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THE HISTORIC SITES OF MALINDI| What's On | Investment | SPA concept | Green Town | Environment |The marine parks and game reserves attract hundreds of tourists and researchers who view the wonders of the sea in glass bottomed boats. The KWS works hand in hand with boat operators of Malindi and Watamu areas respectively in the protection of the marine resources. Fishing expeditions are arranged for tourists by the marine local clubs. These include Malindi, Ocean Sports and Hemingways. These establishments also organise fishing tournaments.
A part from taking good care of the mariners are also well catered for as they can visit many of the historic sites in the region. These include the Vasco Da Gama Pillar between Malindi Bay and Casuarina Beach. There is also the Portuguese chapel which was renovated two years ago. The pillar and the chapel less than 200 meters apart, are about 1 kilometer from Malindi town. To the south Malindi are the 15th Century Gede ruins visited by more than 40,000 visitors annually, according to the curator in charge, Mr. Abdalla Mbwana. The ruins of the Arab-African town and are maintained by the National Museums of Kenya. Malindi also is home to several animal, bird, snake and crocodile farms which are managed by private companies.
The most popular is the Gede Butterfly Farm. People living next to the Arabuke-Sokoko Forest also take part in the rearing of butterflies exported to Europe. There are plans to open up Gede and Arabuke Sokoko Forest to tourists and scientists which is home to more than 200 rare butterflies and birds species. There is also the picturesque Marafa Depression, popularly known as 'hell's Kitchen' about 30 kilometers north of Malindi. Transport to and from Malindi has never been a problem as the town is well served by buses from Mombasa, Nairobi, Lamu and Tana River District. There is also the Malindi Airport served by Kenya Airways and several charter companies. Malindi, Watamu and Mambrui are also served by some private car hire firms which offer self drive salons and vans. |
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The Vasco da Gama pillar, the Portuguese chapel and the Mast pond that are situated in Malindi on the Kenyan coast are all remnants of the Portuguese period. These historical sites have been preserved by the National Museums of Kenya. However, due to financial and other constraints, the sites have either deteriorated or are un-developed.1998 will be the year in which the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama's long voyage to India will be commemorated. In view of this and for the future generation, the Portuguese monuments erected in Malindi need to be upgraded and further developed. |
THE HISTORY OF MALINDI
On the 14th day of April 1498, a Portuguese fleet of ships captured a vessel from Malindi town. The captured Malindi native spoke well of his Sultan who was the ruler of Malindi. The famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, developed a keen interest in the Sultan of Malindi, who, da Gama thought could help him achieve his goal to reach the Indian peninsula by being provided with a pilot from Malindi.
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On 15th April 1498, the fleet of Portuguese ships anchored in Malindi wherein Vasco da Gama spent almost the whole day in his ship awaiting a warm reception. On realising that nothing was happening, he released the Malindi captive who was in turn met by his fellow-mates who took him to the Sultan. The Sultan was very happy and immediately sent a message to Vasco da Gama inquiring of da Gama's intention of making such a long trip from Portugal to Malindi. Vasco da Gama was accorded all the hospitality including generous gifts like goats, oranges and sugar cane. Convinced that the Sultan of Malindi was a good-hearted chap, Vasco da Gama requested to be provided with a pilot from Malindi to facilitate their voyage to India. 50 crusades of gold was the payment agreed between Vasco da Gama and the Sultan of Malindi for the provision of a pilot. To strengthen the friendly relationship between the two parties, Vasco da Gama erected a pillar on the coral reef by the ocean (bearing the letters 'y Piono'). This, Vasco da Gama did, even though he was under strict orders from the King of Portugal not to disembark the ship at any cost.
presented by
Mr. Abdallah A. M. Alaussy
The CURATOR
