Due to its strategically important position, the town of Mombasa has been continually fought over by various trading nations through its history. The Arab influence on Mombasa has been significant. Mombasa and Lamu still exhibit the influence of Arab culture and architecture today.

In 1498, Portuguese explorer, Vasco De Gama landed on the shores of Mombasa. It became Portugal’s main trading centre along the East Coast of Africa and this led to the construction of a monumental fort in 1593 that still stands today, known as Fort Jesus.

Portugal’s reign over Mombasa lasted for approximately 200 years, after which they were overthrown by the Omani Arabs. The sultan of Zanzibar leased the town to the British and they formally took control of Mombasa in 1895. The British took strides to establish control of this strategically important port, and completed a railway line in the early 1900's from Mombasa to Uganda. The British rule in Kenya officially ended when Kenya finally gained its hard-fought independence on the 12th December 1963.

Mombasa is now Kenya's second largest city and one of Africa's major tourist destinations, it has some of the best beaches in the world and has become popular for its diverse marine life, game park safaris, world class hotels and friendly people.

The coastal city of Mombasa is Kenya’s second largest city and one of Africa’s major tourist destinations, It has some of the best beaches in the world and has become popular for its diverse marine life, game park safaris, world-class hotels and friendly people.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, spectacular coral reefs and sea life, Mombasa offers a diverse cultural history. The City retains many of its cultural traditions to former Portuguese, Arab and British settlers - all of which have left a lasting influence on the City's food, architecture and people.

With a population of around 900,000 inhabitants (1999 census), the bulk of the city is located on Mombasa Island, which is separated from the mainland by two creeks; Tudor Creek and Kilindini Harbour. The Island is connected to the mainland by the Nyali Bridge, the Likoni Ferry and Makupa Causeway.

Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese in 1593 and sits on a ridge of coral near the entrance of the old harbour. At the time of construction, there were colonies of Portuguese living on the eastern coast of Kenya and the fort was intended to protect them. Turkish raids during the late 1500s prompted this need for more protection.

Elements of Portuguese architecture are still clearly visible in the ancient fort, even though it has undergone many additions and changes over the centuries. Given its age, the buildings have weathered well with much of the lower walls built from the local coral. The fort was designed by Portuguese Architect Joao Batista Cairato, and covers an area approximately 2 acres in size.

Fort Jesus was used as a military fortification for much of its history, until the annexation of the territory by the British in 1895. They refurbished the fort, using it as a prison. Its importance as a historical site was recognized in 1958 when the area was declared an official National Park.