Mombasa – the white sand paradise

A trip to Mombasa is surely memorable and a way to reward yourself after a long year of hard work. The city cannot be described any way other than how it really is. The description of the city confirms the famous statement by most of the residents - getting into Mombasa is like a wedding and leaving the city is like a funeral. Loosely, the city is too good to leave without hesitation. So before I tell you more, you might as well pack a bag and head to Mombasa, to see it for yourself. Mombasa is one of the oldest cities in Kenya and is strategically placed - standing right next to the third largest ocean in the world- the Indian Ocean. Mombasa offers you a unique aquatic environment. The town is home to the largest port in East Africa, Mombasa Port, hence making it a business hub in the region. It is a tourist destination and a recent report released showed that it is one of the best tourist destinations Africa has to offer. The natives have a Swahili-Arabic nature but over the past few decades, the region has hosted forty two Kenyan languages including the original Digo speakers. Mombasa is a jewel and what some people call, the white sand city. My choice of transport is air. As the plane takes off from Kigali International Airport, the ground below looks like a green lush carpet with brown patches on it. The thrill of cruising above the large water mass and cutting right on top of the roof of the rock town city of Mwanza is awesome and within no time, you are at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. After a few minutes, you are connected to Moi International Airport. This marks the beginning of the world`s beauty as you watch the snowcapped Kilimanjaro - a new world all together unfolds. The temperature shifts, a warm breeze from the ocean rubs against you gently. From afar, your eye reveals tiny villages floating on the water nestled by the tall thin coconut trees. Boats rowing as the waves softly tap in a given rhythm are also amazing! But that is just a drop in the ocean. More awaits you.As you drive out of the airport, the image of the city blossoms before your eyes. The old but well maintained ancient structures pronounce their authority as you cross the long Nyali Bridge which joins the two parts of the city separated by the ocean. The city never sleeps, it chuckles and beams with endless activity - all of them wrapped up in a hospitable mood. The historical sites are plenty; the corals at the Indian Ocean, the marine bodies of old ships, the Vasco da Gama pillar built by the Italians and the great white sand beaches all make a spectacular sight for your eyes. You are spoilt for choice! If you are a lover of aquatic animals, there are plenty of places to visit. The general public museums are all at your exposal. For memory purposes, the snail shells are well-polished and Swahili jewels and accessories will do wonders.If you need to rest your body after a long day, hotels have their doors open should you choose to take up residence in one. Mombasa Continental Resort gives an unforgettable home away from home service. Mounted along the shores of the ocean, relaxation is assured. Live music massages you with consolation. Catch the African meals and drinks offered here. La Marina hotel floats on the ocean - how cool is it to have your drink on a ship right in the middle of the ocean? Top class hospitality must have originated from here. At the end, I bet anything you will be tempted to extend your trip.