Overall Score
Mombasa – the main port of Kenya and the countrys second largest city. It is located in the south of the country, on the same coral island, which is washed by the Hylindeni-Harbour and Tuyudor-Creek rivers. There are several dams connected to the Mombasa contingent. It is the administrative center of the Coastal Region, an important economic and cultural center of Kenya. The population of Mombasa is more than 1 million. It is a multicultural city where different religions and languages intersect. But this fact does not prevent the city from flourishing.
It is believed that Mombasa was founded no sooner than the 11th century by Arab traders. In 1151, it was mentioned by the Islamic Gérgrene de lIsle of Idris, a vigorous Arabian port. For several centuries, MOMOMAASA has maintained its status as the largest market in eastern Africa and the strategic port of that region of the Indian Ocean. It is known that the ships of Vaca da Hamaama on their way to India threw the anchor in the mouth of Mombasa. For several centuries, the port city has been the object of an unrelenting struggle. Both the Portuguese and the Arabian Sultanates of Oman and Ghana have owned it, and Mombasa has conquered it more than once. The pirates were also taken to the port. In 1887 the city was part of the colonial possession of Brittany East Africa (subsequently Kenya). Since 1963 – in the composition of independent Kenya.
The economy of Mombasa is focused on maritime shipping. An oil refinery has also been built here. Tourism is an important part of the citys economy. Mombasa attracts with its unusual architecture, where a mix of Arab, European, and local styles was present. The infrastructure is designed to cater to a variety of guests: hotels, beaches, water attractions, exciting markets. Worthy of note are the quarters of the Old Town, the Mauve Avenue with its sculpture of the Beau Mombasa, the Anglo-American cathedral. But the main jewel in the citys crowning glory is the picturesque Portuguese port of Jesus, recently added to the list of World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO World Heritage Center. It was built in 1593, but its great walls could not always withstand private invaders. Under the English administration, the fort served as a prison for particularly dangerous criminals. Since 1958 – a national monument of Kenya and a museum.
Overall Score
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Religious
- Population: 920,000 people
- GDP: $1,455 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 9 Mbps
- Best wireless: Safaricom
- Pay without cash: No, cash only esp. for foreigners
- Tipping: For ease of tipping, you should carry a quantity of one dollar bills with you for the smaller tips. For Kenya safari and tour guides at camps and lodges, you may tip US $10 to US $15 per person per day, and tip half that amount for half-day activities.
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best coffee 24/7: Mombasa Works
- Best taxi: Uber
- Best hospital: Mombasa Hospital
- Best short-haul air carrier: Ethiopian Airlines
- Best intl air carrier: Ethiopian Airlines
- Monthly costs for expat: $800
- Monthly costs for family: $2000
- Monthly costs for local: $550
- Meal: $5
- Small Cola: $0.8
- Beer 1 Pint: $2.5
- Coffee: $2
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