Kenya's second-largest city sits on the Indian Ocean coast. Its old town has narrow streets and Arab-style houses, while Fort Jesus overlooks the busy port and beaches.
Mombasa, Kenya's second-largest city, is located on an island along the Indian Ocean coast. This coastal city has a long maritime history and an active urban atmosphere. You can walk through the alleys of Old Town, spend time on white sand beaches, or visit Fort Jesus, a 16th century Portuguese fortress. Mombasa's warm climate, mix of cultures, and location near nature reserves make it an interesting destination for travelers.
Exploring Mombasa's Old Town
Mombasa's Old Town is characterized by narrow streets lined with buildings showing Swahili, Arabic, and Indian architectural styles. As you walk through the area, you'll notice wooden doors with carvings, balconies that hang over the streets, and small shops selling spices and handcrafted items. The Old Town has several historic mosques, including the Mandhry Mosque from 1570. On Moi Avenue, you can see the Mombasa tusks, large aluminum sculptures forming the shape of an M for Mombasa.
Beaches North and South of Mombasa
Mombasa's coastline extends both north and south of the island, with different types of beaches. To the north, Nyali, Bamburi, and Shanzu beaches have long stretches of white sand with resorts and hotels behind them. These beaches are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. South of Mombasa, accessible by ferry, you'll find the calmer beaches of Shelly, Tiwi, and Diani. Diani Beach stretches for 17 kilometers and is known for its clear waters and coral reefs, making it a good spot for snorkeling and diving.
Mombasa's Culinary Scene
Mombasa's food reflects Swahili, Arab, Indian, and British influences. Seafood is a key part of many local dishes. You can try specialties like pweza wa nazi (octopus in coconut sauce) and samaki wa kupaka (grilled fish in coconut sauce). Visit the Kongowea Market to see the variety of fresh produce, spices, and seafood used in Mombasa's cooking. For a unique dining experience, try Tamarind Dhow, a restaurant on a boat that serves Swahili-inspired food during a harbor cruise.
Fort Jesus: Mombasa's Historic Fortress
Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands at the entrance to the old port. The Portuguese constructed this fortress in 1593. Between 1631 and 1875, it changed hands nine times before finally coming under British rule. Today, you can walk through the fort's thick walls, see detailed carvings, and visit museum exhibits that explain Mombasa's complex history. From the fort, you can look out over the old harbor where dhows still sail, much as they have for hundreds of years.
Getting Around Mombasa
Mombasa connects to the mainland by bridges and ferries. The Likoni Ferry runs every 10-15 minutes, linking the island to the southern mainland. Within the city, tuk-tuks cost around 100-200 KES for short trips, while matatus (minibuses) charge 30-50 KES for longer routes. For travel to Nairobi, the Standard Gauge Railway offers a 4-hour journey through the countryside, with tickets costing about 1,000 KES for economy class. Moi International Airport, 10 km west of the city center, serves domestic and international flights, with taxis to the city costing around 1,500 KES.
