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Mombasa Travel Resources

Mombasa Travel Resources

Mombasa The Coast, Kenya Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Useful Apps for Your Journey

  • Uber / Bolt

    Recommended for reliable ride-sharing services, bringing price transparency.

  • Google Maps

    Use it for navigation. Download offline maps for Mombasa beforehand.

  • Google Translate

    Helpful for Swahili translation. Download the offline Swahili language pack.

  • WhatsApp

    This messaging app is widely used in Kenya for personal and business communication.

  • Your Bank's App

    Useful for managing your finances, checking balances, and monitoring transactions.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Kenya e-Visa Portal

    Visit Evisa.go.ke for official government information and to apply for your e-Visa.

  • Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)

    Check Kws.go.ke for information on national parks, reserves, and associated fees.

  • Kenya Railways Corporation (SGR Booking)

    Use Krc.co.ke to book tickets for the Madaraka Express train.

  • TripAdvisor Mombasa

    A useful resource for reading reviews of hotels, restaurants, and attractions, bringing insights from other travelers.

  • Reputable Travel Blogs

    Search for "Mombasa travel guide" from established travel bloggers for practical tips and personal experiences.

Print Resources

Bradt Guide to Kenya

Known for its in-depth cultural and historical information, bringing rich context.

Rough Guide to Kenya

Provides comprehensive and practical travel advice for various regions within Kenya.

Physical Map of Mombasa

A physical map remains useful for navigating Old Town and understanding the city layout, especially when offline.

Kenya Map

Books about the Destination

Literary Insights

  • "A Grain of Wheat" by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o: A prominent work of Kenyan literature that gives historical context.
  • "The Flame Trees of Thika" by Elspeth Huxley: A classic memoir of colonial Kenya, bringing a glimpse into a bygone era.
  • "Beyond the River Yei" by Jonathan Franzen: A collection of essays that includes pieces touching on Kenya.
  • "Mombasa, the Swahili and the Slave Trade" by Fred Morton: Offers historical context specific to Mombasa's past.

Local Publications

  • Daily Nation, The Standard: These are major Kenyan newspapers, available locally.
  • They bring current affairs, local news, and valuable perspectives.
  • Look for local tourist magazines or brochures.
  • Hotels often provide these, bringing information on attractions and events.

Social Media and Podcasts

Social Media Accounts to Follow

  • Follow official tourism boards, like Magical Kenya and Mombasa County Tourism, for updates and promotional content.
  • Check local hotel and resort accounts for special promotions or events.
  • Local news outlets on social media bring current events and local perspectives.
  • Engage with accounts demonstrating Mombasa's culture.

Podcasts and Digital Content

  • Search for podcasts on Kenyan culture, history, or travel.
  • podcasts from Kenyan news organizations like "The Daily Nation Podcasts."
  • Explore travel shows that feature Kenya.
  • Discover audio content that deepens your trip knowledge.

Language Learning Resources

  • Duolingo and Memrise apps offer basic Swahili phrases and vocabulary.
  • These help you learn useful greetings and common expressions.
  • YouTube has video lessons for learning Swahili for travel.
  • A book like "Swahili Language & Culture: A Guide for Travelers" brings a practical approach.

Important Contacts

Critical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Police/Ambulance/Fire: Dial 999 or 112 from any local mobile phone.
  • Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa Emergency: Verify number upon arrival (e.g., +254 711 091000).
  • Your Country's Embassy/Consulate: Keep contact details for your country's diplomatic mission in Nairobi readily available.
  • Some countries may have an honorary consul in Mombasa.

Medical Facilities

  • Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa: A private hospital known for a good standard of care.
  • Pandya Memorial Hospital: Another reputable private hospital.
  • Mombasa Hospital: Also a private hospital offering medical services.
  • Local clinics assist with minor issues.

Lost Document Procedures

  • Passport: Report a lost or stolen passport to the local police immediately.
  • Obtain a police report.
  • Contact your embassy or consulate in Nairobi for emergency travel documents.
  • Credit Cards: Call your bank's fraud hotline immediately to cancel lost or stolen credit cards.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Flooding Procedures

  • Monitor local news and weather reports during the rainy season.
  • Follow advice from hotel staff or local authorities.
  • Avoid flooded areas.

Embassy and Consulate Information

  • Most foreign embassies situate themselves in Nairobi.
  • Check your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for contact details.
  • Review current travel advisories.

Tsunami Preparedness

Coastal Safety

  • While rare, coastal areas remain susceptible to tsunamis.
  • Be aware of evacuation routes if you are staying directly on the beach.
  • Most resorts have established protocols for such events.

Important Reminders

  • Keep emergency numbers easily accessible.
  • Know the nearest hospital locations.
  • Familiarize yourself with lost document procedures.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  1. Search for documentaries on Kenyan history, wildlife, or coastal culture.
  2. Look for "Mombasa, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean."
  3. Films set in Kenya, like "Out of Africa," offering broader cultural context.
  4. These films bring historical background to your journey.
  5. Discover stories that deepen your connection to the region.

Music and Art to Experience

  1. Taarab Music: Traditional Swahili music, blending Arab and Indian influences.
  2. Listen to artists like Siti Binti Saad for its unique sound.
  3. Benga Music: A popular Kenyan music genre enjoyed across the country.
  4. Explore coastal Swahili poetry and literature for artistic expression.
  5. Discover local art forms that speak to the heart of the culture.

Online Communities and Forums

TripAdvisor Forums Kenya

These forums prove useful for asking specific questions and receiving advice from experienced travelers.

Expat Forums in Kenya

Explore expat forums in Kenya, which often bring practical advice and local insights.

Language Learning Resources

Utilize apps like Duolingo or Memrise for basic Swahili phrases, enriching your interactions.

Urgent Information

Knowing who to contact in an emergency brings peace of mind. Keep these numbers and details accessible.

Beyond Mombasa

Documentaries and Films

Explore Kenyan Narratives

  • Kenyan History, Wildlife, or Coastal Culture

    Search for documentaries on these topics.

  • "Mombasa, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean"

    Look for this specific title or similar ones.

  • Films Set in Kenya, like "Out of Africa"

    These offer broader cultural context.

Music and Art

  • Taarab Music

    Traditional Swahili music, blending Arab and Indian influences. Listen to artists like Siti Binti Saad.

  • Benga Music

    A popular Kenyan music genre enjoyed across the country.

  • Coastal Swahili Poetry and Literature

    Explore for artistic expression.

Online Communities and Forums

TripAdvisor Forums Kenya

These forums prove useful for asking specific questions and receiving advice from other experienced travelers.

Expat Forums in Kenya

Explore expat forums in Kenya, which often bring practical advice and local insights.

Language Learning Resources

Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and YouTube lessons help you learn useful Swahili greetings.

Learn Swahili

Where to Go Next Based on Interests

Safari Enthusiasts

  • Consider Nairobi for urban exploration, museums, and Nairobi National Park.
  • From there, venture to Maasai Mara for classic safari experiences.
  • Explore Amboseli, or Tsavo for more safari adventures.
  • These areas hold amazing wildlife viewing.

Beach & Island Lovers

  • Explore Lamu Island, an UNESCO World Heritage site further north.
  • It brings an unique Swahili heritage experience with no cars.
  • Watamu and Malindi offer more relaxed beaches.
  • Zanzibar, Tanzania, is a short flight away for another island getaway.

Cultural Explorers and Adventure Seekers

Cultural Explorers

  • Stone Town in Zanzibar brings another deep dive into Swahili history.
  • Consider Ethiopian historical sites like Lalibela or Axum for ancient history.
  • These destinations offer unique insights into regional heritage.
  • Discover the spiritual and historical roots of East Africa.

Adventure Seekers

  • Mount Kenya offers trekking opportunities.
  • Hell's Gate National Park brings unique cycling among wildlife.
  • Explore more of Kenya's diverse landscapes for further adventure.
  • Your next thrill awaits across the country.

Deepen Your Experience

Deepen your understanding of Mombasa and Kenya through various forms of media.

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