Mombasa

Mombasa the main port in East Africa, the second largest city in Kenya and the former capital of the country, the administrative center of the Coastal Province. It one of the oldest cities on the continent and the capital of Kenya until 1906. During the Great Geographical Discoveries, this city one of the richest ports. Mombasa still retains its medieval appearance, combining both European and Arab-Persian traditions. Although the city based on an island, it connected to the mainland by dams. Tourists, first of all, attracted by the many kilometers of beaches on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The population of the city according to the latest data about a million people.

The history of the city more than 900 years old. This Arab port city first mentioned in 1151 by the famous geographer Al-Idrisi. In those days, the largest center of the slave trade located here. The next mention dates back to 1331, when the famous traveler Ibn Battuta stayed in Mombasa. He amazed at the skill of local architects and the beauty of the wooden mosques. Making his way to India, Vasco da Gama himself stayed here at the end of the 15th century. In the first half of the 16th century, the city repeatedly attacked by the Portuguese. In 1593 a magnificent fortress built in the city – Fort Jesus. Subsequently, this Portuguese building became the main attraction of Mombasa.

The old part of the city consists of a narrow labyrinth of streets and many workshops. This place a real treasure trove for tourists. Here you can admire for hours old colonial houses, carved doors, etc. In addition to the Fort Jesus fortress, special attention should be paid to such places as the summer residence of the President of Kenya, the second largest seaport in Africa, the ancient Mandri mosque, the Hindu temple of God Shiva, Heller- a park with a butterfly pavilion, an oceanarium. Mpunguchi and Kisite Marine Parks adjacent to Mombasa. The colorful underwater world of the local reefs attracts diving enthusiasts from all over the world, and the numerous beaches great for all kinds of water sports.

The city has its own airport, which receives both domestic flights and International flights from many European countries. Domestic flight from the capital approximately 45 minutes. In addition to air transport to Mombasa from Nairobi, there is a railway transport, buses and “matatu” minibuses. The tourist infrastructure of the city well developed. There are many hotels along the coast to suit every taste and budget. The northern resort coast, connected to the Old Harbor, full of restaurants, casinos, nightclubs and discos. In order to get to the southern resort coast, you need to take a ferry.

Where to go in Mombasa

In the cities and towns of Kenya, there is a large number of souvenir shops and shops, as well as markets with handicrafts. Among the authentic souvenirs, tourists especially appreciate clay animal figurines, paintings by local artists, ebony and teak handicrafts, leather goods, ethnic masks, handmade carpets, braids, drums. Kenyan tea and coffee equally popular and sold in all supermarkets in Mombasa. Decorations and details of the Maasai national dress extraordinarily beautiful. However, prices in local markets often unreasonably high, so tourists can and should bargain. Sometimes, by bargaining, you can drop the price of a product by as much as 50%. The export of ivory products from the country prohibited, and the skins of wild animals can be exported only with a special permit.

The range of souvenirs in all shops almost the same. In big cities, there are shopping centers and shops with well-known brands. In Mombasa, the shops and market of the Old City especially prized. Almost all retail outlets are open Monday through Friday from 8.30 am to 5 pm with lunch breaks, and on Saturdays from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm. In places where tourists congregate, shops can work until 20.00 without a lunch break. Supermarkets open until almost midnight. There is no tax free system and credit cards only accepted in major stores. Many Kenyan shops sell safari clothing made from special materials and covering the entire body. Also in Kenya, you can buy precious and semi-precious stones, for example, tanzanite, tzavorite, malachite, tiger’s eye. However, the export of gold and diamonds from the country prohibited.

Internet

The Internet has become widespread in Kenya due to the large number of service providers. Today, in almost all cities of the country, tourists can find Internet cafes, and most hotels, lodges and restaurants offer their own Wi-Fi. You can also use international tourist SIM cards to access the Internet. Connection rules and tariffs should be checked with the operators.

cellular

Kenya uses the international standard GSM-900. In cities, communication is consistently good, and in some remote areas, communication may be lost. Local SIM cards sold at the offices of Safaricom and KenCell operators. Such cards can be purchased immediately upon arrival at the Nairobi airport, or in communication salons, which found in almost all more or less large settlements.

Telephone communications

Telephone communications not well developed in Kenya. So, for example, pay phones found only in large cities of the country. Some of them work on coins, and some on special cards. These cards can be purchased at post offices. The central point of international negotiations located in Nairobi. From this point you can call directly abroad. It also possible to make a call from the hotel, but at a double rate. To call local numbers, you need to dial the international Kenya code – 254.

Kenya a country with an ambiguous security situation. On the one hand, Kenyans very friendly to foreigners, and on the other hand, being in some outlying areas can be unsafe. Usually, these areas outside the tourist centers. The outskirts of Nairobi and Mombasa also unsafe. Pickpockets, crooks and even armed gangs can operate in such places. It better to refuse evening walks alone and, if necessary, use a reliable taxi service. In the north of the country, gangs of separatists often found, and poachers often found in protected areas. The situation especially unfavorable on the border with Ethiopia and Somalia.

Compared to other African countries, Kenya has a relatively favorable situation in terms of epidemiology, but one should not forget about the risk of contracting malaria, various forms of hepatitis, HIV infection, and yellow fever. For this reason, increased precautions recommended. In particular, when entering the country, tourists may be required to have a certificate of yellow fever vaccination. To prevent malaria, you should take a course of certain medications prescribed by your doctor. Vaccinations against tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis, A and B also recommended. Timely insurance will allow you to reimburse costs in case of force majeure.

In Kenya, it not safe to drink tap water or eat food purchased from street vendors. Fruits and vegetables must be washed with boiled water. Smoking in public places strictly prohibited, but there specially designated areas for this. The fines for violating this prohibition can be quite high. Kenyans not very fond of being photographed by strangers without permission, but for a special fee they may agree. It forbidden to take pictures of border posts, people in uniforms, objects of military importance, the central square of Nairobi and the area near the mausoleum of Jomo Kenyatta.

When traveling on safari, you should not get too close to wild animals, and in many national parks it even forbidden to move on your own. The best way to explore the protected areas by jeep and with a professional guide. Feeding animals in national parks also prohibited and fraught with a large fine. In lodges and campsites, it recommended to monitor the condition of the mosquito nets. For a trip to nature reserves, it better to choose clothes that cover all parts of the body as much as possible. Wide-brimmed hats, tall but comfortable shoes, sunscreen, repellents and plenty of drinking water highly recommended.