Mombasa

Overview

Mombasa Island is linked to the mainland by Makupa Causeway, to the north coast by Nyali Bridge and to the south coast by the Likoni Ferry. The Old Town is on the eastern edge of the island; the modern city has expanded to fill the whole island. Moi International Airport, in the north of Mombasa, has daily scheduled flights to destinations around Kenya, as well as to a number of cities around the world. A railway links Mombasa to Nairobi. The people of Mombasa are predominantly Swahili Muslims.

Mombasa is known in Swahili as the Island of War, because of its volatile strife-ridden history. In the 11th century, the town was an important trading centre between East Africa and the Indian Ocean trade routes. Its major exports were ivory and slaves. There is evidence that Ibn Battuta, Marco Polo and Zhang He all docked at Mombasa. In 1498, Vasco da Gama arrived, initiating a period of Portuguese domination. Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the late 16th century, became the focus for the ongoing power struggles and changed hands nine times in the 17th and 18th centuries. After the Portuguese, the Omanis dominated in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the British in the 19th century.

Fort Jesus is now a museum, with exhibits on its history, as well as on Swahili life and culture. A Son et Lumiere Show illuminates the turrets and battlements three nights a week, while costumed actors bring the turbulent history of the fort to life.

Mombasa Old Town is an attractive labyrinth of narrow streets, liberally sprinkled with mosques and Swahili buildings. The Old Law Courts have regular exhibitions of local art. The spice market, heavy with atmosphere and enticing scents, gives an insight into the spice trade of old. Tours of the Old Town are available, as are harbour boat cruises and dinner cruises.

Mombasa Marine National Park comprises a marine area with crabs, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, starfish and jellyfish amongst mangroves, sea grass, sea weed and coral gardens. Activities include boat trips, scuba diving and snorkelling.

Haller Wildlife Park is a former disused quarry that has reopened as a small private game sanctuary. The park shot to fame in 2004 when a baby hippo, orphaned during heavy floods, was adopted by an elderly giant tortoise. The story of Owen and Mzee attracted the attention of thousands; the pair can still be visited today. The park, which has blossomed into an area of lush beauty, is home to a variety of wildlife including giraffe, eland and oryx.