Mombasa Holidays: An Exciting Dream Destination

Situated on the shores of the Indian Ocean, with limit-less stretches of sugar-white sands and spice-scented breezes playing through the fronds of coconut palms, Mombasa is one escape that you'll be glad you made!

Between world-class luxury resorts and budget accommodation, take your pick. The sun, sand and ocean are free!

Apart from lounging on the beach, Mombasa offers rich cultural treats as well. A visit to the 16th Century Old Town at Fort Jesus will take you back to the Portuguese era in Kenya. The Gedi Ruins situated some distance away are worth a visit to get a glimpse of East African trading routes in medieval times.

Shimoni is a nearby fishing village near the Tanzania border and is interesting for its colonial buildings from the British Era and the notorious slave caves which evoke the tragic past of the region. Visitors can avail of a sunset cruise on a dhow from here.

If you're traveling to Mombasa in November, this is the season of the Mombasa Carnival with its vibrant and lively atmosphere, beautifully decorated floats and exciting parades which showcase the different ethnic groups and nationalities here. The main parades which converge on Moi Avenue are a blend of music, dance, fabulous costumes and creative art. Stalls selling delicious local cuisines and handicrafts are set up all along the parade route. This is a big event and is famous all over the world.

The Bombolulu workshop is a great place to pick up souvenirs and also fulfill your social responsibility – the center is run by the Association for the Physically Disabled and features handmade textiles, weaves, wood-carving and traditional bead-work.

Local markets are really where you can feel the heartbeat of a country and a visit to the City Market in Mombasa gives you a glimpse of the local produce, shopping habits and daily life of the locals. So also a trip to the picturesque Floating Market in the ocean-front, which stocks traditional goods and fresh produce. The Nakumatt Nyali center is for a more sophisticated experience of restaurants, boutiques and malls.

Water-sports and the ocean are inseparable – Mombasa offers world-class activities like scuba-diving, snorkeling, jet-ski, dolphin-viewing and windsurfing. You can also have fun rides on banana boats and kayaks.

Mombasa is a foodie paradise. Fresh-caught local seafood, tropical fruits and local vegetables are abundant. Apart from the local Swahili delicacies and game-meats, a variety of international cuisines like Japanese, TexMex, Indian and European are available. South African wines, Kenyan coffee and delicious fresh coconut water and milk are great thirst-quenchers.

For a welcome break from the usual dusty safari-trails and arid savannah landscapes, hop across to Mombasa!