Mombasa

Over the centuries the mombasa town has struggled with numerous foreign invaders and hostility. The Portuguese, the ferocious Zimba tribe, and the Omanis have all laid claim to Mombasa since the 12th century. By the late 1800s it became the base of exploration for British expeditions to Kenya's interior. In 1988, the Imperial British East Africa Company set up headquarters in Mombasa. British rule of Mombasa became official in 1895 when they leased a stretch of the coast including the port city from the Sultan of Zanzibar. Officially this coastal strip still belonged to Zanzibar until ceded to a newly independent Kenya in 1963.

The British affirmed Mombasa's importance as East Africa's most vital port when they completed a railway in 1901 stretching from Mombasa to Uganda. Today, the mombasa city remains one of Africa's major links to the rest of the world. Built on a 15 sq km island, Mombasa is surrounded by a natural harbor. The mainland coasts north and south of the city boast a proliferation of tourist resorts. Within the city itself, a traveler has numerous opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Fort Jesus is perhaps mombasa's biggest attraction as it dominates the harbor entrance. This Portuguese stronghold was built in 1593 to fend off local enemies and Turkish warships. It is a monumental piece of architecture that was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. The fort has a museum that provide an interesting tour back through history and displays various artifacts from the era where Mombasa served as a transit point for the slave trade and commodities. The Omani House, located in the north-western corner of the fort has fascinating displays on Swahili life and breathtaking views over the old town.


Mombasa Old Town features a smattering of styles and traditions common to coastal Swahili villages and late 19th century Indian and British colonial architecture. Although its history goes back centuries, most of the houses in Old Town are generally no more than 100 years old. Nevertheless, many of these buildings were modeled on ancient Swahili designs and feature intricately carved doors and door frames. The Muslim influence can also be seen in the construction of balconies, their support brackets, and detailed lattice work. This area of Mombasa is well worth exploring.

DINNER IN A DHOW

Enjoy seafood dinner on board a dhow with entertainment by a resident band.

FULL-DAY MOMBASA JAHAZI CREEK SAFARI

Tour the historic Mombasa Island on a dhow cruise. This is a full-day activity that takesyou to a floating market and other sights along the coastline.

Bamburi Nature Trail

The Bamburi Nature Trail is the largest animal sanctuary in Mombasa. Located in Bamburi next to the Cement Factory, the Nature Trail boasts an enormous variety of animals, reptiles, insects and botanical gardens. Walking along the trail is the ideal way to look at the various animals, and on many occasions holding or feeding a reptile such as a snake is allowed under close supervision of a guide. Educational videos are also shown, with emphasis on the the history and continuous improvement of the trail. It was previously a barren piece of land that had been stripped of its resources through limestone mining, and was redeveloped through reforestation and conservation efforts, and is now a habitat for a large number of flora and fauna species.
Mombasa beach holiday | mombasa airport transfer | mombasa accommodation | mombasa city tour

Bombolulu Workshops

The Bobmbolulu workshops are located along the north coast of Mombasa. Founded in 1969, Bombolulu Workshops is a Project of the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya (APDK). It is a major Tourist attraction which consists of a Cultural Centre with 8 traditional homesteads. The Centre also runs a traditional Restaurant and entertains guests with traditional dances throughout the day. The Centre is run by the "Association for the physically disabled" and employs 150-disabled craftsmen/women who produce jewellery, handprinted textiles, wood carvings and leather crafts. The products are sold in a large showroom and exported to 20 countries. Bombolulu Workshops have grown to be one of the biggest rehabilitation centres in Kenya and has built a reputation as one of Kenyans most reliable exporters.

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. A well-informed and educated guide gives a tour of the ruins. The ruins are designated as a National Museum by law, and their preservation are a direct reflection of the commitment of the Government to uphold the country's cultural and historical background
Mombasa beach holiday | mombasa airport transfer | mombasa accommodation | mombasa city tour

mamba village

Mombasa Mamba Village, which is situated in Nyali, is East Africa's largest crocodile farm. A tour of the farm starts with a movie on the life cycle and behaviour of crocodiles, followed by a comprehensive tour of the rest of farm, and ends with the highlight of the day: a spectacular scene of blood-thirsty crocodiles fighting for food during feeding time. Excellent cuisine is available at the Mamba Restaurant, and the house specialty is superbly grilled crocodile meat. Souvenirs of your visit can be bought at the Mamba Souvenir shop located within the village.

FULL-DAY WASINI ISLAND TOUR

A day's excursion to one of the neighboring islands. Cross over to Wasini Island in a boat as you are greeted by a host of dolphins. A guided tour of the island follows before a seafood lunch. Afternoon is packed with water games, which include snorkeling, etc. Return to your hotel before sunset.

Accommodation on your Beach holiday

Mombasa has many hotels situated along its white sandy beaches as well as in the heart of town. The best hotels can be found along the North Coast, where hotel rooms are just yards away from the warm sandy beaches. Most of the newer hotels are situated on the South Coast and further along the North Coast.

All of the hotels have their own themes which they express in their individual layout and services. During the day, visitors are kept busy by engaging in the assortment of activities that hotel staff plans for all age groups. Trips to nearby attractions, tours of the Town, Safari trips, Deep Sea Fishing charters and other water-based activities are only some of a long list of activities that one can participate in. Many of the hotels also have recreational facilities such as gymnasiums and tennis courts.

Nightly entertainment is provided on a daily basis, and usually consists of an array of intriguing performances by local artists such as fire eating, tribal dances and breathtaking acrobatic shows. Hotels usually have a number of bars located over the breath of the hotel, and some even have their own clubs on their premises.

Please click here for a list of hotels situated along the North & South Coast of Mombasa as well as a few hotels situated within the city center.

SAFARI FROM MOMBASA

FULL-DAY TSAVO EAST TOUR

Depart early in the morning for Tsavo East National Park and after one-and-a-half-hours you are already on a game drive in this game-studded park. Lunch at Voi Safari Lodge, whose location on a cliff affords you the view of the animals as they take turns in the nearby water hole.

Afternoon game-drive before embarking on the return journey to Mombasa.

ONE-NIGHT TSAVO EAST/SALT LICK

Depart early for Tsavo East National Park. Arrive for morning game drive.

Lunch at Voi Safari Lodge. Afternoon, depart for Hilton Lodge, located a private game ranch. Retire to the stilt-erected Hilton Salt Lick Lodge.

The watering hole adjacent to the lodge is a hive of activities, with the animals taking turns to drink water. Morning game-drive the following day. Depart for Mombasa after lunch.

3 NIGHTS TSAVO EAST/WEST AMBOSELI

Travel to Tsavo West National Park. After two hours from Mombasa, you are already on your morning game drive. Your meals and overnight will be at Kilaguni Lodge.

Mzima Springs, the Chyulu Hills and the Shetani Lava Flow, coupled with game, will no doubt make it a worthwhile outing. On the second day you will cross over to the foot of the majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro.

During our game drives, you are guaranteed seeing the biggest herds of elephants in the midst of a host of plains game. On the third day you will depart after breakfast and head South to the biggest national park, Tsavo East. Game drives and return to Mombasa on the fourth day.

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