The Vasco da Gama Pillar in Malindi, Kenya was named after Vasco da Gama who is one of the most famous and celebrated explorers of the Age of Discovery, Vasco da Gama. It was constructed in 1498 or 1499 during his pioneering maritime expedition from Lisbon to India via the Cape of Good Hope. The major reason for the Vasco Da Gama pillar was to help the Portuguese sailors get to India through the same account the pillar played a very important role in the navigation and trade between India and Portugal.
Vasco Da Gama Pillar History
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Vasco da Gama first visited Malindi from 15 to 24 April 1498. He was well received by the sultan of Malindi and was provided with food, fresh water and a pilot to take the fleet across the Indian Ocean to ‘Calicut’ (Kozhikode). The oldest marine park in Kenya covers 213 sq km of powder-blue fish, organ-pipe coral, green sea turtles and beds of Thalassia seagrass. Most historians say that the Vasco da Gama Pillar was built as a symbol or an indication of appreciation for the hospitality that was being shown to the Portuguese explorers by the Malindi rulers and their fellow locals.
Must Read: Things To Do In Malindi
Vasco da Gama Pillar Activities
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The pillar today is Malindi’s most visited heritage site. Restoration work carried out since 2020 has included reinforcement of the existing seawalls, repairs to the pillar itself, the construction of a paved access route and the provision of on-site washrooms for visitors. Access to the pillar is subject to an entry ticket. A single ticket currently covers the four sites under the control of the Malindi Museum. These are the Vasco da Gama Pillar, the Portuguese Chapel, the House of Columns and the Heritage Complex museum.
On a Kenya safari to the Vasco da Gama pillar, it is a great safari destination such that during the evening or the day, the people use the area as the fishing spot for sports and relaxation, and during your visit to the pillar especially during the evening times to the pillar you will find the couples while whiling time away around the pillar as they enjoy the warmth of the sea breeze, also the photographers do visit the pillar while trying to earn a living through offering instant photo services to the visitors, though the visitors on a safari to the pillar are warned not to climb the pillar or the Mnara which is referred to in the Swahili language.
Places To Visit Near Vasco da Gama Pillar
There ae many places to visit near Vasco da Gama pillar, here is a well curated list of captivating places to make your trip memorable.
1. Malindi Museum
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Malindi Museum Society was formed to support the National Museums of Kenya’s policy of acquiring a historic building in Malindi that could be turned into a museum. Malindi’s first museum building, The House of Columns, was opened in 2004. It is a two-storey building dating from 1891.
The Heritage Complex museum contains various historical artefacts from Malindi. It has exhibits containing traditional objects such as musical instruments, tools, and costumes. In the ethnographic section, the museum contains various artefacts of the Mijikenda peoples, ethnic groups inhabiting the Kenyan coast, including wooden totems, as well as ancient artefacts that belonged to Arabs who settled in Malindi.
Location: Malindi, Kenya
Distance: From Vasco Da Gama Pillar: 1.4 km
2. Bio-Ken Snake Farm (Watamu Snake Farm)
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Located just outside Watamu, Bio-Ken Farm is also a research centre and laboratory specializing in anti-venom research and the study of snake bites. Here, the snakes are “milked” for their venom to create specific antidotes. The farm even provides emergency care for snakebite victims throughout the area. The researchers at Bio-Ken believe that these reptiles are an important part of our ecosystem, helping to reduce vermin, which in turn controls disease and the destruction of crops. They offer an active education program for visitors and the public about the need to preserve snakes. Bio-Ken offers a free “remove a snake” service in the Watamu area. Contact the farm, and they’ll come out to safely capture an errant snake and release it back into the wild.
Location: Jacaranda Road, Watamu, Kenya
Distance: From Vasco Da Gama Pillar: 26 km
Suggested Read: Kenya Nightlife
3. Portuguese Chapel
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The Portuguese Chapel in Malindi, Kenya, was built in 1502 by the residents of the Portuguese factory established by Vasco da Gama during his second voyage to India. It was the first Christian place of worship to be built in East Africa. The Portuguese presence in Malindi began with the arrival of Vasco da Gama in 1498. The most prominent internal feature of the chapel is the stone altar. This Chapel is said to be the oldest Christian church in East Africa and was declared a gazetted monument in 1935. The Chapel is now cared for and maintained by the National Museums of Kenya, which is assisted by the Malindi Museum Society and Kenya Horticultural Society.
Access to the chapel is subject to an entry ticket. A single ticket currently covers the four sites under the control of the Malindi Museum. These are the Vasco da Gama Pillar, the Portuguese Chapel, the House of Columns and the Heritage Complex museum.
Location: Silversand Road, Malindi, Kenya
Distance: From Vasco Da Gama Pillar: 450 m
4. Malindi Market
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Malindi remains the second biggest and least expensive shopping destination on the Kenyan Coast. It remains a cultural experience, especially when visiting the Barani and Shela neighbourhoods where Kilimanjaro spice shops, Bawaly Halwa’s, and Sarto Moderno clothing stores are located.
The town is not particularly big on markets, but there are two common ones. The old Market, locally known as Soko la Zamani, is a colourful market of fresh fruits and vegetables that opens every morning. The new Market is popular for small retail goods, clothing, and electronics. It also serves as a bus terminal for different parts of the region.
Location: 120 kilometres northeast of Mombasa, Kenya
Distance: From Vasco Da Gama Pillar: 1.2 km
Suggested Read: Wildlife In Kenya
Vasco da Gama Pillar Location & Timings
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Vasco da Gama Pillar is located 120 km from Mombasa city, the pillar is a safari destination in Malindi, Kenya in that it is visited by both local and international tourists and the National Museums of Kenya manage it and ensures that it protects for the posterity, of currently which is known as the monument and visited by many people. The Vasco da Gama pillar also attracts the majority of the schools. The students here use it from across the country and travel to learn more about the pillar’s history. The pillar was declared a National Monument in 1935 and is currently under the National Museums of Kenya. The time to visit the monument is from 8 pm to 6 pm.
Vasco da Gama Pillar Travel Route
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By Road: Malindi Marine National Park is situated on Kenya’s magnificent Indian Ocean coastline, Malindi town, some 110 km North of Mombasa
By Air: Malindi Airport in Malindi is the nearest airport to the monument.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Africa
Now that you know everything about the Vasco Da Gama Pillar in Africa, the next step would be booking the tickets! Take the leap and plan for your next amazing Trip To Kenya!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vasco Da Gama Pillar
What is the best time to visit Kenya?
January and February are the best time to visit Kenya due to favourable weather and the animals can easily be spotted.
How long does it take to explore the monument?
It takes about 2 to 3 hours to explore the Vasco da Gama Pillar and its nearby areas.
What is the average temperature in Kenya?
Temperatures in these areas are fairly constant year round with an average of 27°C at the coast and decrease as you go towards the land-locked areas.
What precautions should be taken when visiting Kenya?
Get the best advice about vaccinations and health precautions. Carry necessary medications, and insect repellents, and be cautious about food and water safety.
Is there any entry fee to visit the monument?
Adult (Citizens ) Ksh 100 Child (Citizens ) Ksh 50 Adult (Non–Residents) Ksh 500 Child (Non–Residents) Ksh 250.
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