Mombasa: The Jewel of Kenya's Coastline

• HelloJambo
  [jahm-boh]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwah-heh-ree]
• YesNdio
  [n-dee-oh]
• NoHapana
  [hah-pah-nah]
• Please/You're welcomeTafadhali
  [tah-fah-dah-lee]
• Thank youAsante
  [ah-sahn-teh]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sah-mah-hah-nee]
• How are you?U hali gani?
  [oo hah-lee gah-nee]
• Fine. And you?Salama. Na wewe?
  [sah-lah-mah. nah weh-weh]
• Do you speak English?Unazungumza Kiingereza?
  [oo-nah-zoo-ngoom-zah kee-een-geh-reh-zah]
• I don't understandSielewi
  [see-eh-leh-wee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNingependa kuona menyu, tafadhali
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah kwoh-nah meh-nyoo, tah-fah-dah-lee]
• I don't eat meatSili nyama
  [see-lee nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Afya!
  [ah-fyah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNingependa kulipa, tafadhali
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah koo-lee-pah, tah-fah-dah-lee]

• Help!Msaada!
  [msah-ah-dah]
• Go away!Ondoka!
  [ohn-doh-kah]
• Call the Police!Piga polisi!
  [pee-gah poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Piga daktari!
  [pee-gah dahk-tah-ree]
• I'm lostNimepotea
  [nee-meh-poh-teh-ah]
• I'm illNinaumwa
  [nee-nah-oom-wah]

• I'd like to buy...Ningependa kununua...
  [nee-ngeh-pehn-dah koo-noo-noo-ah]
• I'm just lookingNinaangalia tu
  [nee-nah-ahng-ah-lee-ah too]
• How much is it?Bei ni ngapi?
  [beh-ee nee ngah-pee]
• That's too expensiveHilo ni ghali sana
  [hee-loh nee gah-lee sah-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Unaweza kupunguza bei?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-poon-goo-zah beh-ee]

• What time is it?Saa ngapi?
  [sah-ah ngah-pee]
• It's one o'clockNi saa moja
  [nee sah-ah moh-jah]
• Half past (10)Nusu kumi
  [noo-soo koo-mee]
• MorningAsubuhi
  [ah-soo-boo-hee]
• AfternoonMchana
  [m-chah-nah]
• EveningJioni
  [joh-nee]
• YesterdayJana
  [jah-nah]
• TodayLeo
  [leh-oh]
• TomorrowKesho
  [keh-shoh]
• 1Moja
  [moh-jah]
• 2Mbili
  [m-bee-lee]
• 3Tatu
  [tah-too]
• 4Nne
  [n-neh]
• 5Tano
  [tah-noh]
• 6Sita
  [see-tah]
• 7Saba
  [sah-bah]
• 8Nane
  [nah-neh]
• 9Tisa
  [tee-sah]
• 10Kumi
  [koo-mee]

• Where's a/the...?Iko wapi...?
  [ee-koh wah-pee]
• What's the address?Anwani ni ipi?
  [ahn-wah-nee nee ee-pee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Unaweza kunionyesha (kwenye ramani)?
  [oo-nah-weh-zah koo-nee-oh-nyeh-shah (kwehn-yeh rah-mah-nee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Basi la pili lini?
  [bah-see lah pee-lee lee-nee]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketi (kwenda ....)
  [tee-keh-tee (kwehn-dah ....)]

Mombasa's history dates back to the 6th century when it was first mentioned by the Greek scholar Claudius Ptolemy. The city is believed to have been founded by Arab traders and became an important port due to its strategic location on the Indian Ocean. The name 'Mombasa' is thought to have originated from the Arabic word 'Manbasa,' meaning 'island.'

In 1498, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived in Mombasa, marking the beginning of European influence in the region. The Portuguese were interested in control over the lucrative spice trade and established Fort Jesus in 1593 to protect their interests. The fort remains one of the most iconic historical structures in Mombasa.

In the late 17th century, the Omani Arabs took control of Mombasa from the Portuguese. This period saw the flourishing of Swahili culture, characterized by a blend of African, Arab, and Persian influences. The Omani rule lasted until the 19th century, leaving a lasting impact on the architecture and culture of the city.

In the late 19th century, the British Empire established control over Mombasa. The city became an important administrative and commercial center under British rule. The construction of the Kenya-Uganda Railway in the early 20th century further solidified Mombasa's status as a crucial port city. The British era also saw the development of modern infrastructure and urban planning.

Kenya gained independence from British rule in 1963, and Mombasa became a key part of the newly-formed nation. Today, Mombasa is a vibrant city that blends its rich historical heritage with modern developments. It is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse population that reflects its complex history. The city's economy thrives on tourism, trade, and industry.

Mombasa's cultural heritage is a tapestry woven from various ethnic groups including Swahili, Arab, Indian, and European influences. The Old Town area is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and bustling markets. The city is also famous for its Swahili cuisine, music, and traditional crafts, which continue to attract visitors from around the world.

Mombasa is accessible via Moi International Airport (MBA), located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center. The airport handles both domestic and international flights. Major airlines such as Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways operate frequent flights to Mombasa. Alternatively, travelers can take the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Nairobi to Mombasa, which offers a scenic and comfortable journey. Buses and long-distance coaches also connect Mombasa to various cities in Kenya.

Mombasa has a variety of transportation options including taxis, tuk-tuks, matatus (minibuses), and boda-bodas (motorbike taxis). Taxis and tuk-tuks are widely available and can be hailed on the street or arranged through hotel services. Matatus are the most common form of public transport, offering inexpensive rides along fixed routes. For a convenient and flexible option, consider renting a car, but be prepared for congested traffic in the city. Ferries are also available for crossing the Likoni Channel.

The official currency in Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it’s advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available throughout Mombasa, and foreign exchange bureaus offer currency conversion services. Mobile payment services like M-Pesa are also popular and can be used for various transactions.

Mombasa is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. High-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists include Kisauni and parts of Likoni. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid displaying valuable items in public. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services. The main police station in Mombasa is located on Moi Avenue. For medical emergencies, Mombasa has several hospitals including Aga Khan Hospital and Mombasa Hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, cover your head and remove your shoes. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous. Avoid eating and drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and use the right hand or both hands. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Avoid using the left hand when eating, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mombasa like a local, visit the Old Town area with its narrow streets, Swahili architecture, and bustling markets. Engage with locals; they are generally friendly and welcoming. Don't miss the opportunity to taste local dishes such as biryani, pilau, and fresh seafood. For a unique experience, take a dhow cruise on the Indian Ocean or explore the historic Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Nyali Beach for a relaxed day by the sea and Haller Park for an encounter with local wildlife.