San Sebastian Fortress, Mozambique Island

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San Sebastian Fortress, Fortaleza Sao Sebastiao in Portuguese, is the oldest standing fort in Portuguese East Africa and it is one of Mozambique Island’s most impressive monuments. Not only is this 16th century fortress testament to the island’s importance under Portuguese rule it harbors a clue to the population’s survival. The fort’s intricate system of rainwater collection was, until recently, the islanders only source of fresh water. Hire a local guide for roughly 1 USD and turn your tour of San Sebastian Fortress into a journey through the island’s past. View cannons from the 1820s and learn about attacks from the Dutch, Arabs, English and even the French.

Vasco da Gama

Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, commanded the first ships to sail directly from Europe to India. No small feat in 1498! And while his discoveries are noble his actions were often less so. On his firt trip, Vasco da Gama bombed Mozambique Island, Mozambique in response to the cold reception he received from the locals and was forced to beat a hasty retreat from Cochin, India. On his first second journey in 1502 da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Horn well-armed. He was intent on controlling the region and taking charge of the trade route. And Vasco da Gama demonstrated his strength to all those who stood in his way. He burned and sacked settlements on the East African coast and burned an Arab ship with more than 200 passengers aboard. Vasco da Gama was an important explorer but he was also ruthless winner take all.