Abduljabbar Ali If you want to visit Mombasa, Kenya you probably want to know if it is worth the visit or not.
When you think of Mombasa you may only be thinking of the beautiful beaches, Fort Jesus, and the tusk monuments.
There is more to Mombasa than what you see in most of the videos or the articles you read online.
I was born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya which makes me the right person to share with you everything unique and amazing about this vibrant city.
Mombasa has different praises depending on what people enjoyed the most when they first visited the city.
If you ask anyone who visited Mombasa, Kenya you will hear different things from them. They will only talk about the things they enjoy the most in this city.
As a local, let me share what Mombasa is best known for. These are the things that attract most people to visit this blue and white city.
This is what Mombasa is best known for;
1. Beautiful beaches and the white and white sands.
Mombasa Island is surrounded by the Indian Ocean making it one of the destinations in the world that has so many beautiful beaches.
If you decide to get off the island and head further south coast, you will still have the option of accessing most of the highly-rated beaches in the world (Diani Beach).
There are so many amazing beaches that you can visit when you come to Mombasa.
Most of these beaches are free to access (Public beaches) but there are some you will have to book a resort or a hotel that offers access to a private beach.
If you decide to book a hotel or a resort that offers access to the beach, you are likely to have a huge private beach of your own.
The only downside is that you won’t be able to interact with the locals and see the true face of Mombasa, Kenya.
Some of the best beaches that you can access for free in Mombasa are located along the Indian Ocean shore which are divided into sub-sections by the big beautiful coral reefs.
All these beaches are full of white sands that carry so many beautiful shells that you can collect and take them with you as a souvenir.
So, when you come to Mombasa just prepare yourself to enjoy these beaches.
Mombasa is a coastal paradise that is full of palm trees and so many coconut drinks to enjoy.
I can’t tell you that these beaches are perfect. Some of these beaches are dirty (full of seaweed at the shore and plastics) and some aren’t secure for the tourists.
Likoni is also part of Mombasa. It has many beautiful beaches but most of these beaches aren’t secure and also have the issue I was talking about above there.
Maybe some years to come from now things might change.
Read also; 6 Top Public Beaches In Mombasa
Some of the best beaches you should visit in Mombasa are these;
- Nyali Beach.
- Pirates Beach.
- Shanzu Beach.
- Bamburi Beach.
- Miami Beach.
- Mombasa Beach.
If you go further south coast, you will have the pleasure of enjoying one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (Diani Beach In Ukunda).
The above are some of the beaches that people visit in Mombasa, Kenya just to enjoy them to the fullest.
This is what Mombasa is best known for and now I get you now understand why it’s such a hot spot for tourists searching for paradise on the coast.
Read also; 17 Top Things To Do In Mombasa
2. Vast different types of Swahili dishes.
If you visit Mombasa and fail to try the Swahili dishes you haven’t truly experienced Mombasa.
Mombasa has so many Swahili dishes that everyone who lived or visited hear will tell you tales about them.
To be honest, I am fortunate enough to be born and raised in this beautiful city.
I was fortunate enough when I started my YouTube channel (Abduljabbar Ali) which enabled me to start traveling even far away from the coast.
This gave me the chance to experience different types of foods but what I can tell you the foods I tried when I was away don’t beat what Mombasa offers.
The Mombasa local cuisine doesn’t compare to the meals you will try from Rift Valley, Western, Eastern, or Central Kenya.
Swahili dishes are just going to blow your mind away.
One thing that makes the Swahili dishes taste bud breakers is how these dishes are prepared.
The ingredients are also one of the special components that make these meals unforgettable.
In Mombasa, you get spices at an affordable price and they are easily available for anyone around here.
You can’t find the same thing when you move far away from the coastal region.
Apart from the spices, we also have coconuts in Mombasa that add up to almost 95% of the Ingredients that are used to prepare the Swahili dishes.
Whenever there is coconut involved in the making of the dish, it doesn’t matter what it is, you will get a unique taste you have never had before.
Have you ever heard of pilau and biryani? This is just a rice dish that is prepared differently and each of them is likely going to blow up your taste buds.
Some of the best Swahili dishes you should try when you visit Mombasa are these;
- Mahamri.
- Borohoa.
- Pilau
- Briyani.
- Chapati.
- Tambi za nazi.
- Samaki wa nazi.
- Rojo la viazi.
- Mhogo wa nazi.
The above are just some of the Swahili dishes you can try in Mombasa. If you visit Mombasa don’t forget to try them out and see what is going to capture your attention.
Apart from the Swahili dishes, Mombasa is also known for the best street foods that leave lots of tourists speechless.
The amazing thing is that all these street foods and Swahili dishes aren’t expensive at all.
If you have about $5 this is enough for you to enjoy so many incredible coastal dishes to your fullest.
Without forgetting, let me share with you some of the best street foods in Mombasa and my recommendation too if you manage to visit Mombasa, Kenya.
These are some of the best street foods that Mombasa is best known for;
- Shawarmas
- Bajia
- Viazi Karai.
- Vitumbua.
- Kashata.
- Haluwa.
- Mitai.
- Kaimati.
- Roasted Cassava.
If you manage to visit Mombasa don’t forget to try Shawarmas, they will blow your mind.
They are cheap, you can get one done for you at Ksh 100 (less than $1).
Read also; 3 Days Mombasa Itinerary On A Budget
3. The rich cultural and historical heritage of the Swahili civilization.
Mombasa is best known for the rich cultural and historical heritage that it holds because of its location and early inhabitants.
Mombasa is one of the oldest cities in Kenya. It developed mainly because it was used as a trading post by the Arabs, Indians, and the Coastal Bantus.
It provides ports that make it possible for ships coming from all over the world to dock and resupply.
As the trading was going on the Arabs and Indians started to make permanent settlements along the coastline of Mombasa.
Intermarriage between the Arabs and coastal Bantus brought about the new Swahili community that exists up to date.
Emerging of this new Swahili community brought a new culture to Mombasa.
The Mijikenda started adapting to the new culture thus the majority of Muslim communities at the coast of Mombasa.
If you are interested in learning more about the cultural and historical heritage of Mombasa, you should visit Mombasa.
Fort Jesus still holds the entire history of the coastline of Mombasa and how things used to be.
The evidence of the buildings and how people used to live still is visible and everyone can see it.
The culture of the Swahili community is still held and it’s being practiced.
Without forgetting, the tusk moments in Mombasa also hold a great history of this coastal paradise and that is why they are one of the Iconic pieces of Mombasa.
These Tusks were erected in 1952 to honor the visit of Queen Elizabeth. They left an important landmark that receives tourists from all over the world.
It’s not only a destination for tourists to take pictures and film videos, but it’s also rich in historical information that will blow your mind.
Reading the history of Mombasa in books is not the same as experiencing it firsthand.
You wanted to know what Mombasa is best known for. This is what you should take note of if you are a historical nerd.
4. For amazing and cheap destinations to visit.
When people talk about Mombasa all you will hear about are the amazing places they visited.
If you want to explore Mombasa to the fullest you don’t have to be super rich.
I can say that Mombasa is one of the cheapest cities in Kenya. This starts from accommodations to the exotic destinations you would want to visit and enjoy.
You can have epic adventures in Mombasa without breaking your bank account.
With a budget of about $250, you can explore the entire amazing destinations of Mombasa.
So, if you are on a tight budget and you would like to explore and experience Mombasa for its unique sites, this is the best destination for you.
Have you ever wondered why so many tourists talk of Mombasa, Kenya?
It has a lot to offer at a reasonable price.
Some of the cheap and amazing destinations to visit in Mombasa are these;
- Haller Park
- Mamba Village
- Fort Jesus.
- Mama Ngina Waterfront.
- Nguuni Nature Sanctuary
- Beautiful beaches.
Read also; 8 Affordable Places To Visit In Mombasa Kenya
If you decide to go further south coast (Kwale County) you will have even more places and hiking grounds at your disposal.
In general, I say that Mombasa is an amazing starting point if you want to travel around and explore the entire coast.
Read also; Why Is Mombasa A Popular Tourist Destination? [11 Facts]
If you take your time to explore Mombasa, you will notice that it has more to offer than what you read online and the videos you watch.
Read also; What Is The Best Month To Visit Mombasa?
5. Vibrant and chaotic business streets.
Mombasa is known for the vibrant streets that have so much more to offer than any other city you will visit.
One thing about the streets of Mombasa is that they still hold their authenticity due to their originality.
You can just take a walk around the streets of Mombasa Island and you will notice that you can still see the culture extending every side of the town.
Read also; Is It Safe To Walk In Mombasa, Kenya?
The way people handle themselves in the streets and how businesses are going on it’s just going to blow your mind.
If you are planning to visit Mombasa, don’t just only go to the exotic destination and forget to stroll around the streets.
You have so much to learn and see in these streets.
The streets of Mombasa are unique not because they have fancy buildings protruding everywhere. The buildings still standing around most areas in town are from the 1930s up to date.
The architectural designs of these buildings just reflect how Mombasa was in the 1930s and this gives you the feeling that you are just going back in time when you are walking around in town.
If you decide to go further and explore the streets of Mombasa Old Town this will take you even more back in time because most of the buildings standing still have their initial Arabic architectural design.
Read also; 5 Things To Do In Mombasa Old Town (After Fort Jesus)
The doors are engraved with Arabic markings, the windows are bigger and heavier almost similar to the doors and the balconies contain wooden plates that are also designed.
The new thing that Mombasa implemented when Governor Hassan Ali Joho was on the seat, ordered that all the buildings in Mombasa should be painted blue and white.
This gave Mombasa the name nickname “Blue and White City”
This added to the beauty and vibrancy of these beautiful streets in Mombasa.
Without forgetting the chaotic business streets “Biashara streets” are full of people selling things that may interest you.
As you walk along these business streets you will also get to see the coastal artifacts that are locally designed such as palm hats, baskets, wooden cooking sticks, and coastal cooking pots.
In the same streets, you will come across all the street foods that I mentioned in this article.
The businesses going on in these streets also reflect the major economic activities of the people in Mombasa.
6. It’s known for active party life and enjoyment (“Mombasa Raha”).
I know you have heard the phrase “Mombasa Raha” from so many people who talk positively about Mombasa.
Mombasa is well known for its amazing party life and enjoyment.
People from other sides of the coast (Ukunda, Voi, Taita, and Lunga Lunga) come to Mombasa Island just to party and enjoy themselves.
You will realize that Mombasa holds people from different parts of Kenya.
So many people move to Mombasa and settle here because of how fun they find Mombasa to be.
It’s called “Mombasa Raha” because it’s just good vibes everywhere.
If you like partying and just having a good time, Mombasa can give you that without you working so hard for it.
When it comes to the nightlife, it doesn’t leave you behind. There are so many clubs you can go to get some drinks and enjoy yourself and meet some new people.
Some of the famous clubs in Mombasa you can go to drink and enjoy yourself are these;
- Casablanca club.
- Bella Vista Club.
- Moonshine Beach Bar.
- Mint lounge.
- 001 Lounge.
- Club Mio’s
The party life in Mombasa is a blast. This is one of the reasons why so many people who have never been to Mombasa, Kenya end up making it their home.
People come to Mombasa and they don’t think of going back to their hometowns.
Men and women are trapped here because of the fun and enjoyment they experience here.
The good thing is that it’s not expensive for them to enjoy themselves and have a good time.
The beaches also add to the fun and make locals and tourists feel like they are in Maldives.
7. It holds a great deal of multicultural communities.
Mombasa is full of different people coexisting harmoniously.
Nowadays, it’s not only the Swahili, Mijikenda, Indians, and Arabs that occupy Mombasa Island.
We also have Somalia, Luos, Kambas and so many other tribes living in Mombasa.
Some moved to Mombasa, Kenya for business purposes while others decided to make it their home.
The favorable features that Mombasa, Kenya has made it possible to attract people from different parts of the world.
It accommodates all these people and makes them feel at home.
People live peacefully in Mombasa despite their differences and social classes.
This gives them ample time to practice their culture without interference.
If you want to know all of this take a moment and Walk along Haile Selassie Avenue, along this road you will come across so many Indian temples.
You will even spot several Indian restaurants that are followed by Swahili restaurants.
This shows that when you are in Mombasa, you can experience all sides of the coin at a go.
You can learn about different people’s cultures in one city.
8. Mombasa is best known for its hot weather.
People who stay far away from the coast run away from their hometowns to Mombasa to escape the chilly weather.
We have tourists who escape the winters from their home countries and the first place they think of coming to is Mombasa.
If you want summer, Mombasa is the perfect destination for you. With the beaches and coconut drinks you have here, you will even forget about where you come from.
When you are coming to Mombasa you should prepare yourself to deal with this weather.
Mombasa gets even hotter when it rains. You don’t need jackets here.
You should get a hotel with air conditioning or a room with beach-view windows.
The type of clothes you will have to pack when coming to Mombasa will also have to fit the weather.
It’s rarely raining in Mombasa, even when it does, the temperatures are still higher.
So, if you are planning to come to Mombasa ensure you are ready to deal with the scorching sun and high temperatures.
This is something Mombasa is best known for when you ask about the weather.
9. For the beautiful women and handsome men.
Men and women marry from Kenya. You may say some may be doing it to get the passport.
The truth is that Mombasa Kenya is full of beautiful people.
If you are searching for a man or a woman to marry you better come to Mombasa.
You will never be disappointed if that is your aim. People travel to Mombasa for love while others for pleasure.
So, what is your preference? If you want a handsome man or a beautiful Muslim woman this is where you should come.
Dating in Mombasa is easier as long as you make your intentions clear.
If you want to make some friends Mombasa is the best City to travel to.
It’s not like Nairobi where most people will not even smile at you because they are just busy minding their businesses.
Making friends in Nairobi is harder than in Mombasa. As I told you before, Mombasa is the home of fun and enjoyment.
People aren’t always in a rush except at the Likoni Ferry! Hahaha!
The locals will randomly smile at you and say hi to you.
I have seen so many tourists who visit Mombasa, Kenya, and end up getting their soul mates there.
So, if you want to explore every side of Mombasa, this is what it’s known for come and see more.
Lastly…
These are just some of the common things that Mombasa is best known for.
There are still so many things you will learn about Mombasa especially when you decide to interact with the Mijikenda.
They have amazing stories and tales to tell you about their culture and history.
Don’t forget to cross the ferry and go to Likoni because it may also blow your mind about what you will learn there.
Mombasa being beautiful the way it is also has its flaws. No city is perfect.
Other parts of Mombasa like Kisauni, Likoni, and Bamburi tend to be insecure. So you have to be vigilant when exploring these places.
Read also; How To Stay Safe When Travelling In Mombasa (Kenya)
It will be best if you have a local who can take you around these places just to be safe.
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