Every time I leave Mombasa, I feel as if I have left a little piece of myself behind. There is something about the character of the place and the people that is beautiful and unassuming, and leaves me with a sense of wonder.
Mombasa is the epitome of captivating scenery, with its soft white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and azure Indian Ocean. I found that one of the most fun ways to explore Mombasa’s beaches is on a camel. Camel rides are offered on the beaches outside most hotels and beach resorts at negotiable prices. There are also a variety of vendors on the beach selling curios, jewelry, batiks, paintings, and ‘khangas’ (traditional pieces of brightly colored cloth worn by East African women as a wrap), among other items. If you’re up for a couple of hours to sit on the beach while someone pulls your hair, you can also braid your hair or apply Wanja (black henna) to your hands or as a temporary ‘tattoo’! If the heat is getting to you, there are many street vendors selling refreshing ‘Madafu’ (coconut water) directly from small coconuts.
But Mombasa is also much more than just sun and sand. If you can get away from the beaches, there are plenty of places to explore and things to experience in and around Mombasa that will make your trip that much more satisfying.
Located in the heart of the city, on Mombasa’s always busy Moi Avenue, is its famous monument represented by two pairs of giant tusks that intersect to form the letter ‘M’ for Mombasa. These ‘Tusks’ were built directly on the road from the harbor to the city in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the city in 1952. Moi Avenue provides an interesting opportunity to explore as it is lined with a double row of high street shops souvenirs and stalls. .
One of Mombasa’s most popular tourist attractions is the famous Fort Jesus, built in the shape of a man by the Portuguese in the late 16th century, about a mile from the old Arab and Swahili city to protect Mombasa’s Old Port. Today the Fort houses a museum and you can see the torture rooms and prison cells where the slaves were held captive.
Mombasa’s exotic old town is steeped in history and features styles and traditions common to Swahili seaside towns and late 19th century Indian and British colonial architecture. Although most of the houses here are not more than a hundred years old, they feature beautifully intricate carved doors and door frames modeled in Swahili designs. The narrow winding streets and busy markets are alive with the vibrant colors of the traditional coastal ‘khangas’ worn by both men and women. This area of Mombasa is definitely worth exploring and walking guides are available.
If it’s flora and fauna you’re looking for, then the three must-see places are Haller Park in Bamburi, Shimba Hills Game Reserve and the famous Mamba Village in Nyali. Haller Park is Mombasa’s largest animal sanctuary and is home to a variety of animals and botanical gardens. It is also the home of famous best friends Owen the hippo and Mzee the turtle. Shimba Hills Game Reserve is located south of Mombasa and is a tropical rain forest known for its abundant wildlife, famous for its nocturnal game viewing and is also home to the rare sable antelope. Mamba Village is the largest crocodile farm in East Africa, where you can watch these remarkable beasts fight for food during their nightly feeding time.
So the next time you’re in Mombasa, venture outside of your hotel and soak up the culture and history of the island…and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!