Mombasa: Guided city tour with Hotel pick up

This city tour is part history and part shopping a private tour that shows you some of the best highlights of this picturesque old city. This tour is ideal for immersing yourself into the fascinating Arab, European legacy of Mombasa, one of the largest and oldest cities on the east coast of Africa.

Highlights

Fort Jesus Museum - synonymous with the history of the East African Coast

Visit the old town and the old port

Food and spice market - a glimpse into the lives of the local people

Marvel at the Holy Ghost Church Natural Coral Grotto

Trademark Elephant tusks - the gateway to Mombasa

Once we've picked you up from your hotel, we'll set off on a guided tour of highlights great for culture and history lovers, around Mombasa and its old town. The city's historic center reflects a melting pot of the people and cultures that have dominated this area of Africa over the centuries soaking in the atmosphere of the local markets.

Stop One

Our journey starts with a visit to one of its main historical monuments; Fort Jesus. This is Mombasa's oldest museum and it depicts the culture and the origin of the local people, mentioning the origin of Swahili. It was ordered to be built by Philip II of Spain, who at that time also ruled Portugal. During our guided tour of this fort, declared a World Heritage Site, we'll find out about its different "owners" throughout history, you will be able to trace the historical pattern leading to the influence of the Sultans. In addition, you will learn the culture of the local people through different exhibitions.

Close to Jesus Fort is the old port of Mombasa where, depending on the season, we'll be able to see the different ferries that go from the island to the mainland.

Step two

Our Guide will walk you through the city's vibrant neighborhoods to explore, sample, and taste the best street foods, will trek the narrow streets to the popular Spice Market to discover the huge variety of condiments that season the dishes of the local cuisine passing through the famous fish market and have lunch at a local spot. Here you can shop for some spices, as well as some Swahili attire.

Step three

Our Next stop will be the Holy Ghost Church (the present Cathedral), which was the first to be established by a Roman Catholic missionary group to arrive and evangelize in Mombasa. On arrival, you will be greeted by your guide who is a parishioner/caretaker of the church who will guide you through the church history and its memorable history. The guide will give you a detailed explanation of the cathedral including how it was established.

Marvel at this hidden gem that carries with it a lot of remarkable pre-colonial history right at the center of Mombasa City making it a historical landmark that has a religious significance 

You will experience a natural Coral Grotto, an old chapel & 100-year-old artifacts being built in a neo-Gothic buttressed architectural design, with massive fans in the walls to cool its former colonial congregations. The church has opened its doors to visitors of Mombasa city to visit this historical building and learn about the establishment of the Church which was primarily focusing on receiving and teaching slaves freed by the British marines from the Arab slave traders during the 19th century.

Step four

Next, we'll pass by central Moi Avenue and enjoy a walk under the Pembe Za Ndovu (Mombasa elephant tusks) arches made of two huge tusks that tower over this famous avenue, a monument erected to commemorate the ancient (now illegal) ivory trade 

At the end of the tour, we'll take you back to your hotel.