day status.



The fort was built during the 16th century by the Portuguese and its strategic position was the cause of many battles for control over the Kenyan coast, with the first challengers being the Shirazi Arabs who waged several battles with the Portuguese over the course of many years.

Recorded history of Mombasa dates back to the first century, but after the second century, the city was mentioned very little in historical annals until 1498 when conquerors, traders and adventurers began to arrive, yet Portuguese colonization was largely unsuccessful and battles ensued until 1822 when the Sultan of Oman was able to re-establish the commercial activity that was necessary for the city’s future.

Its Arab government continued to oversee the city until 1885 when Mombasa was put under British control as a result of the Treaty of Berlin. The introduction of the railway improved access to the island, which further advanced commercial activity, and today, the island is the second largest city in Kenya after Nairobi.



Your AfricanMecca tour guide leads you through the enchanting old town of Mombasa where the aroma of exotic spices fills the air and the streets are lined with quaint shops, open-air markets in mkokoteni carts and charismatic houses. Your anticipation grows as the twisting road slowly reveals yet another delightful surprise just around the corner, and you simply cannot resist the urge to explore each and every vendor’s wares.

Hand-woven textiles, intricate carvings and artwork are just some of the treasures that you will discover. Tourism plays an important role in the economy of Mombasa, thanks in part to the beautiful stretches of white beaches that edge the turquoise and azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the city’s proximity to safari destinations in Kenya.



The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge on the north coast and a ferry on the south coast, and these two access points actually enhance the experiences at the respective seashores, with the north coast having a more heaving seaside and the south coast offering more exclusive and secluded beachfronts.

The local attractions are also appealing, offering the serenity of aquatic wilderness at Mombasa Marine National Park and Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and terrestrial wildlife at Shimba Hills National Reserve and Tsavo East National Park, and many other protected areas, or you can follow the footsteps of historians, environmentalists and archaeologists at Nature Trail At Haller Park, Jumba la Mtwana, Gede Ruins and many other culturally and historically significant sites.