Explore Mombasa’s rich history with Samira. Visit Fort Jesus, Old Town, spice market, and more. Discover hidden gems on a 3-hour walking tour.
Explore Mombasa’s rich history with Samira. Visit Fort Jesus, Old Town, spice market, and more. Discover hidden gems on a 3-hour walking tour.
- Fort Jesus Museum - This historical site showcases the rich history of the Portuguese, Arabs, and British. Visitors can explore 17 fascinating locations, including the captain’s house, passage of the arches, passage of the steps, escape route, watchtower, kitchen, museum, Portuguese chapel, barracks, mosque, Oman well, water tank, and the…
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Fort Jesus Museum - This historical site showcases the rich history of the Portuguese, Arabs, and British. Visitors can explore 17 fascinating locations, including the captain’s house, passage of the arches, passage of the steps, escape route, watchtower, kitchen, museum, Portuguese chapel, barracks, mosque, Oman well, water tank, and the skeletons of a whale and human, as well as the Oman house. The entrance fee is 1,200 Kenyan shillings, payable via M-Pesa, a convenient money transfer application. If a tourist does not have M-Pesa, they can provide cash, and the operator will assist with the payment. An additional 100 Kenyan shillings is required for transaction fees, bringing the total to 1,300. This location is safe, and tourists will enjoy learning about its history. Fort Jesus, built on coral rock beside the Indian Ocean, benefits from a natural breeze, offering a pleasant walking experience.
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Mombasa Tusks - Constructed in 1952 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s first visit to Mombasa, the tusks were initially made of wood. Later, the Kenyan government replaced them with aluminum for durability. The tusks form the letter ‘M,’ symbolizing Mombasa, and serve as a landmark. Tourists often visit to capture photos as proof of their visit. Adjacent to the tusks is Uhuru Garden, meaning “freedom.” Before Kenya’s independence, locals would gather here to speak freely about the British without fear of arrest. The garden remains a symbol of freedom, and visitors can observe numerous bats hanging upside down in the trees.
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Mama Ngina Waterfront - Tourists can enjoy the history and scenic views of the Indian Ocean at this location. Originally under Portuguese control and known as Baobab Garden due to its many baobab trees, it still features some of these trees. Locals produce natural candies from the baobabs, which tourists can see and taste. A tunnel leads to Fort Jesus Museum. The British appointed a governor here, who established the Mbaraki Pillar near his preferred place of worship, Mbaraki Mosque. Nearby are war memorial graves from the First and Second World Wars. Opposite the cemetery is the Little Theatre, where wartime casualties were treated. The area, known as Mbaraki Estate, retains its historical significance. Mombasa is a cosmopolitan city.
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Mombasa - Opened in 1914, MacKinnon Market has withstood the test of time. Visitors can request to see photographs of the building’s original appearance at the market manager’s office. With its archaic walls and iron-rail windows, the building stands out amidst Swahili-style homes. A plaque inside traces the building materials to Bristol, UK. A trader who has worked here since the 1960s recalls a more organized and beautiful past. Today, the market is renowned for its spices, reflecting the local love for spicy foods. Visitors can explore, taste, and purchase a variety of spices, as well as vegetables and appetizers, alongside locals who frequent the market for shopping.
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Old Town Walking Tour - Located on the southeast side of Mombasa Island, Old Town spans 72 hectares (180 acres) and is home to a diverse mix of Swahili, Arab, Asian, Portuguese, and British settlers. In 1997, the National Museums of Kenya nominated Old Town and Fort Jesus for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Attractions include the Mombasa Club, established in 1897 as Kenya’s first club, where only men were allowed, and women waited in a nearby library. The first post office in Kenya, where locals received letters, and the Africa Hotel, which began with 12 rooms in 1901 and is now a high school, are also notable. The Mazrui graveyard, dating back to 1715, is reserved for the Mazrui family. Note: Photography is prohibited at the port.
- Tour Guide Fee
- Tour Guide Fee
- The entrance fee at fort Jesus is not included in the tour guide fee.The entrance fee is 7 USD each
- Tuktuk within the tour
- Admission fees
- Lunch
- The entrance fee at fort Jesus is not included in the tour guide fee.The entrance fee is 7 USD each
- Tuktuk within the tour
- Admission fees
- Lunch
I am Samira, a tourist guide based in Mombasa. I offer walking tours that include visits to Fort Jesus, Old Town, the spice market, the Elephant Tusks, and the Hindu temple. On the Mombasa walking tour, you’ll learn about the history of Fort Jesus, which was built by the Portuguese in 1593, taken over by the Oman Arabs in 1698, and later by the British…
I am Samira, a tourist guide based in Mombasa. I offer walking tours that include visits to Fort Jesus, Old Town, the spice market, the Elephant Tusks, and the Hindu temple. On the Mombasa walking tour, you’ll learn about the history of Fort Jesus, which was built by the Portuguese in 1593, taken over by the Oman Arabs in 1698, and later by the British in 1895. Old Town Mombasa showcases a blend of cultures, featuring old wooden balconies, narrow streets, and Oman-carved doors, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable tour experience.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.