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Travel Pictures - KENYA - 1999
All images © Ron Miller

       My visit to Kenya was limited to the capital city of Nairobi and the southern coast along the Indian Ocean. Travel was rough due to road construction and the infrastructure typically found in Africa. A pleasant surprise was the fascinating history of the Swahili culture along the coast where Africans, Arabs, and the Portuguese have been interacting for centuries. Mombassa's architecture along with the mysterious ruins of Gedi are physical reminders of the Swahili culture's many foreign influences.

A not-so-quiet back alley in the capital of East Africa. Because of the high rate
of crime in this city, Nairobi is often referred to as "Nai-robbery" -
Nairobi, Kenya
A rooftop view of Mombassa - Kenya's largest coastal city. The city sits off the southern coast of the Indian Ocean and is
similar to Zanzibar on the Tanzanian coast in that it contains an amalgamation of European, Muslim, and Swahili cultures -
Mombasa, Kenya
© BrianKMiller.com
The coastline at Mombasa has several islands and Kenya's only large seaport -
Mombasa, Kenya
Mombasa Holy Ghost Cathedral near Fort Jesus -
Mombasa, Kenya
© BrianKMiller.com
The historic Fort Jesus was constructed in 1593 shortly after the Portuguese invaded Mombasa and overtook
the Muslim rulers. The massive walls are constructed of coral blocks that are laid out in the form of a cross -
Mombasa, Kenya
© BrianKMiller.com
The “Mombasa tusks” were constructed in 1952 to commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth -
Mombasa, Kenya
© BrianKMiller.com
Brian and Mom admiring the old town's architecture that goes back to the 18th century and combines African, Arabic, and European
influences. Mombasa Old Town's architecture is known for its beautifully carved doors and elegantly styled balconies  - 
Mombasa, Kenya
 © BrianKMiller.com
This World Heritage site is still very active with commerce and people -
Mombasa, Kenya
 © BrianKMiller.com
The old town is adorned with many decorative verandas -
Mombasa, Kenya
 © BrianKMiller.com
Kenyan children enjoying a board game in the old town -
Mombasa, Kenya
 © BrianKMiller.com
 Kenya's southern coast has many international beach resorts, each typically catering to a specific international group.
Here is a group of British tourists on the beach at the Hemingway Resort -
Malindi, Kenya
Soaking in some sunshine at the Hemingway Resort -
Malindi, Kenya
Patio view of the Indian Ocean at the Hemingway Resort -
Malindi, Kenya
Clear water and fishing vessels on the coast of the Indian Ocean -
Malindi, Kenya
African dhow sailing the Indian Ocean -
Malindi, Kenya
© BrianKMiller.com
African dhow -
Malindi, Kenya
© BrianKMiller.com
The mysterious ruins of Gedi are now covered with trees. The Swahili town was founded in the 12th century and
abandoned in the late 17th century. Gedi is shrouded in mystery because there is no historical record
of the city in any of the Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili writings -
Gedi, Kenya
According to Wikipedia, archaeologists have found beads from Venice, coins and a Ming vase from China, an iron lamp from India,
and scissors from Spain. The evidence of ancient international trade adds further intrigue to the missing historical records -
Gedi, Kenya
The main well at Gedi. It was so hot and humid at the ruins that the simple act of
walking required one to modify their pace as if climbing Kilimanjaro-
Gedi, Kenya

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All images © Ron Miller
For authorized use of these photos, please contact Ron Miller at TheHappyCannibal@gmail.com