Historic Sites in Mombasa
Haunted Mbaraki Pillar: Ancient Coral Monument
The popular route from Mama Ngina Waterfront Park is via Nyerere Avenue, commencing at Likoni Ferry in the southern end of the island and terminating at Makupa causeway in the northern end. From Mama Ngina Drive one may be interested in exploring Mbaraki Pillar, 3 km away, hidden away in the the south-western area of the island at the entrance of Mbaraki Creek. It is a 14 ms (45 ft.,) high free-standing hollow tower, solid and grey like the ancient baobad trees around it, leaning precariously at an angle 5° from the vertical (with the help of Mombasa Fire Brigade’s turntable ladder) thought to have been constructed circa 1400. Mbaraki appeared in antique Portuguese maps as an ‘ancient pyramid’. Some historical accounts, however, argue that it dates to the late 17th century.
Still and all, Mbaraki Pillar was illustrated on maps of 1728 but not those of 1636. West of the pillar is a mosque built around 1890. The base of the ancient coral pillar, almost certainly a tomb, is square and hollow, with a low arched doorway, once recessed, in its north side. Above, the hollow tower rises to a great height. Intricate rectangular slits ascend the tower in four uneven rows – which must have supported the scaffolding for building and for subsequent maintenance – close to the top there is an offset course, above which are four arched openings in-line with the four rows of slits. Above these rise four inward curving stone supports that uphold three stepped squares of masonry. At the top is a round-topped finial. It is situated in the area generally known as Kilindini, east of Likoni.
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 Mbaraki Pillar
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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