When you live in Nairobi, the coast of Kenya feels like a world apart. Not only is it the perfect destination to relax and enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the country, it also has a bustling city (Mombasa) and the most cosmopolitan port in East Africa.
Whether you are looking for a tropical vacation paradise, or an exotic place to relocate, here are a few reasons you should consider Mombasa:
(I added a disclaimer at the end that is important to note)
HOW TO GET THERE:
By Train: You can get a train to and from Nairobi to Mombasa every day either in the morning or afternoon.
It is a lovely and scenic 4-hour 30 minutes ride on which you get to see the Kenyan countryside and savanna wildlife.
The first-class ticket costs around $30, and the economy ticket costs around $10. You will need to get a shuttle from the train station to downtown for about $1 or you could uber.
By Plane: Mombasa has the 2nd biggest international airport in Kenya, Moi international airport, so you do not have to transit through Nairobi.
By Bus: You can book a seat on a bus to Mombasa, convenient for impromptu plans, because there are buses leaving every hour. Some companies offer better deals in terms of comfort, price, and speed. On average, one-way trip costs around $15.
By Boat: If you are already on the eastern coast of Africa, there are boat rides available from cities such as Dar es salaam, Zanzibar or Lamu to take you to Mombasa
RICH HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
The history of Mombasa is a mix of African, Arab, Indian, Persian, Portuguese and British influences which are the main contributors to the Swahili culture of today.
Mombasa, due to its strategic geographic location, became the center of the Arab trade in ivory and slaves from the 8th to the 16th century. It was the major port city of pre-colonial East Africa in the Middle Ages and was used to trade with other African port cities, the Arabian Peninsula, the Persian Empire, China, and the Indian Subcontinent.
By 1589, the Portuguese completely took over the city and built Fort Jesus to serve as their trading center for spices, cotton, and coffee. They also still traded slaves at the time. Their legacy, the ruins of Fort Jesus remains a popular tourist attraction.
In 1698 the Omani Arabs took over the Portuguese, after capturing Fort Jesus. And in 1887, Mombasa was named the capital of the British East Africa Association and fully came under British administration by 1895.
Kenya gained its independence on June 1st, 1963, and the Kenyan coast as well as the rest of the country remain forever transformed by its pre-colonial and colonial influences. Swahili is now the official language for Kenya, Tanzania and all of the East African Community.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER:
The climate along the coast is tropical which means rainfall and temperatures are higher throughout the year.
The humidity is extremely high, and the hotter days can feel like a furnace.
Most but not all people need to use air conditioning because the heat can be unbearably challenging, especially in the months of December to April --- Southern Hemisphere Summer.
On the upside, the tropical weather can act like a sauna and help clear out your skin by making you sweat out toxins perpetually.
But overall, the coast has lovely weather all year round, and on most days the skies are clear and of a deep blue like the sea. The Indian ocean, with temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 29 °C, is warm enough for swimming all year round. There is simply no better place to soak in the sun.
AFFORDABILITY:
If you are looking for a private accommodation to rent, instead of staying in a hotel, resort or airbnb, there are plenty of options. From the lusher neighborhoods in Kizingo, Nyali, Tudor, to other middle-class areas such as Bamburi, you are bound to find something for you, your friends or family. You can rent out a small furnished apartment or, a luxurious penthouse, or a holiday villa from $15 to $2,000 a night, depending on your budget and preferences.
Mombasa has significantly less traffic than Nairobi. It is an incredible experience to drive through the city on a tuk-tuk (a small three-wheeled vehicle) which is the more affordable means of transport, and easier to weave through traffic than cars or public mini-vans. However, if you find the heat unbearable and prefer the privacy of your own air conditioned, tint-windowed car, feel free to rent one for as cheap as $10 a day.
When it comes to food, you will highly appreciate the Swahili cuisine which is primarily Arab and Indian infused, just like the rest of the culture. Sea food is readily available, fresher, and cheaper than anywhere else in the country. You might prefer to buy it and cook it yourself, as some seafood restaurants can be slightly overpriced in comparison.
The street food culture is rich here, and equally cheap. You can find food stands in the CDB or Downtown Mombasa, market areas, as well as the infamous lighthouse on Mama Ngina Drive.
Examples of what you can snack on include:
· Viyazi: a fried potato dipped in a coconut chutney, or a fragrant sour tamarind sauce.
· Cassava crisps(mogo): freshly made chips season to your preference.
· Mogo: a grilled or fried cassava, split down the middle to add a sour red-hot sauce made of salt, chili, sugar, and lime.
· Madafu: refreshing coconut water drank straight from a coconut
· Mabuyu: baobab seeds covered delicious flavor, sugar, and red food coloring
· Pastries: such as spicy cakes and sweet dumplings (Kaimati)
FABULOUS BEACHES:
Kenya’s coastline is of an outstanding natural beauty, with kilometers of soft white sand, lagoons, and lined up coconut trees stretching along turquoise pristine waters.
The coastal towns are Lamu in the north coast, then Kilifi, Malindi and Watamu. Mombasa which is also Kenya’s 2nd largest city, and Mtwapa going downwards, then Diani and Ukunda further south.
Diani beach, located 30km south of Mombasa, has the major beach resorts on the Indian Ocean coast such as Diani Reef Beach Resort & SpaBaobab Beach Resort & Spa. Watamu, Nyali and Lamu, are also notorious for their beautiful clean white sandy beaches.
For backpabers and campers, Distant Relatives Ecolodge & Backpackers is the hip, affordable and social accommodation, hosting international backpackers all year round. They also host popular budget festivals.
Kilifi town is famous for its lodges on the creek with scenic views of the sea. Make sure to visit Vipingo ridge, a five-star private residential golfing destination in kilifi to experience a greener, hilly inland landscape of the coast.
WATER ACTIVITIES:
There is no denying that the sea is central to life on the coast, and that everything revolves around it. From the port, to fisheries, to leisure and water activities; the value of the Indian ocean is extremely apparent in the larger Kenyan economy.
What better way to enjoy the ocean life than going deep sea-diving, or going swimming with dolphins in Kisite Marine Park? Why not go windsurfing on the Galu Beach or kite surfing, Kayaking and flyboarding in Diani or perhaps, knee boarding in Bamburi beach? Maybe you prefer less extreme sports such as jet skiing or banana-boat rides? The Kenyan coast has it all.
For those who are curious and willing to explore marine life, you are in luck! East Africa is host to the second longest barrier reef in the world, stretching from the coast of Somalia along Kenya to southern Tanzania. Try Snorkeling in the coral reefs of Diani beach and swim with sea turtles, octopus, parrotfish, squids, cattle fish, moray eels and stingrays amongst other species. Explore the famous shipwreck in the Watamu Marine Park, or scuba dive with PADI Diving in Mombasa to spot the whale shark and manta ray, in the months of September to October and January to February.
Want to spend a peaceful morning or an afternoon at sea, sailing towards the golden sunset? Go for a boat ride at the Tudor Water Sports Club. This complex comprises a 2-level restaurant overlooking the ocean, a hotel, and a legendary gym. Situated on top of a creek surrounded by mangroves, Tudor Water Sports Club is a large marina where many water skiers, boat owners and sporting fishermen can casually dock their various boats, painting the landscape with beautiful white cruiser yachts and boats.
BEST OF AFRICAN BEACH CITY LIFESTYLE:
Kenya’s Coast is a key contributor to Kenya's economy beyond tourism. The port of Mombasa is the entry for most goods into Central and Eastern Africa.
The coast has numerous farms from small fruit forests to vast agave plantations. Industrial activities include mining limestone coral deposits for cement, such as the famous Bamburi Cement, and various processing plants close to the port.
Mombasa is a cosmopolitan city with richly diverse people. It is a vibrant and bustling city with a thriving business community. Steeped in history and culture, various cultural events are held here annually to help you experience true Swahili culture.
Having more in common with the magnificent Dakar or Dar-es-Salaam than Nairobi, you will notice the major influence Islam has on the coastal people. Annual fasting is widely observed during the month of Ramadan where everyone works night shift and does nothing all day. The end of Ramadan is marked by merry celebrations, as are several other Muslim holidays throughout the year.
DISCLAIMER:
It is important to note, however, that to enjoy all the wonderful things I just listed above, you must be very careful and mind where you go and who you interact with. You should watch out and do not go out alone at night. Always keep an eye on your belongings and stay clear of dangerous neighborhoods such as Majengo, Sabasaba, Kibokoni, Kisauni, Majengo, mshomoroni Shanzu and a few more.
Mombasa remains very poor with 45%, almost half the population, being very low-income. There are reported cases of crime, and gang related violence. Many young teens resort to theft and drug abuse and are prone to stealing from tourists forcefully. Therefore, you should not walk around with expensive gear or jewelry. Ask your hotel or landlord and your local friends for pointers, and stick to Tuk-tuks or private cars to move around the bustling Downtown.
Otherwise, enjoy yourself!
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