A Glimpse Of The Past

OVERVIEW

Delve into Mombasa’s rich history and visit a woodcarving factory on this enlightening tour. Begin with a drive through Mombasa’s center, past colonial buildings, temples, mosques and markets bright with vibrant cloth and fruit. Admire the enormous aluminum elephant tusks that span the main avenue to once-forbidding Fort Jesus, today a coastal antiquities museum showcasing fine ceramics, an exhibit on the Kenyan coast’s culture and history, and artifacts from a Portuguese frigate sunk in 1697. Appreciate a fabulous view of the Old Town from the ramparts and refresh with a cold drink. You’ll discover more signs of historic Mombasa in the Old Port area, where traditional Arab dhows still tie up along wooden docks covered in Persian carpets and Arab chests rather than holding slaves of days past. Explore the Old Town’s labyrinthine streets, which are lined with perfume makers, jewelers, coffee merchants and more, all creating a stunning blaze of color and mix of exotic aromas. You’ll notice Swahili-style buildings displaying Indo-Arab architecture with carved doorways, ornate balconies and brass-studded doors. Visit the Akamba Woodcarving Factory to see skilled craftsmen hand carving their treasures with time-honored techniques and perhaps purchase their wares as a perfect memento of alluring Mombasa.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach through Mombasa’s center, a mix of stately colonial buildings and bustling markets.
• Experience Fort Jesus, now a coastal antiquities museum featuring artifacts from the Kenyan coast.
• Take in the Old Port area and see traditional Arab dhows moored alongside wooden docks.
• Roam among vendors such as coffee merchants and jewelers in the bustling Old Town.
• Observe carved entryways with brass-studded doors gracing Swahili-style buildings.
• Watch skilled artisans plying their craft at the Akamba Woodcarving Factory and browse their inviting shop.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.