Fort Jesus
Fort Jesus is a monumental piece of architecture built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. It has aa museum that displays various artifacts from the era where Mombasa served as a transit point for the slave trade and commodities. Its interior comprises of torture rooms and prison cells where slaves were kept in captivity before being traded. Weapons such as canons, which were used to defend the fort from invading foreigners as well as rioting locals, can be seen both inside and outside of the fort.
Mamba Village
Situated in Nyali, The Mamba Village is East Africa’s largest crocodile farm with over 10,000 crocodiles. Mamba Village is a very renowned tourist attraction in Mombasa. It combines crocodile farming, conservation, and ecosystem friendly quarry. Other activities within the Mamba Village are camel riding, horse riding and a unique "a la carte" restaurant specialized in game meat e.g. Croco-meat, Ostrich, Zebra, among other delicacies.
Bamburi Nature Trail
The largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa, Bamburi Nature Trail boasts of an large variety of animals. A walk around the trail is the ideal way to look at the various animals found within. The trail was a result of an unusual attempt to rehabilitate a giant quarry. There is a large number of bird species, several hippos, crocodiles, antelopes and giant tortoise.
Mombasa Tusks
The Mombasa Tusks are symbolic representations of entrance into the heart of the Mombasa town. They were built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the town in 1952, lying directly on the path from the port to the town. Ivory was considered to be an exquisite commodity during the time, and in essence the tusks were meant to embrace the Queen and the British Empire into the town and within its social structure.
Nyali Bridge
Remnants of slave trade can still be seen today around the town. Fort Jesus still contains cells where the slaves were held, and various artifacts from that era in the museum at the Fort. In addition to the evidence in the Fort, there also is a town bell located in Nyali just as you exit the Nyali Bridge. The bell was rung to inform the locals to hide from the slave capturers who were fast approaching.
Gedi Ruins
On the North coast of Mombasa towards the town of Malindi lays one the most pre-historic ruins found in Mombasa, called the Gedi Ruins. Gedi was a small town built entirely from rocks and stones, which was inhabited by a few thousand Swahili people and ruled by a very rich Sultan. These ruins date back from the 15th century, and through careful preservation most of the original foundations can still be seen today.
Hindu Temple
The Hindu temple is a one of the many symbols of Mombasa's cultural diversity. The temple is a popular tourist spot and a tour can be taken inside the temple, with a historical background of the temple given by one of the temple gurus. Extravagant idols and stone carvings of the various religious beliefs are displayed within the temple and on its walls. It is located near the Railway Station just outside the perimeter of the downtown area.
Water sports
A multilingual dive center at the north coast of Mombasa. The PADI instructors have years of experience in diving in Kenya and teaching
Local hand-crafted items and souvenirs
Can be bought in the city as well as on the beachfront from tourist shops and local vendors respectively. Traditional African and Arabic clothing can also be purchased at these places. Prices vary, and some good deals can be obtained with a bit of bargaining
Tours of the town and Safaris in game parks
Hotels also incorporate these activities as part of their entertainment, with the aim of making the trip to Mombasa the ultimate holiday experience!
The Tamarind Dhow
The Tamarind Restaurant is by far the most popular restaurant for tourists who come to Mombasa. Overlooking the Indian Ocean and with a wonderful view of the town, Tamarind is the ultimate in fine dining in Mombasa. However, the most unique aspect of this restaurant is it Dhow trip, an enchanting evening of exotic seafood blended with a romantic cruise aboard an authentic Arab Dhow around the old port of Mombasa, with a live music band on board, which provides non-stop entertainment for the entire ride. Seafood is freshly caught everyday, and you even have the option of picking your own crab or lobster from the tank.
Clubs and Casinos
Nightlife in Mombasa is always exciting, and the clubs and casinos can keep you going all night long.
So when you next think of taking a vacation, doing some travelling, or simply having to enjoy yourself, think about Mombasa and all that it has to offer-we promise you'll have the time of your life!
Mombasa undoubtedly has one of the best white sandy beaches and coral reefs that Africa has to offer. Coupled with an array of hotels on the beachfront situated along the North and South coasts of the town, it characterizes Mombasa as the ideal place for a vacation. This is why Mombasa is a major tourist destination, and the tourism industry the number one earner of foreign exchange in the country.
Economy
In the heart of the town is where most hospitals, businesses, banks, shops and markets are situated. Hence almost all services such as health advice, financial services, or any kind of shopping, are all provided for in the city. Being a small town, Mombasa does not have a subway system. However one can easily get around using the local bus service; or for a “truly Kenyan experience” a ride in a “Matatu”- which is quite a unique adventure.
Mombasa, the principal seaport of Kenya, has served as a distribution hub for the lucrative East African market providing connections to landlocked neighbouring countries. The port of Mombasa is linked to the world’s major ports with over 200 sailings per week to ports in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Australia, Middle East and the rest of Africa. Kenya and neighbouring countries - Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, Sudan and Zaire - have established the Northern Corridor Transport Agreement which facilitates transportation of goods to and from the port of Mombasa.
Being a colonial country before independence, Mombasa has a kaleidoscope of different cultures and languages. The most common language spoken is Swahili, followed by English. However, being a town that thrives on tourism, finding someone who speaks German, French, Dutch or any other language is not much of a problem.
Religion – Islam, Christianity, hindu
Neighbouring towns – 1 hour away
487km from Nairobi
Local Time: 10:23 AM | GMT: 07:23 AM | Feb 04, 2012
