Tour cost: $150
What you will see.
Through the entire trip, you will encounter typical Kenyan culture, specifically the Swahili way of life. You will also see the ancient civilization and how it has been protected for over a century. You will also experience the most unique features of the town, close proximity to the Indian Ocean and experience living in Kenya’s coastal city first hand.
Itinerary
This one day tour will take you around the city of Mombasa.
Mombasa Island, the Old Town covers an area of 72 hectares, and is inhabited by a mix of Swahili, Arab, Asian, Portuguese and British settlers. In 1997, the Old Town and Fort Jesus were submitted by the National Museums of Kenya for selection in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
The Mombasa tusks, also referred to as Mapemba ya Ndovu or Pembe za Ndovu, form a monument over Moi Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Mombasa, Kenya. Built in the 1950s to commemorate visits by the British royal family, the monument originally comprised two wooden structures resembling tusks; nowadays, there are four aluminium tusks in an M shape. The monument is under the jurisdiction of the National Museums of Kenya in addition to the city’s municipal government.
Fort Jesus is a fort located on Mombasa Island. Designed by Italian Giovanni Battista Cairati, it was built between 1593 and 1596 by order of King Felipe II of Castille, who also reigned as King Filipe I of Portugal and the Algarves, to guard the Old Port of Mombasa. Fort Jesus was the only fort maintained by the Portuguese on the Swahili coast, and is recognised as a testament to the first successful attempt by a Western power to establish influence over the Indian Ocean trade. Cairato, the designer of the fort, was inspired by Italian architect Pietro Cataneo, while the master builder was Gaspar Rodrigues. The fort was Cairato’s last overseas work. Although the design of Fort Jesus is an example of Renaissance architecture, the masonry techniques, building materials and labour are believed to have been provided by the local Swahili people. The fort was built in the shape of a man and is roughly square, with four bulwarks at its corners. The fort is considered a masterpiece of late Renaissance military fortification.
You will visit Mombasa Old town, which comprises 18th century buildings believed to have been inhabited by Arabs while merchandising. You will be able to ride through its narrow streets with tall walls. Old Town is an area of Mombasa, Kenya. Situated on the south-east side of Mombasa Island, the Old Town covers an area of 72 hectares, and is inhabited by a mix of Swahili, Arab, Asian, Portuguese and British settlers. In 1997, the Old Town and Fort Jesus were submitted by the National Museums of Kenya for selection in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
After this, you will have lunch, at the best Swahili restaurant in town, Forodhani Restaurant, where you will have a variety of local Swahili dishes to choose from.
Haller Park Mombasa is a hit with animal lovers. Formerly called Bamburi Nature Trail, this inspirational project began in 1971, when Dr. René Haller transformed the abandoned limestone quarries here into a thriving nature reserve. The park was also home to a famous interspecies couple that became an Internet sensation after the 130-year-old tortoise, Mzee, adopted Owen, an orphaned hippo. Birds are also abundant in the park. More than 160 species have been introduced to the area including weaver birds, cranes, pelicans, and storks.
Beaches on the north side of Mombasa are a little livelier than the south coast. Palm-lined shores, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and a profusion of water sports, resorts, and entertainment venues provide plenty of tourist action. The resorts are also closer to the airport and Mombasa City. Here, you will also be able to ride a camel on Nyali beach, a memorable experience you won’t forget quickly.
Lastly, you will visit Mamba Village Centre in Nyali, which is East Africa’s largest crocodile farm. Here, you can learn about the life cycle and behavior of these fascinating amphibians. Kids love the chance to hold a baby croc, and another highlight for many visitors is watching the crocodiles fight for tasty morsels during feeding time. Mamba Village Centre also offers horseback riding and a botanical garden with an aquarium. Orchids and aquatic plants are the specialty, but the gardens also display carnivorous species.
This is just a tour of Mombasa, specifically for people who want to come and experience the city in a day, while familiarizing with the beautiful coastal city
