By the 15th century this important port was a thriving, sophisticated city with established trade routes to China, Persia, and India. Today Mombasa continues to be the largest port on the East African coast serving the countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern Zaire, and of course, Kenya.

Over the centuries Mombasa has struggled with numerous foreign invaders and hostility. The Portuguese, the ferocious Zimba tribe, and the Omanis have all laid claim to Mombasa since the 12th century. By the late 1800s it became the base of exploration for British expeditions to Kenya’s interior. In 1888, the Imperial British East Africa Company set up headquarters in Mombasa . British rule of Mombasa became official in 1895 when they leased a stretch of the coast including the port city from the Sultan of Zanzibar. Officially this coastal strip still belonged to Zanzibar until ceded to a newly independent Kenya in 1963.

The British affirmed Mombasa’s importance as East Africa’s most vital port when they completed a railway in 1901 stretching from Mombasa to Uganda. Today, the city remains one of Africa’s major links to the rest of the world. Built on a 15 sq km island, Mombasa is surrounded by a natural harbour. The mainland coasts north and south of the city boast a proliferation of tourist resorts. Within the city itself, a traveller has numerous opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Fort Jesus is perhaps Mombasa’s biggest attraction as it dominates the harbour entrance. This Portuguese stronghold was built in 1593 to fend off local enemies and Turkish warships. The remains of the fort provide an interesting tour back through history and a small museum features a variety of relics. The Omani House, located in the north-western corner of the fort has fascinating displays on Swahili life and breathtaking views over the old town. Mombasa Old Town features a smattering of styles and traditions common to coastal Swahili villages and late 19th century Indian and British colonial architecture.

Although its history goes back centuries, most of the houses in Old Town are generally no more than 100 years old. Nevertheless, many of these buildings were modelled on ancient Swahili designs and feature intricately carved doors and door frames. The Muslim influence can also be seen in the construction of balconies, their support brackets, and detailed lattice work. This area of Mombasa is well worth exploring walking guides are readily available.

The modern centre of Mombasa is the intersection of four major thoroughfares: Moi Avenue, Nyerere Road, Nkrumah Road, and Digo Road. Moi Avenue provides the most interesting opportunity for exploration as it is lined with a double row of souvenir shops and stalls. The city’s most famous land mark is also located here: two pairs of crossed tusks created as a ceremonial arch to commemorate the coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953. Treasury Square remains the administrative centre of Mombasa and features old colonial buildings, the historic town hall, and a charming garden square.

KILIFI

Kilifi is an ancient coastal Swahili town, midway between Mombasa and Malindi on the North Side of the startlingly beautiful Kilifi Creek, about 58 kms from Mombasa International Airport. It is steeped in history and African Culture, famous for the ancient Mnarani ruins dating back to 14th century and the elegant friendly Giriama people.

Kilifi District covers an area of over 12,464 sq. km including 109 sq.km of water surface in the Indian Ocean. The area around Kilifi township contains some of the best farming land in the district, where livestock rearing and tropical fruit farming are the dominant activities.

The soft white sandy beach at Kilifi is a haven for sun worshipers and stretches for miles. Known as 'Bofa Beach', it is said to be the finest beach along the Kenya Coast and one of the most idyllic in all the world. It is protected by a magnificient coral reef, unspoilt and practically deserted; being well away from the crowded beaches of the tourist hotels near Mombasa and along the South Coast.

World Class Big Game Fishing, Snorkelling and Scuba Diving along the vast coral reef as well as Water-skiing in Kilifi Creek, are some of the major activities that Kilifi is well known for. The Tsavo Safari Game Park, where you can see some beautiful sunsets is the nearest reserve for Big Game Photographic Safaris.

Overlooking Kilifi Creek from the Southern side, some 200 metres from the Mombasa Road, you will find the old ruins of Mnarani, an ancient coastal settlement dating back to the early 14th Century. The site consists of two mosques and a group of tombs. The first mosque was not built until about 1425 although the area was first settled in the early 14th Century. The smaller second mosque that remains was built in about 1500, however, there was another mosque that was built before it on the same site around 1475. Mnarani was destroyed by the warring Galla people in the early 17th century. Also at the site of the ruins you will see the largest baobab tree on the Kenya coast. A large hole has been made in the side of the tree where local people leave offerings. Many people visit this peaceful site to meditate and to picnic.

One of the most delightful ways to see the beauty of Kilifi Creek is to take a dhow trip. The small Swahili kijahazi dhows criss cross the creek visiting the tiny bays and inlets and provide a wonderful vantage for photographing the mass of birdlife and scenic surroundings. Regular 'sundowner' trips are a great favourite with the local residents and visitors to Kilifi.