Municipal Council of Mombasa, Kenya

To facilitate improved and sustainable service delivery, economic empowerment of communities, attract investment and provide residents and visitors with an enjoyable environment worthy of an exemplary city and holiday destination. Vision: To be a leading Holiday destination and City in the World The coastal city of Mombasa is one of Africa’s most sought-after tourist destinations, and boasts some of the best beaches in the world.

Located on Kenya’s eastern coastline bordering the Indian Ocean, Mombasa has become immensely popular for its exotic beaches, diverse marine life, world-class hotels and friendly people. Described variously as a piece of rare exotic delight, and a tourist’s haven, Mombasa has attracted visitors from all over the world and continues to do so. Mombasa’s rich history dates back to the 16th Century, when it was ruled by the Portuguese, Arabs and British - which peoples have all influenced the town’s culture. The attractions that still exist include historical ruins such as Fort Jesus and the Old Town.

Mombasa’s beaches offer an array of activities for children and adults alike, such as deep-sea fishing and water sports. Tours of the town, safaris in game parks, and camping can all be planned through travel agencies. Hotels also incorporate these activities as part of their entertainment, with the aim of making the trip to Mombasa the ultimate holiday experience!

Complementing its diverse culture, Mombasa’s restaurants offer a stunning array of tastes sprinkled across the town.

Delicacies include freshly-caught seafood made to order on a dhow while you watch the sunset and listen to the live band playing your favourite songs. The nightlife in Mombasa is always exciting, and the clubs and casinos can keep you going all night long. So when you next think of going on vacation, doing some travelling, or simply enjoying yourself, think about Mombasa and all that it has to offer. We promise you the time of your life!

The Moi International Airport is an architectural symbol of Mombasa’s growing investment in tourism. It has been newlyrenovated, and a new terminal has been built to facilitate larger aircraft and increased passenger traffic. Mombasa was a very influential port in the 15th Century, and has played a significant role in laying the foundations of the nation that it is a part of today. Some of its attraction sites include:

• Old Town
• Fort Jesus
• Mombasa Tusks
• Hindu Temple
• Mamba Village
• Bamburi Nature Trail
• Bombolulu Workshops
• Gedi Ruins

Mombasa has many hotels along its white sandy beaches as well as in the heart of town. The best hotels can be found along the North Coast, where hotel rooms are a few feet from the warm sandy beaches. Most of the newer hotels are situated on the South Coast and further along the North Coast.

Kenya Railways offers train services throughout the country, primarily between Nairobi and Mombasa. Passengers who choose to travel via rail have the option of travelling either by first or second class. A trip from Nairobi to Mombasa usually takes around 6 hours by bus, and 1 hour by plane, during which time a variety of wildlife can be seen at a relatively close distance. The main form of transport is the minibus, commonly referred to as “matatus”, followed by the three wheel “Tuk Tuk”. Both forms of transport are highly used by the locals. A ride in a “matatu” can be a quite fascinating experience. Taxis can be found almost anywhere in the town.

Shopping

Local hand-crafted items, traditional African and Arabic clothing and souvenirs can be bought in the city as well as on the beachfront from tourist shops and local vendors respectively.

Security

All the streets of Mombasa are now well lit, courtesy of the Municipal Council, offering visitors a chance to sample the cool night life at various entertainment spots in a secure environment. The Central Police Station is located at the heart of the town, and regular patrols are carried out on foot as well as in vehicles.

Location: East Coast of Kenya about 500 kilometres away from Nairobi (The Capital)

Size: 2755 square kilometres.

Climate: Warm, humid to hot.

Temperature: Ranges from 23-31 degrees centigrade.

Population: 939,370.

Major Economic Activities: Fishing, Tourism, Industrial and manufacturing commercial activities.