Vasco da Gama Pillar

This pillar marks the arrival of Vasco de Garma into Africa. It was originally further up the coast but had to be moved for religious reasons. It’s interesting to look out and imagine how the seafarers used to have to negotiate the waters, and how the trade winds used to assist the ships on their travels. Once a year I volunteer at one organization in Kilifi. After a week of building toilets in Kilifi for the physically challenged children, our team and I opted to go and unwind in Malindi as we learn the great history of this place. Located by the beach, in Malindi town. A guide will quickly take you through the history of the area and the construction of the pillar itself or you can decide to visit the place without one. It’s good to note there is a public beach just down the road, a white sandy beach, and clear waters, perfect for morning/afternoon walks. there are lots of eateries around with amazing local cuisine. The view from the point, with the pillar erected in honor of Vasco da Gama at your back, is sublime! I don’t know how long I stood there just letting the wind toss my hair, saying I really wanted to make friends with the Italian owner of the land just beside the small Historical site just so I could visit him and enjoy the view… The local museum authorities charge a small fee to enter and walk up to the pillar, but to be fair, the fee also includes a couple of other historical buildings in town. While we were there a school group arrived, and after posing for their picture scampered all over the rocky point ( the tide was out) looking for interesting creatures in the tiny tide pools. Apparently, guys with digital cameras hang out at this location, and after snapping your picture will go and get it printed while you wait for a nominal 100 Kenyan shillings.