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Did you know? Mombasa is Kenya’s oldest and second-largest city after Nairobi. It was also known as the ‘Blue and White city’. It has a population of about 1.2 million people.
With 2000 years old history, the Arab, Indian, European and African heritage makes for beautiful tourist attractions in Mombasa. The city is overlooking the Indian Ocean and has both local and international tourists flocking to enjoy the sun and sand at the award-winning beaches and hotels.
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Did You Know These Interesting Facts About Mombasa in Kenya?
What to do in Mombasa? Here are some interesting facts about Mombasa in Kenya that will make you want to visit:
1. Kenya’s Capital in Olden Times
Today Nairobi is the capital of Kenya but Mombasa was once the most powerful city in the country. From 1887 to 1906, Mombasa became the capital of Kenya’s Protectorate. The capital was later moved because of medical reasons. Nairobi has since been the capital of Kenya to date.
2. Kilindini Harbour – One of the Naturally Deepest Harbours Globally
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Inaugurated in 1896, Kilindini Harbour is the main part of the Port of Mombasa in Kenya. It is the only international seaport in Kenya and the biggest port in east Africa. Kilindini means ‘deep’, an old Swahili term. It is a large, natural deep-water harbor with a long history. Besides cargo ships, all cruise ships also anchor here upon arrival. Kenya and even East and Central African countries rely on this harbor for import and export.
3. Fort Jesus – Not just a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Fort Jesus in Mombasa was built by the Portuguese in 1593-1596 and designed by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Cairati. It played a crucial role in 9 different battles between nations for the control of Kenya’s coast including Oman, England, and Portugal. During those years of battles, Mombasa in Kenya was known as the ‘Island of War’. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 and is now turned into a museum.
4. Center for Slave Trade
The city was one of the main ports for the slave trade for a large portion of its history. This flourished for a very long time before gradually dying out in the middle of the 19th century. Shackles are still visible throughout the city as a reminder of the trade. Also, a bell that was once used to alert locals of slave ships still stands.
5. Elephant Tusks at Old Town for Princess Margaret of England
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Mombasa in Kenya is well-known for its huge aluminum elephant tusks that stretch across Moi Avenue, Old Town. These tusks are not just for show. They were constructed to honor Princess Margaret’s visit to Kenya in 1956 when Kenya was still a part of the British Empire.
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6. The Founding Date is Unknown
Old Town Mombasa was first populated in the 10th century. In texts from the 12th to the 14th centuries that have been discovered, Arab scholars also mentioned the city. Whatever the exact date of its founding, Mombasa is undoubtedly one of the oldest cities in sub-Saharan Africa.
The exotic Old Mombasa Town features Arab and Portuguese architecture, bustling bazaars, quaint antique stores, and the scent of spices. Its old-world charm is on top of everyone’s bucket list.
7. A Strong Historical Background
Mombasa in Kenya is a city of historical significance mainly because of its location. The coastal city was a battleground for many wars in the past. In the early days, it was one of the most crucial hubs for ocean trades. It had great economic importance for delivering goods from the outside world to early residents and royal families.
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For instance, Jumba la Mtwana is a village of historical structures and relics with breath-taking views, 15KMS away from Mombasa in Kenya. Jumba ruins are famous for sea turtle hatcheries, an experience of a lifetime that you should not miss.
8. A Major Trading Hub Long Ago
In the past, Mombasa in Kenya was a major trading hub for gold, ivory, coconuts, sesame, and various spices. Europe, India, and China were connected by the city’s trading activity. Due to the volume of goods passing through, the city began to produce many of the goods on its own.
9. A Cultural Hub for Music
In Mombasa, music is a huge part of daily life. The sounds of Bango, Chakacha, and Mwanzele are popular in the city. Also, it is well-known for the Taarab music which originated in Zanzibar. This music can be heard throughout the city at night from its lively bars. Visiting places with traditional music is on the top of our list of things to do in Diani.
10. The Beautiful Marine Park
Imagine white sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms, azure ocean, and white coral leaves that can be seen through glass-bottomed boats.…
One of the best places in Mombasa, visiting the Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve is a must! The park offers many adventurous water sports like windsurfing, snorkeling, skiing, and more. Mombasa Marine Park is also home to a variety of magnificent marine species like crabs, starfish, stone fish, etc., and birds like crab plovers. It is one of the best things to do in Mombasa.
11. Haller Park – A Majestic Natural Scenery
Do you want to know about the best place to visit in Mombasa? Haller Park is the #1 tourist attraction on the island. The conserved wildlife, age-old beauty of flora and fauna, and spectacular parks and gardens provide a serene getaway from city life. The park also has memorable activities like feeding giraffes, horse, and tortoise riding.
Also, don’t miss their restaurant and try the steaks from their crocodile, ostrich, and antelopes.
What is Haller Park Mombasa entrance fee 2022? It is USD 20 per person.
12. Vasco De Gama Saw It First
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The first European to see Mombasa in 1848 was Vasco da Gama, the renowned Portuguese explorer. The Portuguese were so impressed by what they saw that they returned two years later to capture it.
13. The Hindu Union of Mombasa
In order to raise money for a large temple, a group of Gujarati Indian immigrants decided to walk from village to village. This is how the Hindu Union was formed in 1899. A temple and Lingam were built in Central Mombasa after enough funds were gathered.
Image Credit: Lord Shiva Temple Tassaduq Hussain via Tripadvisor
In modern times, Mombasa in Kenya has two big Hindu temples. Lord Shiva Temple is the epitome of Indian architecture and culture. Another Hindu temple you must visit is The Swaminarayan Temple with ornately painted doors and paintings from Hindu mythology.
Photo credit: Swaminarayan Temple via Tripadvisor
14. The Largest Jain Population in Africa
Credit: Jain Temple by Brian Ritchie via Flickr
Despite the fact that most of Mombasa’s residents are Muslims, the city has one of the largest Jain populations in Africa. The religion has been practiced in the country for over 100 years and there is also a Jain Temple in Mombasa.
Similarly built in 1570, the Mandhry Mosque in the Old Town is the oldest building in the city and a superb example of Swahili architecture.
15. Diani Beach – One of the Best Beaches in the World
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Mombasa in Kenya is also famous for its sparkling white sand beaches and the most exotic hotels and resorts on the island. The Diani beach has incredible sunset views, surfing over the clear blue waters, panoramic palm trees, and stunning coral reefs.
With its lush greenery, Diani beach is not only one of Africa’s best beaches but also one of the top beaches in the world.
Are you planning a staycation in Mombasa Kenya? Looking for the best Diani beach hotel? Nestled in an indigenous coastal forest with a garden and a palm-fringed beach, Pinewood Beach Resort and Spa is a multi-award-winning hotel on the south coast of Mombasa. It is also one of the top-rated Diani beach hotels and among the best places to visit in Diani.
I Want to Stay at Pinewood Resort
Pinewood Beach Resort Mombasa in Kenya – The Best Beach Hotel in Mombasa
Why is Pinewood the best hotel in Diani and among the top romantic places to visit in Mombasa? Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa is a barefoot boutique paradise situated on the unspoiled shores of the Indian Ocean. With the glittering ocean on one side and a vegetable garden on the other, few hotels can compete with the range of amenities at this romantic destination.
Let’s see what makes Pinewood one of the best Diani beach resorts:
Rooms & Suites
Mombasa in Kenya has many hidden gems and Pinewood is the shining diamond among all. You’ll enjoy the ocean breeze in colorful rooms with ocean and garden-facing balconies and warm wood furnishings. For even more seclusion, extra spacious suites have private dining areas and verandas and your very own personal chef.
Dining & Bars
The hotel has a bistro, snack bar, and Peponi restaurant for theme dinners and barbecues in addition to serving breakfast at Bahari Restaurant. Savor mouth-watering feasts made using fresh local ingredients from their very own vegetable garden. Sip sundowners at the Pool, Beach, or Lounge Bar with your toes dipped in the soft sand. Indulge in lip-smacking cuisines at top Mombasa restaurants.
Pinewood has the finest restaurants in Diani. Read Reviews.
Spa
Are you looking for the best spa in Diani Mombasa? Starting with a Swahili cinnamon tea, the Amani spa provides a wide range of massages and beauty services for relaxation. The Tennis court and fitness center are open to guests without charge, and table tennis, squash, and beach games are also available.
Activities
Love water sports? Want to explore fun activities in Diani? Check out their water sports center which provides wind and kite surfing, sea excursions, PADI scuba diving, and snorkeling. And if you want to drive along the beautiful coastline and enjoy the majestic views, it takes 50 minutes to drive to Shimba Hills National Reserve from Pinewood Resort.
Weddings
Pinewood Resort is amongst the top wedding venues in Kenya! The elegant beach resort is located by the Indian Ocean, where crystal-clear waters make the ideal setting for your wedding, with neatly-lined palm trees and white sands serving as the beach’s backdrop. Pinewood goes all out to make sure that your beach wedding is a dream come true.
You have the option of having the ceremony on the white sands by the beach and the reception at the Peponi Beach Restaurant. On top of that, the wedding packages include massages for the bride and the groom. A little pampering will go a long way!
Meeting Facilities
The state-of-the-art Hibiscus boardroom at the hotel is adaptable to all types of events like product launches, seminars, corporate meetings, and more. This bejeweled crown of Mombasa in Kenya has a dedicated and highly trained staff that will offer professional support. The meeting room features the latest technology and a complete range of services to meet all your conference needs.
Other Facilities
What is the best part about Kenya beach resorts? They offer other unique facilities that ensure guests experience the Kenyan heritage and culture to its fullest.
From Zawadi Gift Shop and Amani Gym to a TV lounge and a swimming pool with a beach backdrop, the resort provides a blissful stay and great services. There is a library for guests who love to read and immerse in the breathtaking views of the ocean. A day or two at Pinewood is nothing short of exceptional!
For travelers who reach Kenya’s coastline, Mombasa, a city of mixed languages and cultures from all sides of the Indian Ocean awaits like an opulent art. Mombasa’s fusion of India, Arabia, Europe, and Africa is enchanting, and many tourists find themselves falling in love with this East Africa’s biggest and most cosmopolitan port.
Indeed, Mombasa in Kenya has many faces, from waves against coral beaches below Fort Jesus, the sound of Zanzibar-originated Taarab music and prayers to the historical charm of the Mombasa Old Town and exotic beaches and hotels.
As a traditional Swahili proverb goes, “Kuishi kwingi ni kuona mengi – To live long is to see much.”
Look no further! Book the best beach hotel in Mombasa today – Pinewood Resort & Spa! Get in Touch for the ultimate escape to this true paradise and enjoy unforgettable experiences.