Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya with an estimated population of about 1.2 million people. The City is the hub of tourism in Kenya and an important cultural and economic hub. Among the notable economic and tourism landmarks is an extra large port ,an international airport and access to the ocean. This wanderers’ destination is essentially linked to the mainland by ferry at likoni channel and bridges in Nyali , Makupa and Mtwapa
Mombasa has a cosmopolitan population, with the dorminant communities being Swahili people and Mijikenda .There are several other Kenyan communities like Akamba , Taita as well as a significant population of Luos and luhyas peoples from Western Kenya. The major religions practiced in the city are Islam, Christianity and Hinduism
Mombasa is a cultural thwarting destination. British, Arabic, Indian, Asian, Omanis, Indian, and Chinese immigrants have enriched the city’s architecture and brought savory multi-cuisines. This destination offers travelers an exotic tang of the rich African culture flavored with rich history.
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Stretching north from Nyali, there are several nests of beach resorts, strands of shimmering coral reefs and sand white beaches . The pristine waters of the Indian Ocean offers everything from swimming and water sports to deep-sea fishing, sailing, and scuba diving. Mombasa also has an interesting cultural history as well as fascinating architecture. The city is made up of narrow webbed streets graced with numerous mosques and temples. In the Old Town, visitors see the wondrous ancient buildings including Fort Jesus, an architectural gem built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Beyond the city, are wildlife parks, smoky villages, and ancient ruins of untold past
Means of Getting to Mombasa County
Mombasa is accessible by bus, air or train from Nairobi. several companies offers several flights from Nairobi each day to Mombasa’s Moi International Airport . Kenya air ways offers flights from Mombasa to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) .Air Kenya,Fly540 and Jetlink are some of the companies that offer flights from Mombasa to Wilson Airport Nairobi. Visitors who wish to travel to Mombasa by rail can do so through the ultra modern standard gauge railway (SGR). SGR has terminus in Mombasa (Miritini), Nairobi (syokimau), Mariakani, Miasenyi, Voi, Mtitoandei, Kibwezi, Emali and Athi river. click herehttp://krc.co.ke/madaraka-express-rates/ for transport charges for SGR various terminus
These trains offer views of the countryside as well as meals, departing Every days of the week. Traveling to Mombasa by car is not recommended for tourists unless they have a local guide, but cars can be rented once in the city. Several classy bus companies take to and from Mombasa to Nairobi, Kisumu and many other Kenyan destinations.These include Tahameed , Modern Coast, Mash Poa and Coast Bus
Means of getting around Mombasa
Moving around in Mombasa County is easy either by taxis, Tuk tuks , Matatus and boats. There are several private and public boats that can be hired especially , around moorings Restaurant in Mtwapa and English Point Marina. The recent entrance of international Taxi company – UberX has made moving around Mombasa affordable . For those using their own cars, the system of driving still remains Keeping left unlike the west where you always drive on your right hand side.
Attractions and Heritage sites
Mombasa Tusks
Moi Avenue within the C.B.D in known for two pairs of giant aluminium elephant tusks . The tusks were commissioned in commemoration of a visit to Mombasa by princess Margret in 1956. A remarkable landmark the tusks signify entry to Mombasa city.
Old Town
Mombasa old Town is located to the east of Mombasa , adjacent to Tudor Creek . A visit to the old town allures the Arabic lifestyle and early slavery when the Portuguese governed the fort. The town is inhabited mainly by Asian, Arab and European origin. The rich Islamic architecture is highly demonstrated in chiseled outdoors, highly-wrought balconies in the narrow streets of the old buildings , sample savory Swahili cuisine , shop for souvenirs and antiques , scented oils and harbor spices
Fort Jesus
Fort Jesus is a Portuguese fort located in Old Town in Mombasa County . It was built between 1593 and 1596, by order of King Philip of Portugal , to guard the Old Port of Mombasa , Kenya. It was built in the shape of a man , and was given the name of Jesus. In 2011, the fort was declared a World Heritage Sites by UNESCO and highlighted as one of the most outstanding and well-preserved examples of 16th-century Portuguese military fortifications. Inside the Fort is a museum which exhibits vintage and vast collections of pottery , ceramics depicting the culture of various merchants who traded along the Coast. Within the compound are many battle ruins including Omani House believed to have been built in the late 18th Century. Inside the house is to be found vivid displays of Swahili life. Some of the historical structures still standing in the fort include Oman House, which was the house for Sultan who governed the East African coast. Others are an open water cistern by the Portuguese for harvesting rain water, and a 76-foot deep well sunk by the Arabs .Fort Jesus is now a popular destination for foreign and local tourists. As well as a tourist destination, the Fort is important as a host for numerous research programs, a Conservation Lab, an Education Department, and an Old Town Conservation Office.
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Haller Park
Haller Park is a nature park on the Kenyan coast along the Mombasa Malindi road, next to the Bamburi Cement factory. The park was formerly called Bamburi Nature Trails. It is the transformation of a quarry wasteland into an ecological area by Dr Rene Haller . Haller Park holds a variety of plant and animal species which serve as a recreation spot for tourists and locals. A dense evergreen shrub host zebras, giraffes, Cape buffalo, hippos and water bucks. Haller Park was the home of the renowned 130-year-old tortoise fondly called Mzee , sensation who adopted an orphaned hippo. The park is a home to several bird species including pelicans, storks, cranes and weaver birds. The sections of the park include the Nguuni Sanctuary, reptile park, fish farm,Butterfly Pavilion, crocodile pens, giraffe viewing area and palm gardens.
Nyali and Bamburi Beaches
The beaches of Nyali and Bamburi are home to a wide range of World Class resorts with fine cuisine and services. These Beaches are lined with pristine palm fringed beaches and the calm inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. The beaches are broken by the wide mouth of Kilifi Creek, whose azure waters are a popular port of call on the international yachting circuit. The offshore reefs are alive with coral, myriad fish, sea turtles , dolphins, palm lined beaches, coral reefs and crystal clear turquoise water which host a myriad of water sporting activities .
Mamba Village
Mamba Village is East Africa’s largest crocodile farm situated in Nyali Mombasa. The tour of the crocodile farm begins with a video presentation that introduces you to many reptile species and the valuable roles they play in the ecosystems of the world and the fascinating facts, such as the longevity of the species on earth, bite force and average life span. Guides also will enlighten you about the crocodile life cycle and behavior while you view live crocodiles of every size, from hatch-lings to fully-grown adults. Some crocodile displays are labeled with a description of age, length and weight.Visitors are often treated with a fascinating scene ,the daily crocodile feeding where the giants fight for fresh meat.The center also offers horse and camel riding lessons in their beauteous botanical garden. Visitors can also take a leisurely walk through the botanical gardens or enjoying a meal at the village restaurant that features a range of game meats, such as crocodile, zebra, ostrich and many other choices.
Mombasa Marine Park
Mombasa Marine Park is the allure of Kenya’s coast .It calls your name. Go there and ramble musingly in the sandy beach and coral gardens. You will gawp at the rolling wave’s bubbly destiny, and lose outside world to a refreshed soul. There you will feel the throb of the sea and a rousing pulse through your heart. As the whiff of breeze strokes and adds tranquility to the moments; go and see the crabs, corals, sea urchins, jellyfish, sea stars, and sea cucumber. There is a host of things to do here; wind surfing, snorkeling, water skiing and diving.
Mombasa butterfly House
Mombasa Butterfly House is located next to Swahilipot Hub behind Fort Jesus. The butterflies are purchased from community groups living adjacent to key coastal forests, including the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. The communities breed the butterflies as an alternative to forest use.The products, which include high quality honey,live pupae and other nature-based items, are sustainably produced in a manner that does not harm the environment. A gift shop at the butterfly house stocks products from community conservation and welfare groups in the region. By purchasing items from the gift shop, visitors support conservation by providing a market and alternative livelihoods to these communities.Proceeds from ticket sales at the butterfly house directly support local livelihoods.
Mombasa Butterfly House offers visitors an unforgettable experience of seeing colorful tropical butterflies at close range. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about biodiversity and its importance to local communities. The butterfly house is built in an attractive open style that features a butterfly flight cage and conservation exhibition. Its greenery and flowers exude a sense of tranquility and harmony as it showcases the richness of Kenya’s coastal forests and biodiversity while emphasizing the need to conserve them. The attractive building and environment is also ideal and available for events such as exhibitions and photo shoots