A Mombasa Moment

On to Kenya for the last month of this trip. Where did the first two go!!

Mombasa was my first stop after leaving Zanzibar, Tanzania.

I found the Old Town area the most interesting and very walkable.

And friendly! Lonely Planet rates it as one of the friendliest countries, and I believe it! The first full day here was January 1, and a National Holiday. The streets were quite quiet but there were still security guards outside all the banks and government buildings.

Every single one wished me ‘Happy New Year’. And it’s unexpected to see a big smile too when they look scary toting a machine gun.

The owners of the local buses do amazing artwork on their vans. And lighting at night.

The major site in Mombasa is Fort Jesus.

The cultural interaction between Oman and Africa was rooted in the third millennium BC.

The Arab-Islamic culture migrated to Africa and merged with the cultures of the African people.

Muslim is the predominant religion in the area now.

The Omanis also had a huge presence in Zanzibar as well.

Fort Jesus protected the harbour.

An Omani Dhow. They were great ships builders and sailors.

Streets of the Old Town have a mixture of Swahili, Arabic, Asian and European styles.

It was easy to get very lost!

Mandhry Mosque (1570) is the oldest in Mombasa.

The Fish Market

For over a thousand years, Mombasa was one of the major ports of the triangular dhow trade of the Indian and Arabian Gulf.

Now only a few ships use the Old Port because large vessels go to Kilindini, on the other side of the island that the city is on. More on that later!

Mombasa House (1880) was built by a former customs master to the sultan of Zanzibar. His descendants still live there.

It is an important example of the carved front door and closed balcony for the women to remain hidden, in accordance with the Islamic practices.

Neglected top and busy cafe below.

There was a was a tiny alley lined with shops. I bought a wrap (third back on the right) for 350 shilling (Cdn$3.50) to use as a sarong. They had matching dresses for 650 but they were very big and long!