Information Guide Mtwapa City Mombasa Coast

Mombasa’s “Old Town” remembers of the days when Arab culture exerted heavy influences on Mombasa’s language, architecture and culture in general. Present Kiswahili or Swahili language is a mix of traditional coastal languages, Portuguese, and has a lot of phrases from various Arab dialects.

Present Mombasa “Old Town”, an area of approximately 72 hectares, is inhabited by a rich number of communities; locals, Arabs, Asians, Portuguese and British whom have been living together for centuries, creating a distinct atmosphere which defines the Mombasa Old Town.

Present visible aspects of this unique area are the historical buildings from the 18th century, extravagant art designs and curio shops that sell antique and popular Kenyan souvenirs. Old Town can best be explored by foot; combined with Ford Jesus on the edge of Mombasa Old Town it can be one full day full of Swahili culture and history.