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Mombasa, Kenya

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Camels on Diani Beach in Mombasa, KenyaCamels on Diani Beach in Mombasa, Kenya
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Diani_Beach_04.jpg
Author: Nicor
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Mombasa is the second biggest city in Kenya as well as the biggest along the Swahili coast facing the Indian Ocean. Covering 295 sq km (113.9 sq mi), it has a population of 950,000 (2011 estimate).

The city is the district capital of Mombasa District and the main tourist destination as well as biggest seaport along the Kenyan coast. The main portion of the city is located on Mombasa Island, but parts of the city extends to mainland Kenya. Separating Mombasa Island from the mainland are two creeks called Tudor Creek to the north and Port Reitz to the west.

Mombasa is an ancient city that has been established as early as the 10th century. According to oral traditions, it was founded by a female leader, Mwana Mkisi, and later superseded by a Muslim leader Shehe Mvita.

The oral history of the Mombasa area was only written down with the arrival of Portuguese chroniclers in the 16th century, although the city was mentioned by Arab geographer in 1151, and Arab traveler Ibn Battuta arrived there in 1331.

The first European to arrive in Mombasa was Vasco da Gama, who arrived in 1498. Receiving a cold welcome, the Portuguese returned to years later to sack the town. The Portuguese repeated their assault on the city in 1528, and eventually made it a Portuguese colony subordinated to Goa in 1638.

When Portuguese influence in the region ebbed, Mombasa came under the suzerainty of the Sultanate of Oman, subordinated to Zanzibar. It briefly returned to Portuguese rule in 1728, before being recaptured by Oman. Mombasa became part of the British East Africa Protectorate in 1898, and served as the sea terminal for the Uganda Railway. In 1963, it became part of the newly independent Kenya.

Mombasa Old TownMombasa Old Town
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mombasa_old_town_2.JPG
Author: Daryona
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Shri Swaminarayan Temple, MombasaShri Swaminarayan Temple, Mombasa
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shri_Kutch_Satsang_Temple.jpg
Author: AroundTheGlobe
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Visiting Mombasa

Mombasa Airport, also called Moi International Airport (MBA) is located in Port Reitz, on mainland Kenya. It is the second busiest airport in the country. You can also take an 13-hour train ride from Nairobi to Mombasa.

Places of Interest in Mombasa

  1. Anglican Cathedral
    Cathedral of the Anglican diocese of Mombasa constructed in the Moorish style, making it appear very much like a mosque.

  2. Basheikh Mosque
    Oldest mosque in Mombasa. According to local tradition, it was built in the 13th century.

  3. Biashara Street
    Shopping street lined with shops selling textile.

  4. Diani Beach
    Finest beach in Mombasa with snow white sand.

  5. Fort Jesus
    A huge fort built by the Portuguese when they attempted to capture Mombasa, it has changed hands over a dozen times, usually with much bloodshed. Today it is preserved as a museum.

  6. Giant Tusks
    Two pairs of artificial giant tusks on Moi Avenue form the letter M. They were constructed to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

  7. Government Square
    The administrative and commercial heart of Mombasa during the 1890s, today it is still surrounded by historical buildings of that period.

  8. Jain Temple
    Completed in 1963, this is the oldest Jain temple outside of India. It was built by people of Indian descent whose ancestors were brought to Mombasa by the British.

  9. MacKinnon Market
    Mombasa's municipal market, named in honor of Sir William MacKinnon, founder of the Imperial British East Africa Company.

  10. Mbaraki Pillar
    Ancient pillar tomb towering 7 meters (23 ft). Believed to be constructed in the 14th century - if this is true, it is the biggest surviving monument from medieval Mombasa.

  11. Ndia Kuu Road
    Formerly called Main Road, Ndia Kuu Road is a major road in Mombasa with beautiful houses with fretwork balconies and Zanzibari doors.

  12. Old Law Courts
    One of the most impressive buildings from the colonial period in Mombasa. Built in 1902, it is between Treasury Square and Fort Jesus.

  13. Shri Swaminarayan Temple
    One of the oldest and most impressive Hindu temples in East Africa.

  14. Treasury Square
    Public square in the heart of Mombasa surrounded by stately colonial buildings.

  15. Uhuru Gardens
    Gardens created to celebrate the independence of the country.

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