Travel Guides: All Countries / Africa / Kenya / Mombasa
 |  | Destination Guide : Mombasa |
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| | | Take it easy |  | Why go?
This former trading port on Kenya's east coast offers superb sandy beaches and aquamarine waters, making it an ideal place to flop out either on a week or two-week holiday or as an add-on to a safari break. Good quality hotels with water sport facilities means it's suitable for families and couples, while the city's rich history will satisfy culture vultures.
How much does it cost?
A week's half-board stay in a three-star hotel will probably cost around £700. Flights to Mombasa are around £500 but shop around. Prices vary according to where you stay and when you go.
When should I go?
The heat is bearable between June and September and in January and February. The rain hits from March to May.
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| | | See the old town | | Where do I start?
Mombasa is one of the oldest settlements in East Africa and has a rich, colourful history. Wander around the old town in the early morning or late afternoon when it buzzes with activity. You'll stumble across mosques and markets and buildings featuring a delightful blend of Swahili, British and Indian styles. Look out particularly for the intricately carved wooden doors, dating back centuries. Dominating the harbour is Fort Jesus, which originally dates from the 16th century and features gun turrets and battlements. It's worth spending a day here and it's open to visitors between 8.30am and 4pm.
Anything else to see?
At the harbour, watch the traditional dhow sailing boats bobbing offshore. Luxury and sunset cruises are also available, which normally include dinner and some kind of entertainment. If you want to sample a safari trip, you can book an overnight tour to nearby Tsavo East National Park, home to elephants, black rhino and antelopes or Shimba Hills National Park, home to elephants. The beauty of these safari options is that you'll escape the tourist hordes which flock to the Masai Mara National Park.
What about the beach life?
Mombasa beaches stretch for 40km. Tiwi and Diani to the south are exquisite strips of soft white sand flanked by lofty palm trees and emerald seas. Another pleasure is lunching on freshly cut tropical fruit such as mango, guava, papaya, pineapples and oranges. If you want some action, there's sailing, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling and diving. These and other water sports can be arranged by your hotel.
What's to do at night?
Most entertainment is provided by the hotels, although Mombasa does have bars and discos. There's also a casino, with pool and gaming tables.
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| | | Children and shopping | | Will children like it?
Children are well catered for in the hotels and will love the beaches and wildlife viewing.
What's the food like?
Venture out to local restaurants and sample typical Swahili dishes and curries which are packed with spices and coconut and represent a mix of African and Arabic cuisine. Seafood such as lobsters, crabs, oysters and fish are excellent, as are the natural fruit juices. The national dish is nyama choma (barbecued goat meat) washed down with Tusker beer.
What should I buy?
Craft stalls sell everything from wooden carvings and paintings to sisal baskets, colourful cotton sarongs, beaded jewellery and batik. Bargaining is acceptable.
More information
Kenya Tourist Board, 36 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9EU. Tel: 020 7202 6373.
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| | Available rental properties in Mombasa |
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| |  | | Tembo Villa, Diani Beach
A newly built 4 bed Luxury Villa with its own 12 metres pool located in Diani Beach approx 100 metres from the beach front.
|  | | Bougain Villa
Luxurious African style villa at the shore of the Indian ocean with big garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
|  | | Villa Peppercon
African style villa 10 minutes walk from the Indian Ocean with big tropical garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
|  | | Cottage Lamu
African style villa 10 minutes walk from the Indian Ocean with big tropical garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
|  | | Cottage Old Mombasa
African style villa 10 minutes walk from the Indian Ocean with big tropical garden and swimmingpool for very relaxing and enjoyable holiday
| | Click here for more properties... |
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