Mombasa Holidays - Holidays to Kenya
- By Greg Rose -
- Jun 16, 2009
Mombasa Holidays
On the Kenyan coast, the Old Town is where the real atmosphere of Mombasa can be discovered, in its maze of winding lanes. Marvel at beautiful old Arab buildings and breathe in the spicy air of the market, thronged by local women clad in the traditional buibui. The vibrancy of the markets is enhanced by the vivid colours of the traditional coastal khanga and kikoy.
As the visitor wanders down to the waterfront, they will see the forbidding form of Fort Jesus, which has towered over the harbour for the past 400 years. The massive gun turrets and mighty battlements, plus the hive of underground passages are testament to the struggle for control of the Kenyan coast – a struggle between the Shirazi Arabs and the Portuguese.
From Mombasa you can easily get to the relaxing beach resorts of the North and South Coast, Malindi, Watamu and Lamu.
Sightseeing ideas
• Diving and snorkelling can be enjoyed at Mombasa’s marine reserves
• At Shimoni visitors can take a guided tour around the deep coastal caves
• For a taste of the traditional local culture, take a trip to the Ngomongo villages
• Enjoy the centre of Mombasa, with the Akamba wood carver’s market and the imposing Fort Jesus
What To Do
Diving and snorkelling can be enjoyed at Mombasa’s marine reserves while on Virgin Holidays in Mombasa. Meanwhile, at Shimoni visitors can take a guided tour around the deep coastal caves. For a taste of the traditional local culture, take a trip to the Ngomongo villages. Elsewhere, enjoy the centre of Mombasa, with the Akamba wood carver’s market and the imposing Fort Jesus.
Where To Eat
There is plenty of variety for food lovers visiting Mombasa on Virgin Holidays, including Swahili, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Korean and plenty more. Lobster, crab and other seafood are specialities, as well as traditional Kenyan dishes such as nyama choma (barbecued meats). Beachside restaurant Il Covo and Sea Haven are both recommended, along with Tamarind Mombasa and Yuls.
Visit Virgin Holidays to find out more about Mombasa holidays.
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By Greg Rose. Senior Content & Marketing Executive, Virgin Group Digital. Tweets @greglrose
