Mombasa, Kenya

 MOMBASA, KENYA

MARCH 19, 2025

Kenya’s chief port, Mombasa, is a melting pot of traditions.  Linked by a causeway to the African mainland, it boasts a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and African cultures.  On our sail into this harbor, we were met with a double rainbow!!!! 

Then we noticed a huge ferry packed with people and were told this ferry can hold as many as 4,000 people.  The lateen-rigged dhows and small vessels anchor in this port between trips to trade with the Arabian Peninsula, Persian Gulf and India.  

We toured the narrow streets of Mombasa’s old town lined with ornately styled architecture and home to mosques, cathedrals and Hindu temples.  We entered the city under the symbolic four metal elephant tusk sculptures built in 1952 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s visit which form the letter “M” for Mombasa. 



Our tour continued to Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a 16th century fortress built by the Portuguese designed to withstand cannon fire.  



Our guide also took us to a small fish market, a fabric-making shop, and a wood carving shop.


There is so much poverty in this city which is also in disrepair, and the Chinese are building much of the current infrastructure!!!!  



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