Mombasa is life playing out under historic settings.
Located on Kenya’s Eastern coastline
bordering the Indian Ocean, Mombasa has become popular for its exotic beaches
(such as Nyali, Kenyatta, Bamburi and Tiwi), diverse marine life, world-class
hotels and friendly people. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean cater to all
types of tourists: those looking for a quiet swim, a place for kids to play,
deep-sea fishing, and water sports activities such as scuba diving and sailing.
Hot and humid, Mombasa is the biggest
port on the east coast of Africa serving five different countries, and sits at
the beginning of the only railway that crosses the Kenyan interior.
On an island linked to the mainland by
bridges, Mombasa is surrounded by a natural harbour where commercial shipping
mixes with traditional sailing dhows. The entrance to the harbour is protected
by the commanding 16th-century fort, Fort Jesus, whose remnants tell the story
of a historic struggle for control of the coast between the Portuguese and
Arabs. Behind, on Treasury Square, is the Government Game Department's Ivory
Room, exhibiting elephant tusks, rhinoceros horns, hippopotamus teeth and other
animal trophies confiscated from poachers or taken from dead animals on the
reserve.
The Old Town retains a strong Arab
flavour and is the true heart of the city. It is best to visit this area with
an official guide as mugging is not uncommon. It is well worth making the
effort though so you can experience the intricate pattern of winding streets
that are crammed with faded houses and street sellers, and filled with the
heavy scent of spices. It is a colourful and vibrant city with much to offer.
The weather in Mombasa is best summed
up as hot and humid and fairly stable all year round. The warmest period is
between December and April with average temperatures of about 31°C. It is
cooler between July and August at about 28°C.
The main rainy season is April, May and
Jun, but this is just showery rain as opposed to monsoons. A lesser rainy
period is from October to November.
The monthly average temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
32 |
32 |
32 |
31 |
29 |
28 |
28 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
31 |
|
Night |
23 |
23 |
24 |
24 |
23 |
21 |
21 |
21 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
23 |
Mombasa is a great place to buy traditional Kenyan crafts and
clothing. The city is full of markets that give visitors a genuine taste
of Mombasan life as well as the opportunity to purchase hand crafted wooden
furniture, sculpture, toys, jewellery, and baskets. They are worth exploring if
not for bargains then simply for atmosphere. There is a large central fish
market, and several produce market including the large Maembe Tayari (Fresh
Mango) market.
Mombasa is home to excellent woodcarvers from all over Kenya,
producing many traditional designs. But the coastal speciality is fine
woodwork, including furniture, and Swahili boxes, intricately carved and inlaid
with brass, copper or marble work and Makonde. These are beautiful and
intricate carvings.
The Biashara (swahili word for
'trade' ) Street in the middle of Mombasa Island is a good place to look
for Khangas, kikoys and kitenges, which are the brightly
coloured traditional coastal textiles worn as clothing or head wrappings.
When you shop make sure that you do not
pay the price straight, negotiate first.
If you want to go some larger shops:
·
Nakumatt in Nyali or near the Likoni
Ferry
·
Nawal Center ne Membe Tyari
·
Bawarzier Plaza near the Market
·
Bestlady Supermarket Digo Road
Nightlife in Mombasa is always
exciting, and the City offers many dance clubs and casinos that cater to a variety
of entertainment tastes. Or, you can always catch a movie at the cinema, go
bowling, or grab a drink at the local pub.
Here are a few clubs, bars and casinos:
·
Bora Bora Night Club
·
Il Covo Bar
·
Jungle Village
·
Mamba International Night Club
·
Pirates
·
Starion
·
Florida Beach Casino
·
Gold Key Casino
·
Nyali Beach Hotel Casino
·
Royal Casino
As well as visiting the near-by
beaches, you could also do the following:
·
Dhow safari
·
Mamba Village and crocodile farm tour
·
Haller Park
·
Wasini Island trip
·
Tsavo East National Park
·
Deep sea fishing
·
Visit Gedi ruins
·
Safari
Take medical advice before travelling
as to what inoculations you should have. Only drink bottled water and only eat
food that has been thoroughly cooked and avoid unpeeled fruit.
Mosquitoes are an issue so ensure you
take plenty of repellent with you and sleep under a mosquito net. The sun will
be very strong so cover up and ensure you have sufficient high factor sun cream
with you.
Mombasa is safe provided you stick to a
few commonsense rules. Travelling during the day is generally considered safe.
However, as with many tourist areas, crime does happen to ensure you do not
carry valuables with you or travel documents etc. Travel in groups and only in
daylight and avoid any secluded beaches or areas of the city.
