Mombasa Old Town

Mombasa is an island connected to the mainland by bridges and ferries with heavy commercial activities at the port of Mombasa. Mombasa Old Town is part of Mombasa that had heavy influence of Arab traders who settled there influencing the town and its culture including the architecture of the buildings and the Swahili language which comprises of Arabic phrases, spices and dialects.

Why the name Old Town?

The name Old Town materializes as a result of its ancient buildings with carved doors and balconies, curio shops that sell antique, extraordinary art designs, Kenyan souvenirs, heavy smell of spices, Mosques, Hindu Temples and Christian churches. To explore Old Town there are experienced guide who give a tour on foot as the streets are narrow to accommodate vehicles. The town has Arab inhabitants who originate from their forefathers who mingled with the local people. Another thing you will notice is Fort Jesus located just near where the town starts hence you will find majority of the tourists take a complete tour of Fort Jesus and Old Town in the same day.

Comments

Nyama Choma Recipe

Preparing Nyama Choma Nyama choma is roasted meat and is extremely popular because of the availability of cheap meat in the country. It is usually served in adult parties with beer. Ingredients 1. Salt and pepper to taste 2. 3 pounds beef short ribs Steps to follow Start by seasoning the ribs with salt and pepper. Get a grill with charcoal or gas over medium high heat and grill for 1 hour. If you are not comfortable with the grill, try using the oven as an alternative and live it there at about 300 F for one and a half hours. The meat should be ready, just use your good judgment. Serve with Ugali

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve History Shimba Hills National Reserve is a National Park in the Coast Province of Kenya in Kwale District of Coast Province, 300 km2, 33 km from Mombasa and 15 km from the coast. The National Reserve is mainly an area of coastal rain forest. Over 50% of the 159 rare plants in the country are found in Shimba Hills especially the endangered species of cycad and orchids. It is a home for butterflies and birds. The gazette of Shimba Hills as a National Forest was in 1903 and grassland areas were incorporated in 1924. The reserve was double gazetted as the Shimba Hills National Reserve in 1968 Mkongani West Forest Reserve and Mkongani North remain as Forest Reserves to the west of Shimba Hills. On the north of Shimba Hills lies Mwaluganje Forest Reserve. Shimba Hills is rich in flora and fauna and is the home for many African elephant in Kenya. Bushy tailed mongoose, sable antelope, elephant shrew, black and rufous etc are among other animal spec...

Pilau Recipe

Pilau Recipe Preparing Pilau Pilau rice is mainly an Indian dish that is served with any kind of stew especially curry or beef carbonate. Ingredients 1. 250g grain rice 2. 150 g cashew nuts 3. 3 table spoon vegetable oil 4. 4 cloves 5. 2 cardamom pods 6. Cinnamon stick 7. 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 8. 120g raisins 9. 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 10. Salt 11. 1 Coriander for garnish 12. 1 onion for garnish 13. Knife 14. Small pot 15. Small pot with lid 16. Small frying pan 17. Wooden spoon Steps to follow Wash and drain the rice to get rid of the starch. Heat three table spoons of oil over high heat in the cooking pot. Add the cashew nuts, cloves, cardamom pods, cumin seeds and cinnamon. Maintain high heat and fry for two minutes. Add shallots and fry for two more minutes and the shallots should turn translucent. Add the raisins, salt, and turmeric, stirring for a few minutes. Add the rice and two cups of very hot water to the seasoning...

Kenya Knowledge

Search This Blog