When I feel like I need a getaway to pamper myself, get back in touch with Mother Nature and rejuvenate my senses, Mombasa, Kenya immediately comes to mind. With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and some of the richest culture and history in East Africa, this island draws me like a moth to a flame. Mombasa is famous for its sparkling powder-soft white sand beaches, world-class beach resorts and remarkable historical sites. For me, simply put, it is the best escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city.
From five-star beach hotels and spas to cozier stand-alone beach huts, Mombasa has accommodation options to suit every traveler’s pocket. There are also plenty of options for the business traveler looking for an extended stay or just wanting to escape the beach culture.
When it comes to gastronomy and places to eat, Mombasa has it all! From a seafood restaurant aboard a dhow that sets sail in the evening for a romantic cruise to local restaurants where you can experience real Swahili-style food and cuisine, you are spoiled for choice. As the sun goes down, the island comes alive with the abundance of nightclubs and bars dotted along the north shore, where you can step things up a level or two and enjoy some great music while enjoying a true ‘Dawa from Kenya. ‘cocktail… or two under African skies.
For those looking to explore the flora and fauna this area has to offer, the staggering beauty and variety of species that can be found below the surface of the Indian Ocean is sure to take your breath away. Diving and snorkeling opportunities are plentiful and swimming with the dolphins at Wasini Island is an experience that promises not to disappoint. With a game preserve that is home to the endangered Sable antelope, an alligator conservancy where you can get up close and personal with the amazing reptiles, and a nature trail where a 150-year-old tortoise and baby hippo became best friends, Mombasa has a wealth of wildlife to discover. The history buffs among you will be wowed by the famous Fort Jesus built by the Portuguese in the 16th century to protect Mombasa’s old port, the Gedi ruins in Malindi, and the ancient Swahili architecture of Mombasa’s Old Town.
Make sure you don’t leave Mombasa without some souvenirs. There are numerous beach vendors or curio shops in almost every Mombasa hotel selling beautifully crafted curios, colorful woven fabrics, paints and batiks that can be purchased at negotiable prices so you can take home a little piece of Mombasa… you will surely leave a little piece of yourself behind when you leave this magical place.
