Mombasa holidays

GMT +3 hours

• English is understood by many people all over Kenya.
• On the predominantly Muslim coast, people speak Swahili, although some locals speak German, French and Italian.
• English is taught in schools all over the country, so there’s always someone who’ll understand, even in the remote bush.

• Shilling. • Major credit cards are widely accepted and traveller’s cheques can be changed at banks and hotels. • Make sure you carry change on safari.

• Kenya is usually considered among the safest countries in Africa, but tourists should take care, especially Nairobi and when arriving in the country.

• Common-sense rules apply - avoid dark backstreets at night and Nairobi’s sleazier bars and dance dives.
• Don’t flaunt jewellery or valuables or walk around with large sums of money.

Fort Jesus
This 16th-century fort in the Old Town is the oldest fort in Africa. Built by the Portuguese, it’s now a national museum.

Diani Beach
Just south of Mombasa, this is a tropical paradise where palm-fringed, white-sand beaches stretch out into the blue sea. Coral reefs and tropical fish make it great for snorkelling.

Shimoni
This popular fishing village boasts relics of the slave trade and unspoilt coral gardens.

Funzi Island
This island is great for fishing and there’s a Marine National Park just off the coastline.

Marine National Park
Barter with the boat-boys and go snorkelling from a trip on the glass-bottom boat. There’s also a crocodile farm and snake park nearby.

Haller Park
This wonderful sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife including giraffes, hippos and oryx – as well as Owen the hippo and Mzee the giant tortoise, who are inseparable after Mzee adopted Owen when he was a calf.

Historical sights
- Gedi ruins
- Mombasa Tusks
- Old Town

• You must have a full and valid 10-year passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival back in the UK.
• Brits need a visa, which you can get on arrival in Kenya or from the Kenyan Embassy before you travel (recommended).
• For more information, contact the Kenyan High Commission on 020 7636 2371.

November
Mombasa Carnival
Join in the fun at this celebration of Mombasa’s rich culture, with street floats, music, traditional dancing and parades.

Bombolulu Workshops
Disabled craftsmen and women make jewellery, hand-printed textiles and wood carvings at this centre, in a project pioneered by the Association for the Physically Disabled in Kenya.

The City Market
Browse this authentic Kenyan vegetable market, taking in the vibrant colours as you watch locals stock up.

The Floating Market
Based on a boat in the Indian Ocean, this intriguing market is a great place to buy local goods and support the community.

Nakumatt Nyali
This shopping centre boasts eateries, pharmacies, boutiques and cash-points.

10 hours via Nairobi

Our resorts offer a range of sports such as tennis, volleyball and pool.

Watersports
Go deep-sea fishing; scuba diving and snorkelling; whale- and dolphin-watching; and try kite-boarding, jet-skiing, water-skiing, banana boating, kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing.

Food
• Feast on unbelievably cheap spiny lobster, shrimps and prawns from the Indian Ocean, as well as excellent kingfish and swordfish.
• Tropical fruits, papaya, pineapple, mango and several types of banana are first class.
• African dishes are an acquired taste, but worth trying. A popular dish is kukuma wiki na nyama, a sauté of spinach with meat. Kuku wakupaka is spiced chicken and irio is a Kikuyu mixture of mashed chickpeas, sweetcorn, pumpkin and potatoes eaten with meat or fish.

Drink
• Although purified drinking water in hotels and lodges is safe, tap water isn’t. Bottled water is readily available.
• Heat exhaustion is a major hazard, so cover up in the sun and drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquid.

• There’s a good choice of South African wine available, and fresh coconut milk is a good cool pick-me-up in the heat of the day.

Religion
Christianity and Islam

Dialling code
+254 41

Several vaccinations are advisable; particularly yellow fever and cholera, and you should take precautions against malaria. Contact your GP or a specialist vaccination centre.

Dhow Cruise
Enjoy a sunset cruise as you sip on the local drink, dower, before enjoying a fantastic lobster dinner.

Shimba Rainforest
Explore the bush on an overnight adventure, spotting a variety of wildlife and game.

If a service charge isn't included in your restaurant bill, tip 10%.