DETAILS

FULL LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Ancient Arab dhows have been visiting the Mombasa harbour for centuries, bringing precious cargoes as well as Islam to Africa. Fort Jesus acted as the watchful eye over the harbour and island, and today is a museum offering symbols of its rich past. Mombasa’s history is an interesting one of trade activity and rich combination of cultures.

Your tour starts on the west mainland, with a visit to the Akamba Wood Carving Factory where you can watch the skilled craftsmen at work, still hand carving their wonderful artifacts in time-honoured tradition. You will return to the island and visit one of the decorative Hindu temples. Pause beneath the famous arch of elephant tusks (metal, not ivory) erected in 1952 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Mombasa. Thereafter, proceed to visit the massive Portuguese castle Fort Jesus, together with its museum, followed by a walk down to the old Arab Quarter, which is a labyrinth of narrow, twisting streets leading past interesting houses with overhanging shuttered balconies and stunning carved doors. A blaze of colours and exotic aromas mixes with a cacophony of sounds in this centuries-old section of town, as locals go about their day’s business and merchants ply their trades. All along, your guide will point out to you the many visible facets of Mombasa’s colourful history. Finally, you will be taken to Mombasa’s famous Castle Hotel for a thirst-quenching drink before returning to the pier.
 
SHORT LENGTH TOUR DESCRIPTION
Learn about Mombasa’s interesting past and cultural diversity on this tour of the city’s highlights. See wood carvers at work on traditional carvings at a mainland factory, the famous archway of elephant tusks commemorating Queen Elizabeth’s 1952 visit, and massive Fort Jesus, once sentinel of the harbour and island and now a museum. A walk through the fascinating Arab Quarter concludes with a refreshment at a landmark hotel.
     
TIMING BREAKDOWN
00.00 – 00.15 Depart and drive to west mainland
00.15 – 01.15 Visit the Akamba woodcarving factory
01.15 – 01.45 Return to mainland and visit the Hindu Temple.
01.45 – 01.50 Drive to Moi Avenue
01.50 – 02.00 Elephant Tusks - photography
02.00 – 02.20 Drive to Fort Jesus via seafront
02.20 – 03.20 Museum visit and Old Town
03.20 – 03.25 Drive to Mackinnon Market
03.25 – 03.35 Market tour and spice shops
03.35 – 03.55 Drive to Mombasa’s famous Castle Hotel for some refreshments
03.55 – 04.00 Drive to pier

Approximate duration: 4 hours
 
OPERATIONAL NOTES

• Sunscreen and insect repellent are advised

• Activity level is Easy. There is some walking involved in the Arab Quarter

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