Mombasa Island is connected to the mainland to the east by a causeway, to the north by the Nyali Bridge, and to the south by the Likoni Ferry. Mombasa is a 5km by 3km island and the headquarters of Mombasa District.
It is a bustling busy town although it has kept its character, especially in the old town. There are a distinct Arabic, Indian, and Swahili influences, as well as regular reminders of the Portuguese in the older parts of the city. The original Arabic name is Manbasa; in Kiswahili it is called ‘Kisiwa Cha Mvita’ (or Mvita for short), which means ‘Island of War’, due to the many changes in its ownership.