Historic Sites in Mombasa
Fort Makupa: Protecting Kilindini Harbour
Unlike its famed counterpart Fort Jesus, few documents on the history of Makupa Fort exist. Nevertheless, its history and salient as a military installation reflect its importance as well as that of the strategically placed Kilindini Harbour. The now derelict Portuguese Fort of Makupa near the causeway to the mainland (north, en route Nairobi) was rediscovered in 2006 by Hans-Martin Sommer while working as a marine archaeologist with the National Museum’s Department of Coastal Archaeology. Official inaction has since led to the site becoming overgrown and set back in heavy bush. According to historian James Kirkman, a battle between the Portuguese and two ships allied to Turk pirate Mirale Ali Bey was waged here.
The war took place in 1589 AD at Makupa Fort: “He [Mirale Bey] sent two of his five ships to hold Makupa Fort with their cannon, and with the remaining three awaited the Portuguese at the harbour mouth… The Portuguese first captured the three ships in the harbour, then sailed round and sank the two ships at the fort”. An early description of Makupa Fort 1634 in G.S.P. Freeman-Grenville recounts of the site: The forts of Makupa are three buildings, erected in a quadrangle flanking the harbour on the island of Mombasa on the side by the mainland at a place where one can cross on dry foot, as can be seen on the plan. They are used to prevent Mozungulos (a fierce tribe on the mainland) from crossing into the island.
Kenya is home to numerous historic sites that showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage, ancient civilizations, colonial history, and struggle for independence. These historic sites offer valuable insights into Kenya’s past and its diverse cultural heritage, making them essential destinations for visitors interested in her history.
Index of Historic Sites Around Kenya
Baringo County - Timboroa Railway Station, Bungoma County - Chetambe Fort, Kilifi County - Prince Henry the Navigator Monument, Vasco da Gama Pillar, Malindi Pillar Tomb, Portuguese Chapel, Malindi Butwani Pier, Kwale County - Shimoni Ruins, Lamu County - Shela Mosque, Lamu Fort, German Post Office, Siyu Fort, Machakos County - Macmillan Castle Sabuk, Fort Machakos, Makueni County - Gurdwara Makindu Sahib, Patterson Ruins Tsavo, Meru County - Kaaga War Memorial, Twin Baobab Trees, Giant Meru Oak, Mombasa County - Fort Jesus, Old Port, Sanaa Gallery, Leven House, Old Law Courts, Kengeleni Bell, Old Railway Station, Mbaraki Pillar, Fort St. Joseph, Kraph Monument, Fort Makupa, Arab Rifle's Monument, Mombasa's Tusks, Ras Serani Light, Mandera County - Fort El Wak, Nandi County - Kaptumo I Kipture Forts, Samiitui Aldai Historic Stone, Nyeri County - Old Ruling Court, Taita Taveta County - Kitchwa Tembo Hill, Salaita Hill, The Sniper Tree, Maktau Railway Station, Mwashoti Hill, Mwakitau Hill, Tana River County - Tana Delta Old Fort, Tharaka Nithi County - The Mutunguruni Tree, Wajir County - Wajir Fort, Ancient Orahey Wells, Orahey Bunkers, The Old Town Wajir
Historic Ruins along the Coast of Kenya - Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River & Lamu
outlook
Well-famous for its rich Swahili culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife – acclaimed as one of the top destinations in Kenya – Mombasa County is home to Mombasa City, Kenya’s second-largest city and a primary port town that has been a key trade center for centuries. Mombasa County is more than just beaches—it’s a cultural melting pot with history, adventure, and guaranteed jambos.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Fort Makupa
A Guide to Mombasa County
A Summa Digest of Mombasa
About Mombasa Way Back When
80 Destinations in Mombasa County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north then east - with the aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Arab Rifle's Monument, Buli Monument, Fort Jesus Curio Shop, Camel Joint, Old Town Mombasa, Fort Jesus Museum I World Heritage Site, Mombasa Butterfly House, Santo Antonio de Tanna, Swahili Cultural Center, Sanaa Gallery, Old Port Mombasa, Leven House I Steps, Forodhani Restaurant, The Mandhry Mosque, Burhani Mosque, Tulia Backpackers, Bahdala Mosque, Mazrui Cemetery, Old Law Courts, Treasury Square, Africa Hotel, Kizingo BBQ, St. Joseph's Fort, Ras Serani Lighthouse, Kizingo War Camp, Mombasa Golf Club, Mama Ngina Waterfront Park, Shelly Beach, The Likoni Floating Bridge, Mbaraki Creek, Mombasa Yatch Club, Mbaraki Pillar, The Mombasa Mbaraki Cemetery, The Little Theatre Club, Kilindini Harbour, The Mombasa Memorial Church, The Holy Ghost Catholic Cathedral, Lord Shiva Temple, The Old Mombasa Railway Station, Railways Park, Mombasa African Memorial, Mombasa’s Tusks, Fort Makupa, Kibarani Recreation Park, Akamba Handicraft Shop, Manyimbo War Cemetery, Tudor Water Sports Marina, Nyali Bridge, ACK Emmanuel, The Kengeleni Monument, Bahari Beach Resort, Tamarind Dhow Cruise, Krapf Memorial Heritage Park, Kenyatta Public Beach, Bombolulu Workshop, Haller Park, Mombasa Butterfly Pavilion, Bamburi Rifle Range, Mombasa Go-Kart, Suli Suli Fishing, Nguuni Nature Sanctuary, Mamba Village, Nyali Golf & Country Club, Wild Waters, Nyali Shopping Mall, Mombasa Marine Park I Reserve, Ngomongo Village, Shimo la Tewa Site, The Moorings, La Marina Restaurant
Know More About Mombasa County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with the aid of a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Mombasa County can be split into 3 zones: 1. Coastal plain, covering parts the Island; 2. The hilly areas rising gently from 45 ms to 132 ms asl in the west; and 3. The Indian Ocean, creeks and the shoreline.
Mombasa County is generally warm and humid. A tropical wet and dry climate influenced by warm sea breezes year-round. May is generally the wettest month, then April and June. March is the hottest, peaking at 33oC, with average temperatures across the year rarely falling below 24oC; July and August.
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