The Kenyan coastal belt
possesses a unique climate, people and cultural history. Mombasa
is Kenya's second biggest city with a population of around 600 000
and is East Africa’s main port. It is built on a 15 sq km island and linked to the mainland by a causeway and a rickety old ferry. Mombasa
has a history dating back more than 2 000 years when the Persians,
Arabs, Indians and Chinese visited the East African Coast to trade
in slaves, hides, ivory and spices. For centuries it was the hub
of communication between Africa and the Far and Middle East. The British
arrived in 1873 and built the Mombasa-Kampala railway, the Kilindini
Harbour, and began to develop tourist facilities along the coast.
Today, there’s a long line of top class beachside hotels just
south of the old town, centred around Diani Beach, and a selection
of rustic backpackers' resorts on Tiwi Beach, ideal for a budget
beachside break. More than half of the country's international hotels
are based along the coast and are served by direct flights from Europe.
Mombasa’s beaches are of fine white sand and there are plenty
of activities on offer from the resorts, including diving and snorkelling,
windsurfing and jet skiing. There are many marine national parks
off the coast that can be visited by dhow or glass-bottomed boat.
In Mombasa itself, there are some ancient Arab-inspired houses with
elaborately carved doorways in narrow streets and passages. The city’s
most famous landmark are the two pairs of crossed concrete elephant
tusks created as a ceremonial arch to commemorate the coronation of
Elizabeth II in 1953.
Also worth a look is the crumbly old Fort Jesus in the port, built
by the Portuguese in 1593. It has great views of the old town and
houses an interesting museum with displays on Swahili life. From Mombasa
you can catch the overnight train to Nairobi, which is one of Africa’s
greatest rail experiences. Otherwise it’s a short hop by plane.
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