With around 800,000 inhabitants Mombasa is the second biggest town in Kenya and at the same time the most important harbour in East Africa. The 13 square kilometre insular town of Mombasa Island lies in the south of the country on the Indian Ocean coastline. It is only connected to the mainland by means of a bridge and is encircled by arms of the sea lika a precious jewel. The Portuguese, on their arrival in 1498, showed themselves to be very impressed by the high standard of living of the Swahili population and because of this they erected Fort Jesus at the entrance to the old harbour from 1593-1595.
The fort with its exciting history stands on a coral bank and towers over the entrance to the old harbour. Also worth a visit is the »old town«, which goes back to the 19th century. Narrow streets and alleys, mosques and temples, houses with doors decorated with brass, the old dhow harbour and marvellous colonial buildings give this quarter a unique character. Visually, Mombasa presents itself with its countless palm trees and what seem to be almost endless sandy beaches as a tropical paradise. Luxurious holiday hotels are to be found along the beaches which stretch to the north and south of the island.
