Mombasa City Tour
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BRIEF NOTES ABOUT THIS PLACE
Mombasa was once the first capital of Kenya and the traditional gateway to East and Central Africa. This coastal city is rich in history and culture, offering remarkable attractions. The old town, with its narrow streets, ancient port, and vibrant spice market, reflects Mombasa’s historical significance as a bustling trading center.
Founded around 900 A.D., Mombasa’s location along the Indian Ocean has long made it a crucial hub for trade and cultural exchange. Its strategic position attracted numerous powers over the centuries, each leaving its mark on the city’s architecture, cuisine, and traditions. The city’s diverse heritage is a testament to its role as a crossroads of civilizations, making Mombasa not only a major urban center but also a living museum of history. Kenyan history books often highlight its founding around 900 A.D., emphasizing its long-standing importance in the region.
discovering mombasa
We depart from Diani at 8:00 am and drive to Mombasa, a distance of 35 km including a 500-meter ferry crossing and head to the famous elephant tusks which are found along Moi Avenue. These were initially commissioned to commemorate the visit of Princess Margaret (Queen Elizabeth’s sister) in 1952, when Kenya was still a British Colony. The tusks are meant to represent the entrance to the city of Mombasa and are the city’s most popular landmark.
Then we visit Fort Jesus Museum that was built by the Portuguese at the end of the 14th century at the southern edge of the town of Mombasa, over a spur of coral rock, and kept under their control for one century. Fort Jesus is an example of the first successful attempt by Western civilization to rule the Indian ocean trade routes which until then had remained under Omani Arab rule. The design of the fort with its proportions, its imposing walls and five bastions, reflects military architecture and bears physical witness in its structure and design.
Later we will explore the old town where you will walk along the narrow streets and visit the old harbor where you will see the old Arabic style boats and one of the oldest mosques in the city. We will then proceed to the market where you will learn about food spices, foods and vegetables, depending on the guests we can have lunch at the forodhani Restaurant or go back to Diani for lunch.
Half day activity
Activity level
Safe for kids.
clothing
Any walking comfortable wear.
Necessary kit
About mombasa attractions
elephant tusks
The monument initially featured two wooden structures shaped like tusks. Today, it has been transformed into four aluminum tusks arranged in an M shape.
Arabic boats
These boats, which once transported cargo along Kenya’s coast to Arab states, have been renovated into floating restaurants.
market
Lions are considered the kings of the savannah, and it is estimated that there are more than 100 individuals in the park and the surrounding area.