Mombasa City Tour - Fort Jesus, Old Town, Spice Town & Craft
Description
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the ancient city of Mombasa as we take you on a journey through time. Begin your adventure at the iconic Fort Jesus National Museum, where history comes alive before your eyes. Explore the charming Old Town, with its narrow streets and traditional architecture dating back centuries. Marvel at the old dhow harbor, a testament to Mombasa's maritime history. As you also visit spice town and check out different spices that have been a key trade items from time memorial. We'll take you to the Elephant Tusk where you will have a chance to take iconic photos and learn of the tusk’s significance. Finally we will visit the Akamba Craft Centre where you will se how African traditional ornament are created from start to finish with a chance to get a unique souvenir to take back home. The total tour duration is 7 Hours. With 3 hours being total travel time.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Pick up at 7:30 AM and Drive to Mombasa to begin your adventure.
Get to learn about Fort Jesus, which was built by the Portuguese in the year 1593 and designed by Italian architect JoaoBatista Cairato, the fort has stood the test of time. It was built to secure the safety of the Portuguese living in on the east coast of Africa. The fort has faced a lot of attacks and hostilities and has lived to tell the tale.
Old Town covers an area of 72 hectares (180 acres), and is inhabited by a mix of local, Arab and Asian settlers. Getting to walk in old town will take you back in time and put into perspective the story of the Kenyan coast. One thing that you are sure to notice while walking through Old Town is the carved doors. - The higher the tenement the bigger the gateway the heavier the padlock and the huger the iron studs which nail the door of heavy timber the greater the owners dignity
The spice market in Mombasa is a lively place right in the city centre. People from all walks of life gather here to discover a wide variety of spices, herbs, and cooking ingredients. The market is bustling with colourful stalls showcasing aromatic spices, creating a vibrant and fragrant environment that enchants the senses. Exploring Mombasa's spice market isn't just about buying ingredients. It's a chance to dive into the local culture. You'll meet friendly vendors who love to talk about spices and cooking traditions. Besides spices, you can find dried fruits, nuts, teas, and even local crafts, making it a must-visit spot for food lovers and travellers
Visit the iconic Mombasa tusks and take memorable photos. Located in the heart of Mombasa, Kenya, the Mombasa tusks, also known as Pembe Mbili, are a well-known tourist attraction and a symbol of the city’s history and culture. The four aluminum tusks, arranged in an M shape, stand over Moi Avenue, a major thoroughfare in the city. While the tusks are a popular destination for tourists visiting Mombasa, they also hold significant cultural and historical significance for the people of Mombasa. From their construction in 1952 to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to the renovations and additions made in 1956 and 2017, the tusks have stood as a testament to Mombasa’s past and a meeting place for its residents.
Discover the Akamba Handicraft Village in Mombasa and learn more about the rich culture of the Akamba people. From beautifully carved wood sculptures to intricately woven baskets, this village is a haven for art enthusiasts. Experience the authentic craftsmanship and connect with local artisans as they showcase their skills passed down through generations. Delve into the captivating history, take part in interactive workshops, and bring home unique souvenirs that will forever you remind you of the spirit of Kenya.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
For hotel pick up. Kindly expect your guide at your hotel lobby.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(3)
There is some walking involved on uneven streets but nothing too strenuous. Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. It was so fascinating to learn the history of Fort Jesus. Our guide, Moses, was great at pointing out the different things at the fort. He then led us on a walking tour of the Old Town, the open air markets & we got to go to the spice market.
It was a good trip to Mombasa where a guide showed us around Fort Jesus, Old Town and Spice Market and answered the questions we had. Then we drove to the iconic bumps, followed by a Hindu temple, where a guide told a little about the temple. Finally, we drove out to see how characters etc. are made of different wood and got some stuff shopping. All in all, we got what we had expected and got to see Mombasa.
