Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya, lying on the Indian Ocean. It has a major port and an international airport. The city is the centre of the coastal tourism industry. The original Arabic name is Manbasa; in Swahili it is called Kisiwa Cha Mvita (or Mvita for short), which means "Island of War", due to the many changes in its ownership. The town is also the headquarters of  Mombasa District which, like most other districts in Kenya, is named after its chief town.

The city has a population of 727,842 and is located on  Mombasa Island, which is separated from the mainland by two creeks;Tudor Creek and Kilindini Harbour. The island is connected to the mainland to the north by the Nyali Bridge, to the south by the Likoni Ferry and to the west by the Makupa Causeway, alongside which runs the Uganda Railway. The port serves both Kenya and countries of the interior, linking them to the Ocean. The town is served by Moi International Airport.

Mombasa Old Town

Dating from the 13th century it’s easy to be transported back in time when wandering around the Old won in Mombasa, which has similarities to Lamu and stone town in Zanzibar. The narrow winding streets are overhung by filigree timber balconies and houses have intricately carved wooden doors, a symbol of status for the merchant residents whom commissioned them. Alongside the more recent Indian and colonial styles of architecture. Within the Old Town there are more than 20 mosques. During the 1800s slaves were shipped from the harbour as well as spices and mangrove poles. The Old Town has protected status as a result of a 1985 conservation project. 

Fort Jesus 

This Portuguese fort, built in 1593 is a huge bastion with a key position overlooking the old port of Mombassa. One of he oldest European buildings in Africa, it is surrounded by a deep moat. Designed by Joao BatistoCairato, to protect Portuguese interests in East Africa, it is considered one of the finest examples of 16-century Portuguese military architecture. During the ferocious battles between the Portuguese and the Omani Arabs between the 16th and 18th centuries, the fort changed hands nine times. Subsequently, when Kenya became a British protectorate, in 1895, the fort was turned into a prison and remained so until 1958. Thereafter it was declared a national monument and made into museum. The museum houses artifacts from other coastal historical sites and the shipwreck of the San Antoni de Tana which sank off Fort Jesus in 1697. In the evening the fort hosts a son et lumière show Men baring fire torches mark the entrance to the fort as visitors are given a presentation of the coasts turbulent history followed by dinner served in Portuguese attire. 

Other places of interest include:

Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve

The Baobab Adventure

Haller Park – a magnificent example of land reclamation by the Bamburi Cement Company named in order of Rene Haller who instigated the project over the past 30 years. Leafy oasis, game sanctuary, nature trail commercial fish farm – antelope, hippo, giant tortoise and Rothschild’s giraffe, crocodile, snake park and palmetium. Bamburi Forest rails – picnicking BBQ Butterfly Pavilion, 

Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary, 5km from Haller Park reclaimed park Masai ostrich eland and oryx and bird life (260 species). 

Mamba Village – crocodile farm with 10, 00 crocodiles, camel rides and horse riding. 

Ngomongo villages – representation of ten of Kenya tribes illustrating traditional homesteads, dress and activities. 

Jumba la Mtwana (Mansion of the Slave)

2kms north of Mtwapa Creek (10 minutes from the Serena Beach Hotel) this national monument contains the remains of a 15th century Swahili slaving settlement and three ruined mosques. Jumba la Mtwana is open daily 8am to 6pm and fees are payable upon entry. Location: The site is signposted 1 km north of Mtwapa Bridge.

Mnarani Ruins 

Just south of Kilifi creek the remains of a 15th century Swahili settlement including a magnificent pillar tomb and Friday mosque. 

Bombolulu

Bombolulu is a crafts training school and manufacturing centre that employs over 260 disabled people, mostly polio victims. It features five handicraft workshops, all of which you can visit and the most famous of which is the jewellery workshop offering a wide variety of designs in metal and local materials such as old coins and seeds. There is also a cultural centre displaying six traditional homesteads, a central restaurant and dance floor where traditional crafts, cooking and farming are demonstrated. 

The Bombolulu workshops are open Monday to Friday 8am to 12.45pm and 2-5pm. There is also a cultural centre and craft showrooms. Location: Bombolulu is 3km north of Nyali Bridge.