"Exotic Kenyan Island" a Mombasa Travel Page by Ramonq

Mention Mombasa, and most people will imagine a fusion of Indian, Arab and Kenyan culture. It's true because I was able to notice a juxtaposition of Hindu temple, mosque and even a cathedral, all in one small space! Especially exotic is within the vicinity of the old town where many women in black burkhas similar to those I saw in Muscat, and saris walk down the chaotic narrow lanes minding their own business. It is a very busy port town with lots of noisy tricycles that reminded me of the tuktuks in Bangkok. The markets are packed with a melange of people from different cultures which makes an interesting place for tourists to wander around. At the old market, I saw a Masai man in his colourful tartan red cloak walking past an woman in black Omani burkha and Indian men selling their wares in shops that will not be out of place in Mumbai. Yet Mombasa, despite its cross cultural mixture, is surprisingly very tolerant and peaceful. Even though its atmosphere is quite chaotic, steamy and noisy, it is relatively safe to explore the town, albeit you could be hassled by child beggars and market vendors. Mombasa may not be everybody's cup of tea, but if you're a sociologist or a culture vulture, then this is the place to come and experience its unique offerings.

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Voyager Resort

Resorts

But many Western tourists tend to stay in the exclusive resort enclave just north of Mombasa. Yes they do have white sand beaches, towering palm trees and vast blue swimming pools as their main attractions like in Goa, India. However, they can be isolated from the noisy and busy reality of Mombasa. Vacationers love the peaceful ambience of the resorts where they can de-stress and be pampered by attentive staff and served with good quality food and drinks. It's nice and relaxing at some of the high end resorts, but it can be artificial and superficial with an expensive price to match. Seafood in Mombasa is to die for where lobsters, prawns and all sorts of fishes caught from the Indian Ocean are prepared in exotic ways. In Mombasa, you can have it both ways: experience the rich tapestry of exotic cultures and relax in well appointed resorts. It all depends on your budget of course. For the less affluent tourist, one can stay in a small hotel in the city centre where you can immerse yourself in the local culture, but stay in a less relaxing environment. Downtown Mombasa can be very busy and polluted where tricycles and markets vie for your attention.

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Resting at Fort Jesus

Mombasa, Yesterday and the Future

Mombasa was discovered by Arab traders because of an Indian Ocean sea current phenomena called tradewinds. They set up here to trade with locals for well sought out spices. Under Vasco de Gama, the Portuguese took control of the land because it was an important stopover for the spice trade between Europe and India. They used the incumbent Sultan to control the local populace. During the 15th century, Fort Jesus was constructed and this impenetrable fort became the bastion of trade for the Portuguese colonisers. Cotton, coffee, spices and slaves were traded by Arabs, Portuguese and locals alike. For 200 years the Portuguese controlled the area and used slaves mercilessly to toil the farms nearby. But the Omani empire over ruled the Portuguese until the 19th century. Here the Omani influence took over and one can still see the overwhelming impact of the Omani culture through its populace. However, the Sultan of Zanzibar who ruled over the Omani empire along the coast of Eastern Africa leased Mombasa to the British in 1895, and so Union Jack flew over Fort Jesus for around 60 years. The British brought in Indian labourers into Kenya whose descendants are still visible in present-day Mombasa.

Mombasa is now Kenya's second largest city. Its sea port brings in the goods from all over the world into Kenya. Mombasa has, from time immemorial, been a trading sea port. Today in Kenya, it still plays an important role in the economy of the whole country. Mombasa and the sea go hand and hand and the peoples who have set foot on its soil have left their own imprints.