Mombassa
Kenya is located on Africa's east coast and is bordered by the Indian Ocean. It is divided into seven areas: northern Kenya, northeastern Kenya, western Kenya, Rift Valley, the central Highlands, southern Kenya, and the coast. Mombasa is located in the southeast corner of Kenya's coast. Almost all of Kenya's population is comprised of members of three tribes. The Bantu, the Nilotic, and the Cushite tribes date as far back as 2000 BC, and remain today a vital part of political and social affiliations in Kenya. Tribe members take great pride in their history and unique traditions, and are most often eager to share their customs with visitors to their land. The official language of Kenya is Swahili, which is a mix of Bantu, Arabic, and English. Secondary dialects are spoken within tribes and sub-tribes, and English is also widely understood and often spoken by natives.
Tourists are often surprised by the stark contrasts that exist between the tribes in this area of the world and Western cultures. Polygamy is accepted here, as is nudity. Tribal chiefs and elders have the final say on all matters, and their decisions are non-negotiable. It is important for Westerners to bear in mind differences such as these to get the most out of their visit here. Tourism is the number one industry in Kenya and with good reason. Its friendly people, paired with its breathtaking land, make for a splendid vacation experience. Kenyans boast of their country's relaxed atmosphere, and place enormous emphasis on pleasure and socializing.
Mombassa is called Kenya's capital city because it is a tourist hub and the location of much trade and industry. Mombasa is the second largest city, second only to Nairobi. Ptolemy recorded Mombassa's location as early as 150 AD, and wrote that it was a busy place of trade and prosperity. The same port that Ptolemy wrote about still exists today, and is just as active as ever. Although Mombasa has no beaches, its vacation atmosphere is unmistakable. History and culture are sure to overwhelm your senses. Tourists are invited to sit back, relax, and take in the experience of a lifetime by exploring Mombassa's land and people, food and traditions.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar is an exotic and illuminating destination that is tremendously alluring. Many actually call it Spice Island because of its seductive lures that can be found everywhere. No matter what each visitor has come looking for, they never leave disappointed. Zanzibar has a way of jumping into your soul and allowing the eyes and heart to see the beauty of its life and its land.
The beginnings of Zanzibar can be traced back to the early 19th century, when the Omani Arabs took control. As the years passed, it soon became the largest producer of cloves in the world, as well as the largest slave-trading port on the east coast. This is the reason Zanzibar soon became the most important town on the East African coast. Now the old Stone Town, with all of its imprints of past influences, makes Zanzibar a popular place to visit.
The old Stone Town is one of the most fascinating places to visit because of its labyrinth-like construction. The streets are narrow and winding, and as you walk along, there are tons of places to visit. These paths are full of mosques, bazaars, tiny shops, courtyards, and old colonial mansions. There are even whitewashed, coral-rag houses with overhanging balconies and great carved brass-studded doors. This is indeed an old Stone Town, so there are plenty of crumbling buildings. However, restoration has begun in order to save these historic sites. And there are plenty of other ancient locations around the island to see, so it is a good idea to do it in an orderly fashion and with the help of experts. This is exactly why the spice tours are very popular. They go to the ruins as well as to the spice and fruit plantations where you can also sample the tasty delights.
Parks, reserves, forests, beaches and much more are aching to be explored and to tell you stories that are highly unusual and imaginative. Let the sirens of the island seduce you onto their sands and get lost in the wondrous adventures of your own story.
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