destinations | kenya


Fort Jesus, Mombasa FIVE MINUTE GUIDE: MOMBASA


 ABOUT: Kenya’s second city lies on the east coast of Africa and is home to 1.2 million people. Its ideal position for trade across the Indian Ocean means it has been fought over and conquered by various nations since the 12th century to use as an important trade port. Arabian rule took over in the 12th century, followed by a century of Portuguese power in the 16th, back to Omani Arabian rule, then a protectorate of Britain in the 19th century until Mombasa became independent in 1963. Today, this exotic paradise in the African tropics is a cosmopolitan hub with much to offer visitors.


 OLD TOWN: The beautiful, ancient architecture of Mombasa’s Old Town reflects the societies that once ruled here — mainly the Portuguese, Arabian and British, along with influences from Asian countries who traded here. Old


buildings with delicately carved doors and elegant balconies border the winding narrow streets. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Fort Jesus Museum, built by Portuguese military at the end of the 16th century, is a historic highlight. It houses ceramics, pottery, Omani jewelry and displays on Swahili life. Its ancient battlements and Omani house, which was home to the Sultan, now house research programs and the Old Town conservation office.


 WATER ACTIVITIES: Mombasa is a coral outcrop on the Indian Ocean, connected to mainland east Africa by a causeway. Its immediate proximity to the sea and nearby creeks mean it is great for water-related activities. Diani, Nyali and Bamburi beaches are popular for sunbathing, swimming and strolling along, while the Mombasa Marine National Park is fantastic for snorkeling and scuba diving


in the coral reefs, sea grass and mangroves. Many water activities are offered along the seafront and Mtwapa Creek, including jet skiing, water skiing, banana boats, peddle boats and kayaks. Trips on dhows over to Wasini Island or for sunset cruises are quite spectacular.


 NATURE PARKS: Mombasa is great for nature lovers. Haller Park (formerly Bamburi Nature Trails) is popular with families for its wildlife, butterfly and bird watching sanctuaries and has a reptile park within a lush forest and tranquil lake setting. Shimba Hills National Reserve is a peaceful place to see endangered animal, bird and plant species in beautiful surroundings of waterfalls, rainforest, savannahs and lily ponds. Its biggest draws include leopards, sable antelopes and some of Kenya’s highest concentrations of elephants. Mamba Village Center is home to East Africa’s largest


crocodile farm, a reptile house and aquarium, while Mombasa Butterfly House, located inside Fort Jesus, is a world-class eco- tourism haven for Lepidoptera.


 FOOD: Coastal cuisine is colorful, and aromatic from herbs and spices brought by Arab and Indian traders, with many dishes being a delicious fusion of cultures. Mombasa is renowned for smoky nyama choma, touted as the national dish, and Mishkak, a Swahili barbecued beef shish kebab is also extremely popular. The sea-to-table scene is flourishing, with dishes such as local mangrove oysters, Kiboma (saltwater fish) pweza (octopus), and Kenyan fish curry being some of the favorites. Mkate wa sinia (coconut rice cake) is a tasty sweet snack eaten with tea, and kaimati are syrupy crunchy dumplings enjoyed mainly in the evenings from street vendors.


274 | ASTA | Worldwide Destination Guide 2021/22


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