Mombasa

Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya and the major port city in East Africa. Mombasa is located on Mombasa Iceland and of course the Indian Ocean. In the 11 Century was founded in 1498 Vasco Gama was seen as one of the first Europeans in Mombasa. Through its port and its ideal location in Mombasa quickly developed into a major East African commercial capital. First, in ivory, and later with the slave trade made ​​a name for Mombasa. The rulers of Mombasa frequently changed by the Portuguese in Mombasa on Zanzibarianer wanted to dominate many nations. Starting from 1920 it belonged to the Kenya colony, but remained part of the Sultanate of international law, to Kenya in 1963 regardless.

Even today, helping the Mombasa port and of course the international airport, the most tourists come into the country, a major industrial center of Kenya to be. Today, instead of slaves, mainly coffee, traded crude oil, cement and aluminum. The port is also underway by the U.S. Navy as the base. Also for Tanzania and Uganda, the port is a major transshipment point of goods of all kinds.

Our first goal in the Mombasa Tusks, four oversized tusks made ​​of aluminum, which span the Moi Avenue. The tusks have become "THE" symbol of the city. The tusks were built during a visit by Princess Margaret in 1956.

From the city wall, we have a first look at the old town of Mombasa, the Arab part of town. Later, we wander a bit through the streets and the Haller Park.

It continues through the crowded streets of Mombasa to the Fort Jesus. The Portuguese built in the 16th Century Fort Jesus in order to protect the sea route to India. As the city of Mombasa itself, it was mutually by the Arabs conquered the Portuguese, African people groups, etc.. On 15 August 1960 it was declared a national monument. We visit the plant and it has a museum, but really not both us away from the stool. A few old cannons and other junk.

Nothing much expensive in thick walls, now was the entry and not much more Mombasa has little to offer anyway. Overall, the city is not to be missed, but the African joy of life can be seen here but very good.

Finally, we visit a wood carving village Arumba Village on the outskirts of Mombasa, where we can watch the carvers directly over his shoulder. We can go through the entire village and look around to your heart's content. At the output, then the inevitable shop, where you directly can "work" now. There are really nice things at reasonable prices here. Action is in contrast from the street vendors, but the price is not a priori containing excessive.