Island City, Old Town & Fort
Coastal Kenya, Kenya
Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city and an important centre of modern Kenyan coastal and national culture. Actually an island connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries, the city is a place steeped in history, yet at the same time is a fascinating commercial and cosmopolitan port town.
The town overlooks a wide harbour, where commercial shipping mingles with traditional sailing dhows. The true heart of Mombasa, however, is found in the exotic Mombasa Old Town, among the narrow winding streets and Arab architecture. The air here is always heavy with the scent of spices.
Women wearing the traditional 'bui bui' fill the narrow streets and busy markets. At the dhow docks fresh fish and goods from all along the coast arrive daily. The streets are alive with the bright colours of the traditional coastal khanga and kikoy, the all purpose wrap-around cloth worn by both men and women.
Background
Modern Mombasa is a city of great diversity and life. This is a town were all are welcomed and quickly absorbed into this great coastal melting pot. Mosques, Hindu Temples and Christian churches surround streets that thrive with a world of cultures. Mombasa is a place where both history and progress are greatly valued, where a busy harbour existence is lived at its own unique, tropical pace.
At the waters edge is Fort Jesus, an imposing fort that stands watch over the harbour. The high gun turrets, battlements and underground passages of this 16th century Fort were the centre of a historic struggle for control of the Kenya coast between the Portuguese army and the Shirazi Arabs. This war was waged around Mombasa over hundreds of years and countless battles, and the Fort stands as a testament to this tumultuous past.
Relaxing
Mombasa is a great city for food. There is a diverse range of restaurants, but the real attraction is seafood with excellent fish, crabs, lobster, oysters and more. There is also an abundance of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables. Visitors should also try Swahili Cuisine, a traditional blend of Arabic and African cooking styles. Swahili specialities are mild curries made from a thick coconut sauce, and seafood cooked with cloves and cinnamon.
The city has an interesting music scene, and the clubs and bars are a good place to see live bands. This is also a good place to find Taarab bands and musicians, playing traditional Swahili music.