Mbaraki Pillar
An ancient, enigmatic stone pillar and mosque, offering a glimpse into Mombasa's mysterious past and rich history.
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Mbaraki Pillar
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Best for exploring history
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient, enigmatic stone pillar and mosque, offering a glimpse into Mombasa's mysterious past and rich history.
"A beautiful site worth visiting, helping one imagine how life would have been centuries ago."
Explore the Ancient Mosque
Don't miss the mosque next to the pillar; it's one of Mombasa's oldest and has a fascinating history. :mosque:
Inquire About Local Legends
Ask locals about the ghostly tales surrounding the pillar; it adds a layer of intrigue to your visit. :ghost:
Highlights
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Mbaraki Pillar
Mbaraki, Mombasa
An ancient, enigmatic stone pillar shrouded in mystery, offering a glimpse into Mombasa's rich past.
Ancient Mosque
Adjacent to Mbaraki Pillar
One of Mombasa's oldest mosques, with a history of ruin and reconstruction, adding spiritual significance.
Mbaraki Sports Club Events
Mbaraki Sports Club
Experience local culture and sports events, from football matches to inter-parliamentary games.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Explore the Ancient Mosque
Don't miss the mosque next to the pillar; it's one of Mombasa's oldest and has a fascinating history. :mosque:
Inquire About Local Legends
Ask locals about the ghostly tales surrounding the pillar; it adds a layer of intrigue to your visit. :ghost:
Check Mbaraki Sports Club
See if there are any events at Mbaraki Sports Club during your visit for a taste of local life. :soccer:
Street Food Delights
Try the famous 'Kwa Ken' for nyama choma and ugali near Mbaraki. :steak:
Tips
from all over the internet
Explore the Ancient Mosque
Don't miss the mosque next to the pillar; it's one of Mombasa's oldest and has a fascinating history. :mosque:
Inquire About Local Legends
Ask locals about the ghostly tales surrounding the pillar; it adds a layer of intrigue to your visit. :ghost:
Check Mbaraki Sports Club
See if there are any events at Mbaraki Sports Club during your visit for a taste of local life. :soccer:
Street Food Delights
Try the famous 'Kwa Ken' for nyama choma and ugali near Mbaraki. :steak:
Historical Context
Understand its significance as one of Mombasa's oldest monuments, even without inscriptions. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mbaraki Pillar is a fascinating historical site, appreciated for its age and the mystery surrounding its purpose. Visitors enjoy the adjacent ancient mosque and the local legends associated with the pillar. However, some feel it lacks proper preservation and informative signage, leaving its history somewhat inaccessible.
"Another important historical monument that hasn't received the attention it deserves from the local authorities in terms of preservation. It is not a well known monument thus not frequented by tourists. There is also an ancient mosque next to the pillar. A beautiful site worth visiting. Helps one imagine how life would have been here... centuries ago."
Abbas Ali
"Mbaraki pillar is the second oldest monument after Fort Jesus. 5 Meters from the pillar is a small mosque, it is one of the oldest mosque in Mombasa believed to have been constructed between 1400 and 1450 AD. By 1550 AD the mosque had fallen to complete ruin but was later rebuilt in 1988.
There have been suggestions it may have served as some kind of landmark or a lighthouse but this also is inconclusive. To add to the archaeological controversy is the fantastical ghostly tale of an Arab spirit that lives here. Pay Mbaraki pillar visit and find out if the tale is true.
For directions and tour guide services simple drop an email at: loyalprincesaeed@yahoo.com."
Shamba Film Production
"MZAMIL Mohsin Abdulkarim Ali Mohamed Kenyan citizen born inside mombasa district where my genetic inheritance and I do tour guide job since I finished primary degree - Analytic quality glossary A qualification approved by the council under section 360 {2} of the Act 2...The pillar is my symbol of my original clan their names recently has been changed soon Kenya claiming independence 1963-1964 Constituency of Republic of Kenya did not registering name wakilindini is a Clans but it was a street name and I do claim my ID from D.O office in 1981 my birth certificate has the name of British East Africa Protectorate has been signed by clerk Sir Humphrey.. The original name of Mbaraki pillar we call it Mnarani and the close location name is Tangana and original family located old town name MTONDONI and recently Kenya Get independence First Kenyan President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta started to change many things which was very new to our elders and getting confused about their Clans names And Islamic laws from Kadhis which has been submitted to do their rules and regulations of Islamic and British or Britons themselves accepts all kinds of religions in East Africa because Britain themselves were pagans no religion otherwise if they have specific religion I guess that people of East Africa will join them bcz Mombasa people in a history were pagans and Idols believes black magic or Superstitions and Mbaraki Pillar is the Head Quarter or place to go and finally my Clans has been Joining the Siege between Portuguese and Omani Arabs while both of them are new faces go Mombasaand the deal was to spread their religion for example first Chapel has been built lt by Portuguese At Malindi and Second Chapel Inside Fort."
Mohamed Mzamil Mohsin Abdulkarim
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mbaraki Pillar is located in Mbaraki, Mombasa. You can reach it by taking a tuk-tuk and asking to be dropped off at 'Kwa Ken' near the furniture palace, close to the Mbaraki cemetery. For those near the Likoni Ferry roundabout, Gilani's Distributors is a landmark nearby, situated behind G4S security HQ.
Yes, local transport like tuk-tuks can easily take you to the Mbaraki area. It's a well-known spot for local eateries like 'Kwa Ken', making it a convenient destination.
While not officially managed, you might find local guides. One contact mentioned is loyalprincesaeed@yahoo.com for directions and tour guide services.
Ask your driver to take you to Mbaraki Sports Club or the area near the furniture palace on Mbaraki road. The pillar and mosque are in this vicinity. +1
Parking availability can be limited in the immediate vicinity due to its location near local businesses and residential areas. It's best to rely on local transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mbaraki Pillar is an accessible historical site and does not require an entrance ticket. You can visit freely.
As an open historical monument, there are no set opening hours. It's best visited during daylight for safety and better viewing.
Typically, there is no entry fee for the mosque, but it's customary to dress modestly and be respectful of worshippers.
While accessible, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to appreciate the site fully.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but it's important to be respectful of the historical and religious significance of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the ancient Mbaraki Pillar itself, which is a historical monument with an unknown purpose. Adjacent is an ancient mosque, one of Mombasa's oldest.
Reviews suggest it's a historical monument that could benefit from more attention from local authorities regarding preservation.
Unfortunately, there are no inscriptions or descriptive panels at the pillar itself, making its history somewhat mysterious.
It's one of Mombasa's oldest monuments, possibly serving as a landmark or lighthouse, and is steeped in local lore and historical debate.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Capture the enigmatic pillar and the adjacent mosque to document your visit. :camera:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The area around Mbaraki is known for its local eateries. 'Kwa Ken' is highly recommended for its delicious nyama choma and ugali. +1 Maasai Grill Point Mbaraki also offers authentic African dishes.
Nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali are very popular, often served with kachumbari (tomato and onion salad). +1 You can also find various African cultural dishes.
Yes, local spots like 'Kwa Ken' offer affordable and filling meals. A budget of around KSh 1,000 can be enough for two people.
Some establishments, like Maasai Grill Point, offer delivery services for their food platters.
Nyama Choma is a Swahili term for grilled meat, a very popular dish in Kenya, often cooked simply with salt and served with ugali. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The Mbaraki Pillar itself, with its ancient stone texture, and the adjacent mosque offer great photographic opportunities. The surrounding area can also provide context. :camera:
It's always respectful to ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially in local communities. :camera:
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for the pillar and mosque. Daylight hours are good for general exploration. :sunriseovermountains:
While no specific restrictions are mentioned for the pillar, be mindful of religious customs when photographing the mosque. Avoid intrusive photography during prayer times. :pray:
Focus on the pillar's texture and scale, its juxtaposition with the mosque, and any surrounding natural elements to tell a visual story. :art:
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The Enigma of Mbaraki Pillar
The pillar is also intertwined with local folklore, including tales of an Arab spirit said to inhabit the site. This adds a layer of mystique to its already enigmatic presence. The lack of definitive historical records means that understanding Mbaraki Pillar relies heavily on interpretation, local legends, and archaeological conjecture, making it a fascinating subject for those interested in the less-explored corners of history.
Adjacent to the pillar is an ancient mosque, believed to have been constructed between 1400 and 1450 AD, making it one of the oldest in Mombasa. Though it fell into ruin, it was rebuilt in 1988, preserving its historical and spiritual significance. The coexistence of these two ancient structures creates a unique historical and cultural landscape.
Mbaraki Sports Club: A Hub of Activity
Beyond official games, the club is a popular spot for local football matches and other athletic activities, drawing crowds and showcasing local talent.
The proximity of Mbaraki Sports Club to the Mbaraki Pillar and its associated eateries means visitors can easily combine a historical exploration with a taste of local entertainment and cuisine. It's a dynamic part of the Mbaraki area, contributing to its lively atmosphere.
Culinary Delights of Mbaraki
For those looking for a broader range of African cuisine, Maasai Grill Point Mbaraki offers delicious food platters, including sizzling meat and juicy chicken, with options for delivery.
Visiting these local eateries not only satisfies your appetite but also offers a cultural immersion, allowing you to connect with the local community and savor the authentic flavors that define Kenyan street food and traditional dishes.
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