Kenya’s taking its beach-and-bush status to the next level this year, with the construction of a new cruise ship terminal at the seaside city of Mombasa.
The terminal will have arrival and departure areas, an immigration office, reception counters, a lounge for passengers, a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
Already a world-class destination for game viewing, cruise tourism in Kenya is expected to receive a “major boost” when the new terminal opens in advance of the sailing season (which begins in November 2019), according to Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala in an interview with eTNW.
"We have seen growing interest by cruise liners attracted to Mombasa port," he added.
A 2015 survey by Tourism and Transport Consult International predicted Mombasa could attract up to 140 000 visitors a year. The construction of phases one and two are complete, with the third phase expected to be completed by September.