Mombasa – Kenya’s Coastal City, Mombasa has a rich past that can be seen in its buildings and in the way the streets are filled with people from Arabic, Portuguese, Asian, and Swahili cultures.In the old sense of the word, this is a true foreign port. Over the years, Mombasa has been ruled by many traders, tourists, and pirates. Each group has changed the food, culture, and atmosphere of this old coastal city.

You can get lost in the Old Town’s bright bazaar, which is full of clothes, spices, and other goods that make you feel like you’re in a different time and place.

But there are wide, clean beaches close by that hug the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. In between, great historic places like the famous Fort Jesus will draw you in with stories of how it was taken over and used to control the trade routes to the east.

Spices and Other Things

A unique feature of Mombasa’s Old Town is the collection of shops where people sell goods smelling like cardamon, turmeric, pepper, curry, and other spices. There are too many smells, people, bargaining, and activities to take in.

The strong spices used here are also used in the food stands, so try some of the local food while you shop for gifts, carvings, fabrics, jewelry, and other things in these busy back alleys.

Taarind Dhow Cruise Mombasa, Kenya, Africa Two Kenya Safaris by Diane Beachm Kenya in Africa Safaris in Kenya

Mombasa is a port that is hundreds of years old and still has Arabian effects. It has nice beaches where you can relax, and it’s not unusual to see a camel walk by. You can get on one of these calm animals and ride it along the beach while you look out at the port and the water.

In the calm seas of the Indian Ocean, you might see an Arabian dhow. Join in the fun by going for a sail at sunset and dinner on one of these real ships.

The History of Fort Jesus in Real Life

It’s possible that no other fort in the world has been through as much trouble and change as Mombasa’s Fort Jesus. Since the 1600s, nine different groups have taken over the huge fort with its strong walls. This is because whoever controlled the fort also controlled the trade lines to the east.

So, over the ages, there were many waves of fighting between the Portuguese, Muslim soldiers, Swahili warriors, and British colonists. Because people from many cultures went through the fort’s walls, it shows their architectural styles. For example, there are European cannon batteries and Koranic writings all over the stronghold.

There is also a marine park in Mombasa.

In addition to being near the coast, there is a beautiful underground world to explore close to the city. There are many kinds of tropical fish, sea urchins, crabs, starfish, octopus, rays, turtles, and dolphins that live in the great coral reef at Mombasa Marine National Park.

Also, if you want to do more than just snorkel and dive, try waterskiing, jet skiing, sailing, or windsurfing during your holiday.

Along with all the fun things to do in Mombasa during the day, the city also has a lively evening with lots of restaurants, bars, and clubs. There are both old and new faces from around the world. We also offer dozens of different kinds of adventures that you can go on safari in or outside of the city. African Kenya Safaris can show you this busy and interesting city in Kenya.