Visiting Mombasa, Kenya: A Worthwhile Experience
Located at the coastal region of Kenya along the Indian Ocean, Mombasa is one of the oldest (circa 900 AD) and second largest cities in the country. Also known as the white and blue city, it is a cultural and economic hub and an important regional tourism center. In 2018, the local government passed a bill in which the city was painted white with blue accents and the old town was painted yellow, hence the white and blue city. Its situation on the Indian Ocean has made it a historical trading center, with an extra-large port and an international airport. Due to its strategic position, Mombasa has been controlled by many countries.
Getting to Mombasa
Mombasa can be accessed through air, road or by train. The train has become one of the most common means to get to Mombasa as it’s cheaper than air and shorter compared to using the road. The travel time between Nairobi and Mombasa by train 4 hours and 30 minutes with the bonus of and of seeing some of the wild animals the country has to offer. There are two trains that will get you to Mombasa from Nairobi; one leaving in the morning which will get you to Mombasa just in time for some late lunch and the other one leaves at 2-pm. The same times apply on your way back to Nairobi. This was my first time visiting Mombasa so I opted for the afternoon train which turned out to be the best experience I ever had on a train. You can book your train tickets at https://metickets.krc.co.ke/
The 1st class tickets cost 30 dollars and second class tickets are 10 dollars. The alternative ways of getting your ticket is are:
- Purchasing your ticket through the USSD payment solution by dialing *639# and paying via M-pesa. This is available 24/7. One can book a maximum of 5 tickets per transaction
- The other way is to head over to the station of departure and purchase a ticket there. Payment is by cash (Local currency) only.
The Nairobi terminus is located in the Syokimau area of Nairobi county; 20km away from the city.
Once you get to the Mombasa terminus there are taxis waiting to transport you to your hotel or you can order an Uber or Bolt (same as uber) just download the app from your play store or app store. Moving around Mombasa is quite easy using the two apps you can order a tuk-tuk which is one of the most common means of transport around Mombasa. Alternatively, you can just as easily step out of your hotel room and get one right outside!
Things to do
Mombasa has a lot to offer; the local cuisines (Bhajias, pilau, biryani and madafu) are to die for, they have the most amazing sea-food and the white sand beaches go as far as the eye can see, Diani beach comes to mind. With its rich cultural heritage, here are a few of the tourist attraction sites to visit:
Pembe Za Ndovu
Built in 1952 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s visit, the elephant tusks — Pembe Za Ndovu in swahili- form a dual archway over each side the road to usher you into the gorgeous city of Mombasa. It is one of the famous monuments of the city. Disclaimer: they are not real tusks as much as they do look like they are. The tusks are made of aluminum and represent the heart of the city. This is one tourist stop and memory that you have to take with you when you leave the city so don’t be shy take as many photos as you can just be weary of traffic. Fun fact! When you look at the tusks they spell out “M” which so happens to be the first letter of the name Mombasa.
Fort Jesus
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Fort Jesus should also be on your list of places to visit. Built by the Portuguese to protect their town from invasion, the fort is located at the coastline of Mombasa’s old town and was built out of coral reefs. Back then, Mombasa was a transit place for trade and a gateway into India.
A guided walk through the fort is advised as you get to learn the history behind the fort and how its location ensured that the Portuguese were able to any ship as it approached.
Old town
Since you are in Old town, why not take a walk around the town itself. Old town is such a contrast to the “new town” so to speak. The buildings here are painted yellow which still serves to maintain the heritage and culture of Mombasa. As you walk through the town, you can stop by the fish market where every day, fishermen bring in their catch and sell it. If you want the freshest fish you have to go there early in the morning. As I mentioned before; a guided tour is best especially when walking in Old town. You can ask your guide from Fort Jesus to take you around for safety purposes.
Haller Park
Located in Bamburi, Haller Park is the transformation of a quarry wasteland into an ecological area. The park holds a variety of animal and plant species such as the Eland, Oryx, Vervet Monkey, Marshbuck, Orchids and the Indian Lilac and is home to over 180 species of indigenous trees and bushes.
Mombasa Marine National Park
Established in 1986, it is a marine park and a national reserve that encloses part of the lagoon, back reef and reef crest habitats of the Bamburi-Nyali fringing reef. It is conveniently located near tourist areas and is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving and has coral reefs in its waters.
Bombolulu Workshops
The Bombolulu workshops is a craft center that creates employment for more than 150 persons with disability and sells a wide range of handcrafted items in its shop. A worthy place to visit!
The 8km stretch of coast running from Nyali Beach to Kenyatta beach isn’t much of a resort area however it hosts some excellent beach hotels and glass-bottomed boat excursions are available to the Marine Park.
Where to stay
The county of Mombasa is not short of amazing places to stay depending on which part of the county you fancy. Here is a list of 6 great places to stay while in Mombasa.
Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa
Set on a tropical beachfront landscape of 10 hectares, this resort is an 11 minutes’walk from Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach and 10 km from the Mombasa city center.
Click on the link below to book your stay!
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Amani Tiwi Beach Resort
Located 36 km from Moi International Airport, the resort is set on a private white-sand beach overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort has 5 restaurants; including Italian and Middle Eastern eateries.
Click on the link below to book your stay!
Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at Tripadvisor
Baobab Beach Resort and Spa
The Baobab resort is an all-inclusive beachfront resort that overlooks the Indian Ocean and sits on 32 hectares of lush tropical gardens. It is 7 km from the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest. The resort also has an open-air amphitheater with live entertainment. At a fee you can have excursions such as scuba diving, sailing and beach safaris.
Click on the link below to book your stay!
Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say at Tripadvisor
Bamburi Beach Hotel
The Bamburi beach hotel is a casual all-inclusive resort set along the Indian Ocean. It is 7 km from the wildlife and picnic area at Nguuni Nature Sanctuary and 22 km from Moi International Airport.
The resort offers scuba lessons, safaris and other water sports at a fee.
Click on the link below to book your stay!
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PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort and Spa Convention Center
This resort is located 16 km from the Mombasa train station and 22km from Moi International Airport. Breakfast is complimentary and there are 2 casual restaurants. The resort also has a water park, a swim-up bar, nightclub, a fitness center, a convention center and a garden
Click on the link below to book your stay!
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The Reef Hotel Mombasa
With a spectacular setting in front of the famous Nyali Beach, The Reef Hotel Mombasa is making memories last a lifetime. This family-run hotel for the past 40 years is 5km from wildlife attractions at the Haller Park and 11km form Fort Jesus.
Click on the link below to book your stay!
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The resorts have the following amenities in common:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Flat-screen TVs
- Minibars
- Mosquito nets
- Outdoor Swimming pool
- Free parking for those driving
- Conference rooms
- Tea and coffee making facilities*
- The rooms have a balcony with sea/pool views*
* Different resorts have different amenities for suites and upgraded rooms and entertainment. Check the website for individual details.
If you happen to get tired of the hotel room although I do advise you do this before you leave Mombasa, Visit a local restaurant called Tarboush Café. The restaurant has a way of making you feel at home and their food is out of this world. It is the best place to get authentic Swahili food.
As with all travels, you cannot leave without souvenirs! As you walk around Old Town you will find quaint little shops that sell some handmade bags, jewelry and of course Kangas (Leso). You cannot leave Mombasa without a Kanga.
Please remember to carry some sunscreen and insect repellent. Being a coastal town, Mombasa is never short of mosquitoes.
Originally published at http://traversalwithkui.wordpress.com on February 11, 2020.
