The city of Mombasa is an island, linked to the mainland by the Makupa Causeway and the Nyali Bridge. One of East Africa's oldest cities, it may date back as far as 2,000 years, often under the control of non-Africans. It is also the cradle of Swahili, a distinct coastal culture sometimes mistakenly called a tribe.
The first foreign influence probably came with the arrival of the Portuguese, when Vasco de Gama and his cohorts sailed up in 1498. They were just exploring the possibilities; the real invasion happened seven years later, and over the next century, a wave of Portuguese attacks left thousands dead. The city came under Omani Arab rule in the 17th century. By 1840, the British controlled Mombasa. Only in 1963 did it finally gain autonomy.
Kenya's main seaport (and the capital of the Coast Province), Mombasa's Kilindi port is East Africa's most advanced. Ship trade is nothing new to the city; it has long served as a gateway to East Africa, hosting vessels from around the world. Sadly, among those docking most frequently during the 18th and 19th centuries were the slave traders.
Among the brutal landmarks that recall that ugly era are local caves, once infamous as storage pits (often death pits) for captured Africans before they were shipped overseas.
Another, somewhat horrifying (at least to conservationists) landmark is the famous Mombasa gateway arch on Moi Avenue made of giant elephant tusks. Less disturbing attractions include Fort Jesus Museum (at the fort built by the Portuguese in 1593), with exhibits on Swahili culture and history; the fabric shops selling the dramatic clothes of the coast; and the old mosques that dot Mombasa, including the 1570 Mandhry Mosque, with its picturesque minaret, and the Bashkeih Mosque , said to date back to 1300.

In the heart of the town is where most hospitals, businesses, banks, shops and markets are situated. Hence almost all services such as health advice, financial services, or any kind of shopping, are all provided for in the city. Being a small town, Mombasa does not have a subway system. However one can easily get around using the local bus service; or for a “truly Kenyan experience” a ride in a “Matatu”- which is quite a unique adventure. With the introduction of the noizy TUK TUK, one can now explore the city in a unique and cheap way.

Apart from the beautiful beaches, another unique aspect of this wonderful town is its rich history. The “Old Town” is reminiscent of the days when the Portuguese used to rule Mombasa, and you can experience the history even today in the structures that still stand, such as the Fort Jesus. The town is heavily influenced by Arabic culture, and is more observable here than in other parts of the town.
Mombasa undoubtedly has one of the best white sandy beaches and coral reefs that Africa has to offer. Coupled with an array of hotels on the beachfront situated along the North and South coasts of the town, it characterizes Mombasa as the ideal place for a vacation. This is why Mombasa is a major tourist destination, and the tourism industry the number one earner of foreign exchange in the country.
Another factor that draws tourists from Mombasa, not only internationally but also from other areas within Kenya such as the capital Nairobi, is the exciting nightlife. There are many nightclubs situated along the North and South Coasts of the town, all of which have different themes that cater to different crowds. Many hotels also have their own entertainment events, which are very appealing to those wishing to have a relatively mellow evening.

The town offers a host of quality of restaurants offering a wide range of foods, ranging from British, Chinese, Indian and Italian cuisine, to a variety of local and traditional dishes.
Being a colonial country before independence, Mombasa has a kaleidoscope of different cultures and languages. The most common language spoken is Kiswahili followed by English. However, being a town that thrives on tourism, finding someone who speaks German, French, Dutch or any other language is not much of a problem.