Mombasa, Kenya
According to Printerhall.com, Mombasa is located on an island in the Indian Ocean off the southern coast of Kenya. It is the second largest city and the largest port in Kenya with almost two thousand years of history. The city owes its development to its location in a natural harbor, ideal for navigation.
About 550,000 people currently live in Mombasa. This city has the largest concentration of Muslims in Kenya and their influence on the culture is very great. The city is located on an island that is about 4 km long and 7 km wide. The island is connected to the mainland in three places: in the north by a bridge, in the south by a ferry, and by a causeway in the west.
EXCURSIONS IN MOMBASA
Mackinon Market. This lively, bustling and colorful market takes its name from W. McKinnon, the colonial steward and transport officer in charge of the railway between Mombasa and Uganda. The main part of the market is under a huge canopy. However, this area is divided into separate streets. The market has already ceased to be a place where purchases are made, since the prices here are designed for tourists. But if you have a desire to bargain, then you can certainly bring down the price to an acceptable level. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, the market sells baskets, jewelry and souvenirs.
Fort Jesus. The fort is the main attraction of the Old City. The fort was designed by the Italian architect Kairati, who had already done similar work for the Portuguese in Goa, on the other side of the Indian Ocean. It rises above the entrance to the Old Harbor and is located in such a way that even during a siege it can be supplied from the sea. Despite their position, the Portuguese lost control of the fort in 1698 as a result of an uprising by the townspeople who colluded with the Ottomans. The fort and its garrison held out in a complete siege for 15 months. During the battle for the fort, the Portuguese ship Santo Antonio de Tanna sank near it. Some of the relics from this ship can be seen in the fort’s exposition.
In 1825, Fort Jesus came into the possession of the British and served as a prison until 1958. In 1958 the fort was renovated and turned into a museum.
Tamarind Dhow. Cruise along the coast in a large sailing boat with a freshly caught seafood lunch or dinner, accompanied by a local band.
Malindi and the ruins of Gedi. A trip to the north of Mombasa to the town of Malindi, the basis of the population of which are Muslims and … Italians. There are many mosques and other monuments of oriental architecture in the city. On the way to Malindi, stop at the ruins of the ancient city of Gedi, visit the marine national park located in the area of coral reefs, as well as an African village.
Wasini Island – Kisite. Fantastic coral diving, fresh seafood lunch, visit to an African village.
IMPORTANT
In Kenya, it is customary to tip (in local currency) – $ 1 per suitcase at the entrance and exit from the hotel, about 10% of the bill in a bar or restaurant, $ 2-3 to the driver-guide who takes you on a safari, ensures your safety and acquaintance with wild animals. It should be noted that the earnings of local residents are very low, and tips, as a rule, are the main source of income. Airport taxes until recently amounted to 40 USD on international flights and 200 KSh on domestic flights. During your stay in Kenya, you must take drugs for tropical malaria. It is also advisable to get vaccinated against yellow fever.
