Mombasa Old Town Consevation Society
Mombasa, Kenya
About
Buildings in the Old Town are influenced by Mombasa's trade culture, with many examples of Portuguese and Islamic architecture. Old Town" is the part of Mombasa that is reminiscent of the days when the Arabs exerted a heavy influence on the town and its culture, and especially in the architecture and language (Kiswahili has a lot of phrases derived from various Arabic dialects). It is well known for its ancient buildings, extravagant art designs and curio shops that sell antique and popular Kenyan souvenirs. Old Town is best seen when explored by foot with an experienced guide, as the streets are too narrow to accommodate a large number of vehicles. The town's inhabitants are mostly of Arab origin who's forefathers once roamed the same streets of the town. Fort Jesus is located just a few steps away from where the town "starts", thus a complete tour of the fort and the "Old Town" can be done in a single day. A big reason why thousands of people visit Old Town, Mombasa each year is the beautiful beaches that stretch for miles along the North and South Coasts. In addition to being a haven for those who are looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation, watersports and fishing enthusiasts can also get their money's worth. But Mombasa has a lot more to offer visitors than just beaches. Remnants of historical and cultural attractions from centuries ago still remain. Other attractions showcase the diversity of flora and fauna in the region, and nature parks are an appealing destination for many visitors. As well, there are opportunities to experience the different facets of the Kenyan culture – within the city, in some of the surrrounding towns, and even in remote villages.
