The diversity of Mombasa is remarkable, making the city unlike any other in Kenya, with a unique cultural blend of Africans, Arabs and Asians representing many religious belief systems, including Christian, Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu. Touring the city not only allows you to see the architecture and learn about the cultures, but you also gain a deep understanding of the historical foundation of the ethnic diversity that makes Mombasa one of the most interesting destinations in Africa, such as how Afro-Asians and Afro-Arabs including the Swahilis have been living on the coast of East Africa for more than 500 years.

Stops on the trip include local bazaars, Fort Jesus, visits to the handicraft carvers and the Mackinnon Market. The first stop on the excursion, Fort Jesus, was built in 1593 based on designs by an Italian architect and engineer named Joao Batista Cairato. Originally used by the Portuguese, the imposing structure rests upon a coral ridge at the entrance of the old town harbor, and its strategic location has resulted in many battles for its control.

The site has also been used as soldier barracks and a prison before being obtained by the Trustees of the Kenya National Museum in 1958, and the on-site museum was opened in 1962. After the fort, your Dawn In Africa Safaris guide leads you into alleys of Old Town, the original Mombasa city that was built in the 13th century and still maintains many significant architectural features of the time, such as filigree timber balconies, beautifully carved wooden doors, Indian and colonial designs and more than 20 mosques, and in 1985, the area received protected status as a conservation project to preserve the historically significant buildings.

Thereafter, your tour guide then takes you to Mackinnon Market and the shops on Langoni Road where you find a fascinating variety of goods including produce, such as fruits and vegetables from local farms, meats, textiles and even some unexpected items, both local and international, such as safari shoes by Bata, pseudo designer label jeans and unbranded clothing from western countries.