"Mombasa, the Ancient Arab Treasure": 1 day City-Tour & Haller Park

Karibuni Pwani! (Welcome to the Coast!) The city tour comprises of many diverse facets, showcasing historical Mombasa and the famous Haller Park!

Pick up from your hotel at 8 AM in Mombasa/Diani Beach: The City tour commences as you pass by Mama Ngina Drive, onwards to Fort Jesus, which is now a museum and cultural center. It was built by the Portuguese in the year 1593, in defense against the ancient Arab rulers of Mombasa. It is now a World Heritage Site.

 

We will take the opportunity to see the dhow harbor, (Old Port) where a collection of vintage dhows can be viewed. Proceed to the Arabian Old Town with its maze of narrow streets displaying beautifully carved doors, jewels and curio shops.

 

Next on the list is a short visit to the sacred Hindu Temple, proceeding on to the famous monument of the elephant “Tusks.” The tusks were built to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth to the town in 1952, as they lay directly on the path from the port to the town. Coincidentally the tusks also spell the letter “M” for Mombasa.

 

Proceed to the Akamba Handicraft Market, a local co-op society where ten thousand tribal craftsmen produce a great variety of fine-quality wood carvings, at very reasonable prices.
 

Lunch will be served at a hotel in town followed by a post-lunch tour to the north coast of Mombasa-to Haller Park (Baobab Adventure). Historically, Haller Park used to be a quarry previously excavated by Bamburi cement factory for cement production. It has now been transformed into a dense forest, nature trail, game sanctuary with crocodile & fish farms. With the best of eco-tourism, Haller Park is also home to hippos, antelopes, birds, reptiles, snakes, giant tortoise, crocodiles and giraffes. Arrive back to hotel late-evening.