
The House of Wonders is one of Stone Town\u0027s most prominent landmarks, showcasing European and Omani influence not only in appearance, but also through the various exhibitions housed here. If you...
The city is located on Mombasa Island, which is separated from the mainland by two creeks: Tudor Creek and Kilindini Harbour. The island is connected to the mainland to the north by the Nyali Bridge, to the south by the Likoni Ferry and to the west by the Makupa Causeway, alongside which runs the Uganda Railway. The port serves both Kenya and countries of the interior, linking them to the Ocean. The town is served by Moi International Airport.
The town is mainly occupied by the Muslim Mijikenda/Swahili people. Over the centuries, there have been many immigrants and traders who settled in Mombasa, particularly from Iran, the Middle East, Somalia and the Indian sub-continent, who came mainly as traders and skilled craftsmen. Even after four or five generations, their descendants continue to contribute highly to the economy of present day Mombasa and Kenya as a whole.
Traditional dress for the Swahili women is a brightly coloured, printed cotton sheet called a kanga, which may have inspirational slogans printed on it. Muslim women wear a covering known as a bui bui, that is traditionally black, along with a head covering called a hijaab, and sometimes wear a veil called a nikab. Men wear a type of sarong, which is coloured in bright bands, called a kikoi. Mombasa is the centre of coastal tourism in Kenya.
Mombasa island itself is not a main attraction, although many people visit Old Town and Fort Jesus. North of Mombasa Island are Nyali, Kenyatta, Bamburi, and Shanzu beaches. South of the town, there are Shelly, Tiwi, and Diani beaches. Several luxury hotels exist on these beaches, while most of cheaper beach hotels are located farther away from the town.
Other local industries include an oil refinery and the Bamburi Cement factory.
hoppa offers shuttle transfers in Mombasa.
Destination | Distance (approx.) | Duration (approx.) | |
---|---|---|---|
Watamu Beach | 127 km | 124 min | |
Voyager Beach Resort Mombasa | 17 km | 46 min | |
Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa | 45 km | 100 min | |
Whitesands Resort Mombasa | 23 km | 48 min | |
Mombasa Town | 10 km | 46 min |
Do & See
Beaches
Dining
Cafés
Bars & Nightlife
Shopping
The House of Wonders is one of Stone Town\u0027s most prominent landmarks, showcasing European and Omani influence not only in appearance, but also through the various exhibitions housed here. If you...
If you are looking to get the most of local vibe on the island, head to Darajani Market: there\u0027s nothing you will not find here—intense flavours, fresh seafood, colourful souvenirs, and even elec...
Built after the Portuguese defeat in 1698, this fort was a key structure for the Omani Arabs during the rule of the Sultanate. It served as a prison and garrison in that era, and today it functions as...
A little museum dedicated to the eventful life of Princess Sayyida Salme. The Sultan\u0027s youngest daughter fled from Zanzibar in 1866, and later wrote "Memoirs of an Arabian Princess from Zanzibar"...
Built with the original aim of Indian merchant Tharia Topan to set up a hospital, the building eventually functioned as a dispensary during the 20th century, and today is one of the most prominent lan...
There are hundreds of doors in Stone Town, all unique and with a different story to guide you through the island\u0027s rich colonial history. Arabic doors are ornamented with the symbols of the Quran...
This impressive waterfront building adjacent to the House of Wonders was the residence of the Sultan\u0027s family in the 19th century, and today it houses a museum about the sultanate showcased throu...
Since the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, Zanzibar has been a leading exporter of spices such as clove, nutmeg and lemongrass. This visit to an original shamba (spice farm) will give yo...
Move off those well-stocked fish platters with some kitesurfing lessons: Zanzibar is a top-notch waveriders\u0027 paradise.
Prison Island is a peaceful haven just 30 minutes away from the ever-bustling city centre. Once an important site of 19th-century slavery, it is today home to none else than adorable giant Aldabra tor...
A small museum with a photography collection paying homage to the most famous person ever born on this island, Farrokh Bulsara, better known as Freddie Mercury.
Due to its strategic position, Zanzibar was a long-dreaded slave market site throughout the 19th century. This Anglican cathedral, neighbouring the popular Darajani Market, was built in the late 19th ...
EmergencyNumbers
112 +255 24 223 5669
Currency
Tanzanian shilling (shilingi), 1 TSh = 100 cents
Newspapers
The Citizen www.thecitizen.co.tz Dailynews www.dailynews.co.tz
OpeningHours
Business hours are usually from 9.00 to 17.00. Businesses and government offices (excluding shops) close around 12.00 on Fridays.
Population
1.3 million, Unguja (main island) ca. 0.9 million
TouristInformation
Zanzibar Commission for Tourism Amaani, Zanzibar +255 24 223 3485 www.zanzibartourism.go.tz marketing@zanzibartourism.go.tz
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