Each time I leave Mombasa, I feel as though I have left a little piece of me behind. There’s something about the character of the place and the people that is beautiful and unpretentious, and leaves me with a sense of wonderment.
Mombasa is the epitome of captivating scenery, with its soft white sandy beaches, swaying palms and azure Indian Ocean. I have found that one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the beaches in Mombasa is atop a camel. Camel rides are offered on the beaches outside most beach hotels and resorts at negotiable rates. There are also a variety of beach vendors selling locally made beautifully carved wooden and soapstone curios, jewellery, batiks, paintings and ‘khangas’ (traditional pieces of brightly coloured fabric worn by East African women as a wrap-around garment) amongst other items. If you are up for a couple of hours of sitting on the beach while someone tugs at your hair, you can also get your hair braided or have Wanja (black henna) applied on your hands or as a temporary ‘tattoo’! If the heat is getting to you, there are plenty of hawkers selling refreshing ‘Madafu’ (coconut water) right out of the baby coconuts.
But Mombasa is also so much more than just sun and sand. If you are able to tear yourself away from the beaches, there is an abundance of places to explore and things to experience in and around Mombasa that will make your trip that much more fulfilling.
Located in the heart of town on Mombasa’s ever-busy Moi Avenue is its famous landmark depicted by two pairs of giant intersecting tusks which spell the letter ‘M’ for Mombasa. These ‘Tusks’ were built directly on the path from the port to the town to honour the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the town in 1952. Moi Avenue provides an interesting opportunity for exploration as it is lined with a double row of souvenir shops and stalls.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mombasa 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 Swahili and Arab town in order to guard the Old Port of Mombasa. Today the Fort houses a museum and you can view the torture rooms and prison cells where slaves were held in captivity.
Exotic old town Mombasa is steeped in history and features styles and traditions common to coastal Swahili villages and late 19th century Indian and British colonial architecture. Although most of the houses here are no more than about a hundred years old, they present beautifully intricate carved doors and door frames modelled on Swahili designs. The narrow winding streets and busy markets here are alive with the vibrant colours of the traditional coastal ‘khangas’ worn by both men and women. This area of Mombasa is definitely worth exploring and walking guides are readily available.
If flora and fauna are what you’re looking for then the three places that are a must-visit 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 home to famous best friends Owen the Hippo and Mzee the tortoise. The Shimba Hills game reserve is located south of Mombasa and is a tropical rain forest known for its abundant wildlife, renowned for its night-time game viewing and is also home to the rare sable antelope. The Mamba Village is East Africa’s largest crocodile farm where you can witness these remarkable beasts fight for food during feeding time in the evenings.
So the next time you’re in Mombasa, aim to venture outside of your hotel and soak up the culture and history of the island…and I guarantee you, you won’t be disappointed!
