For the discerning traveller, Mombasa is a multitude of joy with its distinct fusion between African, Arabian, Indian and European influences, says Chris Bowden

Mombasa existed as a seat of power on the Swahili coast for many centuries, and encountered its fair share of military defences. The Portuguese identified its potential and built the great Fort Jesus and garrisoned the city, using it as a trading hub for its East African interests. Upon their withdrawal from East Africa, the Omanis made good use of the city, exerting their influence and control over her when she rebelled against direct rule from Zanzibar.

Mombasa now serves as East Africa’s most important deep water port, acting as the access point for road and rail goods for all items headed to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Kenya itself and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. More recently, it has become the hub for the handing over of Pirates from international navies to the Kenyan Justice system.

For the discerning traveller, Mombasa is a multitude of joy. Its distinct fusion between African, Arabian, Indian, and European make its architecture a pleasure to look at. Its markets play host to not only the inevitable curio items, but also to herbs and spices from Zanzibar, coffee from Ethiopia, tea from the Kenyan highlands, silks from China and India, and kanga from all over the coastal region.

Historically, it is one of the oldest permanent settlements on the coast, and shows off such history in the existence of its old narrow streets and its impressive fort. Not willing to let go its incredible diversity, Mombasa has fully embraced modernity in its approach to nightlife, with some incredible clubs dotted inside the city - it is easy for travellers to forget that this is in all reality, a conservative Muslim city…

If you do decide to go out in the city, gentlemen beware, the influx of tourists has led to the interesting expansion of the city’s prostitution industry, and if you’re a lone male, you’re fair game.

Outside the city is where most travellers end up. To the south is the ever-popular Diani Beach, home to an impressive array of watersports opportunities, and pristine beaches, and to the north on the way to Malindi, is the less popular but equally as beautiful Bamburi beach. White sands stretching for miles, and clear turquoise seas… what could be better?