Vasco Da Gama Pillar Entrance Fees

This post will focus on Vasco Da Gama Pillar Entrance Fees. Vasco Da Gama Pillar is located on a coral rock on the shores of the Indian Ocean in Malindi, Kilifi County. The Vasco da Gama Pillar, one of the earliest European cenotaphs built on the East African coast, was intended to guide those travelling by sea to India. Six centuries after it was built, the Pillar remains a marvel.

The pillar has seen better days, but thanks to repairs and maintenance by the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), it is still a popular tourist destination. The pillar continues to stand tall despite the challenges it faces, particularly from the ocean water currents and harsh weather conditions that are wearing it down. The pillar was recently renovated with boulders to prevent it from collapsing due to the strong water waves.

History of Vasco Da Gama Pillar

Vasco Da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, built the Pillar in 1498. He was best known for sailing from Europe to India by circumnavigating Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. Vasco da Gama landed and traded with locals along the coast of southern Africa on two voyages between 1497 and 1502, before arriving in India on May 20, 1498. Vasco da Gama erected the pillar so that his fellow compatriots, who were also sailors, could get a bearing on India. The pillar is also thought to have played an important role in facilitating trade between India and Portugal. The pillar resembles a lighthouse except that it lacks lights. It is also thought that the Portuguese explorers were able to see the pillar while at sea as they approached the shores of Malindi.

According to some historical accounts, Vasco Da Gama arrived as an explorer to connect Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, specifically India. When he arrived in 1498, he was welcomed by the Sultan of Malindi. The Sultan of Malindi took excellent care of Vasco da Gama and his team. Foreigners were also assigned a guide to show them the sea route to India. Da Gama built the pillar upon his return as a way of thanking the Sultan for his hospitality. Hence, as a symbol of his cordial relationship with the Sultan of Malindi, Da Gama constructed the pillar.

Tourist Attractions near Vasco Da Gama Pillar

Other monuments here include Prince Henry the Navigator, the Coastal Heritage Complex, the Portuguese Chapel, the House of Column and Mambrui, a 15th-century Arab town located North of Malindi.

Portuguese Chapel

The Portuguese Chapel, also known as St Francis Xavier Chapel (St Francis Xavier landed in Malindi in 1541 to bury two seamen), is only 300 metres away from the pillar (North of the Vasco da Gamma Pillar on Silversand Road ). The chapel was also built by Vasco Da Gama’s team. They held their prayers here. Those who died while travelling were also buried here. 36 foreign sailors and Malindi pioneers are also buried in the Chapel’s compound. Years later, the site was taken over by British colonialists as part of the British East Africa protectorate.

The chapel has white walls made of coral rocks and sand, as well as an altar with Catholic religious paraphernalia. It also has a rooftop cross, two chairs, and about ten wooded benches. It has about 35 seats but can hold about 50 more standing. Every year on December 3, hundreds of Catholic faithful visit the Chapel to commemorate the feast day of St Francis Xavier, who buried his two sailors and prayed in the chapel while travelling to Goa.

In the same street as the church is the century-old House of Columns, a palatial home which became a hospital, museum and then library.

Vasco Da Gama Pillar Entry Fees

The ticket office is located at the entrance to the pillar.

Citizen – Kenya	Charges
Adult	Ksh 100
Child	Ksh 50
Residents – East Africa	Charges
Adult	Ksh 100
Child	Ksh 50

Non-Residents	Charges
Adult	Ksh 500
Child	Ksh 250

Note: This ticket will grant you access to the 4 sections. These sections are The Vasco Da Gama pillar, The Portuguese Chapel, The House of Columns and the Malindi Museum.