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 history of the Portuguese, Arabs, and British. Visitors can explore 17 different areas, 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…
- Fort Jesus Museum - This historical site showcases the history of the Portuguese, Arabs, and British. Visitors can explore 17 different areas, 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 a human, as well as the Oman house. The entrance fee is 1200 Kenya shillings, payable via M-Pesa, a mobile money transfer application. If a visitor doesn’t have M-Pesa, they can give the cash to me, and I will make the payment on their behalf. An additional 100 Kenya shillings is required for the transaction fee, bringing the total to 1300 Kenya shillings. The site is safe, and visitors will enjoy learning about its history. Fort Jesus was built on a coral rock beside the Indian Ocean, as Mombasa is an island. The location offers natural air conditioning with a pleasant ocean breeze. Visitors will walk around and immerse themselves in the historical ambiance.
- Mombasa Tusks - The tusks were initially constructed in 1952 to welcome Queen Elizabeth on her first visit to Mombasa. Originally made of wood, they were later replaced with aluminum by the Kenyan government to ensure durability. The tusks form the letter ‘M,’ symbolizing Mombasa, and have become a landmark of the city. Tourists often visit to take photos as a memento of their visit. Adjacent to the tusks is Uhuru Garden, meaning ‘freedom.’ Before Kenya’s independence, locals would gather in the garden to freely express their grievances about the British without fear of arrest. However, speaking out against the British outside the garden would result in arrest. The garden remains a symbol of freedom and is known for the many bats that hang upside down in the trees.
- Mama Ngina Waterfront - Here, visitors can enjoy the history and scenic views of the Indian Ocean. Originally called Baobab Garden due to the abundance of baobab trees, the area still has some of these trees, and locals make natural candies from them. Visitors can see and taste these candies if interested. The site features a tunnel leading to Fort Jesus Museum. During British rule, a governor appointed by Queen Victoria worshipped at Mbaraki Mosque and established the Mbaraki Pillar, which still stands today. Nearby, there are war memorial graves from the First and Second World Wars. Opposite the cemetery is the Little Theatre, where doctors treated war casualties. The area, now known as Mbaraki Estate, retains its historical significance. Mombasa is a cosmopolitan city.
- MacKinnon Market - Opened in 1914, MacKinnon Market has stood the test of time. Visitors can request to see historical photographs of the market at the manager’s office. The building’s archaic walls and iron-rail windows were designed to stand out in an area dominated by Swahili-style architecture. A plaque inside the building traces much of the construction materials to Bristol, UK. According to a trader who has been operating there since the 1960s, the market was more organized and beautiful in the past. Today, it is renowned for its spices, as the people of Mombasa enjoy spicy foods. Visitors can see, taste, and purchase a variety of spices, as well as vegetables and appetizers sold by local vendors.
- Old Town Walking Tour - Old Town is a historic area on the southeast side of Mombasa Island, covering 72 hectares (180 acres). It is home to a diverse mix of Swahili, Arab, Asian, Portuguese, and British settlers. In 1997, the Old Town and Fort Jesus were nominated for UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Attractions include the Mombasa Club, established in 1897 as the first club in Kenya, 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, the first hotel in Kenya, which started with twelve rooms in 1901 and is now a high school. The Mazrui graveyard, dating back to 1715, is reserved for the Mazrui family. Note: Photography is prohibited in the port.
- Bottled water
- Tour Guide
- Bottled water
- Tour Guide
- 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.