Sit on the beach, go for a swim, buy your kangas and
explore by tuk tuk - your Mombasa holiday awaits
Free guide to what to see and do and where to stay in
Mombasa
Mombasa lies on the Indian Ocean coastal region in Kenya and serves
as the country’s major port and international airport. Tourism is its
major source of revenue. This city derived its name from the Arabic term
'manbasa', which directly translates to 'island of war'. Mombasa's
population is just under three-quarters of a million. There are two
creeks, which separate the city and the mainland: Kilindini Harbor and
Tudor Creek. Nyali Bridge connects the city and the mainland.
The people who live in Mombasa are known as Mijikenda’s or Swahili
people. Swahili women in Mombasa dress in printed cotton cloths, which
they refer to as 'kangas' which often have inspirational messages
printed on them. The Muslim women don clothing, which they refer to as 'bui
bui'. They also wear a covering on their heads, which they refer to as a
hijaab. Other women put on nikabs or ninjas, which are veils. The bui
bui's are usually black in colour. The men don clothing, which they call
'sarongs'. Kikoi's are common amongst the coastal people. Muslims make
up the majority of Mombasa's population.
There are many places to visit in Mombasa - for example, Fort Jesus
which was built by the Portuguese during Kenya's colonial time. There is
also the Old Town which shows off Islamic architecture. During the
colonial period, Arabs and Indian merchants conducted their trade along
Biashara Street which can still be found in the old section of Mombasa.
This is where most people engage in the sale of kikois and kangas. There
is also a place known as 'light house' where people go to enjoy cassava
crisps and coconut water, which the natives refer to as 'maji ya mnazi'.
A good time to visit is during the evening hours when there is plenty of
entertainment going on.
Mombasa is humid and warm and also has a unique topographical features
such that when it rains, it is still humid. The wettest periods during
the year are May and April, while the sunny season lasts from January to
February. The main commercial activity that takes place in Mombasa
nowadays is trading. The Kilindini harbour has contributed to the
expansion of trade in this city.
Most tourists who visit Kenya go to Mombasa. It has long stretches of
sandy beaches and the weather is conducive to water sports, swimming or
just relaxing while enjoying the view of the ocean. There is no major
public transport system in Mombasa although there is a railway station.
If you have a car, there are major highways which connect most of the
smaller towns in this coastal region. Alternatively Tuk tuks are small
motorbike-like vehicles that most tourists use to move from one point to
another. They are affordable and enable a person to enjoy the beautiful
scenery in Mombasa.
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