Mombasa is situated in the island, connected with continent by means of pier. The town kept its appearance of ancient seat, where many of traditions from European, Arabian, Persian or African traditions were kept. So, in Old Town, you can admire very interesting buildings in Arabian style, including Fort - Jesus Portugal Citadel of 16th century. At present, this complex is a summer residence of President of Kenya, except of Mzima Springs Oasis. Modern maritime sea-port of Mombasa is the second biggest African port, after those of Cape Town.

Nevertheless, long local beaches are the main reason, why the tourist visit Mombasa. Just here, along coasts of Indian Ocean, among shady palm groves, you can find many first-class hotels as well as entertainment complexes. To most popular ones belong the beaches, close to the small town of Lamu, resorts Kikambala and Watamu, and also in Nyali, Malindi, Pate, Bamburi or Shanzu.

In Bamburi, you can admire Heller Park, where you can see all sorts of plants, giraffes, hippopotamusses, which are appearing in Kenya, including butterflies pavillon.

Not far from Bamburi, there is placed Bolombulu, a centre of national handicrafts, and Mtwapa Aquarium. In small park of Bamburi-Trail, you have the chance to watch many sorts of  herbivorous animals and exotic birds, the representants of cat-beasts of prey and even crocodils.

A couple of kilometres from Mombasa, you can find Mpunguti and Kisite sea reservations, where more than 140 sorts of fish are living, further, snake farm, and also Shimba Hills and Tanta Hills National Parks, where many elephants, buffalos, giraffes and antelopes are living.

Text: Maxim Kucer

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš

Photo: voyager747, Msadude, HEBRARD, United, phil hassler, tomthecat, Alec Moustris, Dimitri Roshopshin ww.., bohumil28, Scunner