Mombasa City

 Mombasa city was the first capital of British East Africa, before Nairobi was elevated to capital status in 1907. The city is chief port of Kenya, situated on a coralline island in a bay of the Indian Ocean.  The mainland municipal territory is approx. 100sq m by causeway, bridge, and ferry covering an area of 5.5 sq m. Mombasa’s history is traced from the writings of the 16th century, many traders attempted to enforce their governance on the town due to its advantageous location, and Arab influence is still predominantly felt.

Economically, its 2nd after Nairobi, formerly one of the districts, after 2013, it was reconstituted as a county on same boundaries. This is the smallest county in Kenya, the county borders Kilifi County to the north, Kwale County to the south west and the Indian Ocean to the east. Administratively, the county is divided into 7 divisions, 8 locations and 30 sub-locations.

Mombasa has 2 ports, Mombasa Old Port on the island’s east side and Kilindini Harbour on the west. The old port is now only used by dhows and small craft, bringing trade from Arabia, the Persian Gulf, and India. The old city architecture is strongly Middle Eastern, narrow streets, high houses with carved ornamental balconies, Mosques and Temples.  

Fort Jesus is located here; it was built by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1595 and is now a museum. Other places of worship include; Anglican and Roman Catholic Cathedrals. The Hindu temple was built in 1952 and has a gilded dome. Mombasa has historical and cultural attractions that has made it a popular tourist destination.

Diani Beach is located 19 mi south of Mombasa in Kwale County, the inhabitants of this area are the Digo, who are the 9th ethnic community known as the Mijikenda. Diani is one of the most prominent tourism resort areas in Kenya. The beach here, is one of the greatest water sports destinations in East Africa and ranked amongst the world’s best beaches.

North of Mombasa is Watamu, a small coastal town and 37 mins (14.6 mi) drive to Malindi, the largest urban centre in Kilifi County. Between Watamu and Malindi sits a 10km beach, which has been voted the best beach in the region twice. Malindi is home to the Vasco da Gama Pillar, the Portuguese Chapel, the Gede Ruins, and the Malindi Marine Park.

Watamu is known for Watamu Marine National Park & Reserve with 3 bays namely; Watamu, Blue Lagoon and Turtle defined by sandy beaches and coral gardens and turtles. Mida Creek with its sand flats and mangrove forest is inhabited by Seabirds, Green and Hawksbill turtles. Inland is the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, home to the blue, red and common duikers, vervet monkeys, baboons, Sokoke’s scop owl, savannah elephants and African civets.

The Uniqueness of this City: 

• Mombasa is the chief port of Kenya
• The only coastline in Kenya
• Historical & Cultural attractions
• Dining in a Cave at the Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant in Diani Beach
• The Kongo Mosque deemed the oldest structure in Diani

Accommodation Options:

• Sarova Whitesands Hotel beach Hotel
• Serena Beach Resort & Spa
• Diamonds Dream of Africa
• Hemingways, Watamu
• Kinondo Kwetu
• Swahili Beach Resort
• The Sands at Nomad
• The Sands at Chale Island
• The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel
• AfroChic, Diani
• Almara Luxury Boutique Hotel & Villas
• Alfajiri Villas, Diani
• Palm Garden Boutique Hotel
• The Villa, Diani

Places of interest: 

• Mombasa City Tour
• Malindi Tour
• Akamba Handicraft Society 
• Mida Creek
• Malindi Marine National Park
• Watamu Marine National Park
• Bio Ken Snake Park
• Gedi Ruins
• The Falconry of Kenya
• Vasco Da Gama Pillar 
• Portuguese chapel
• Mayungu Public Beach
• Takwa Ruins
• Kipepeo Market
• Malindi Museum
• Portuguese Church
• Arabuko Sokoke National Park
• Marafa – Hell’s Kitchen
• Sky Diving
• Scuba Diving
• Water Sport activities
• Big Game Fishing
• Dhow Trips
• Tour to the parks close by – Shimba Hills National Park, Tsavo East/West National Park & Amboseli National Park