- General Overview
- Mombasa is Kenya's second city and East Africa's most important port
- City centre is isolated by sea, with relaxed atmosphere unlike Nairobi
- Ethnically diverse with strong Asian and Arab influences
- Swahili civilization gives city distinctive character
- History
- Settlement existed for at least 2500 years according to Roman and Egyptian stories
- Portuguese first visited in 1498, destroyed town in 1513
- Fort Jesus changed hands nine times between 1593 and 1875
- British took control in 1875, Fort Jesus became prison until 1958
- Attractions
- Fort Jesus museum displays Swahili civilization and Santo Antonio de Tanna wreck
- Old Town features narrow lanes, mosques and carved Swahili doorways
- Baobab forest and Mbaraki Pillar are notable historical sites
- Practical Information
- Water supplies unreliable, hot water rare in budget hotels
- Nightlife mainly in resort area north of Mombasa
- Street crime remains a concern, especially around Likoni ferry
- Shopping offers wide variety of crafts and souvenirs