The coastal town of Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya. It is 487km from Nairobi. Mombasa has a long, rich history dating back over 1500 years when it started as a trading port. Mombasa's history dates back to the 16th century and it has been ruled by the Portuguese, Arabs and British-which have all influenced the town's culture and the attractions that still exist including historical ruins such as Fort Jesus and the Old Town. The Portugese explorer, Vasco Da Gama, landed here in 1498 and established a Portugese colony at the coast. Arabs from Oman later took over the city, leaving their mark on the region.
Mombasa has a vibrant Swahili culture. There are a range of hotels to the north and south of Mombasa, known as the North and South coast respectively
The coastal city of Mombasa is one of Africa's major tourist destinations, with some of the best beaches in the world. Located on Kenya's Eastern coastline bordering the Indian Ocean, Mombasa has become popular for its exotic beaches, diverse marine life, world-class hotels and friendly people.
The local people are extremely helpful and courteous and gladly welcome foreigners who come to visit their country. Kenya is by far the most visited destination along Eastern Africa, and is renown all over the world for the quality of its wildlife and beaches.
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 – Malindi is 1 hour away
Local Time: 17:56 PM | GMT: 14:56 PM | Mar 11, 2010
