Kenya Slave Route Heritage Tour

Your journey begins with an introduction to the East African Slave Trade, covering its origins, the major trading powers, caravan routes from the African interior, and the economic importance of slavery within the Indian Ocean trade network.

Old Port of Mombasa

Visit one of the principal departure points where enslaved Africans were transported across the Indian Ocean. Learn how slave caravans arrived at the coast, how captives were processed, and the conditions they faced before being transported to destinations including Zanzibar, Oman, Yemen, Persia, and India.

Walking Tour of Old Town

Explore the narrow streets of historic Old Town while discovering the area's role in the slave trade. Your guide explains the architecture, merchant houses, warehouses, former holding areas, and the multicultural influences that shaped Mombasa's history.

Fort Jesus

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site where Portuguese and Omani rule shaped trade along the East African coast. Learn about military control of commerce, archaeological discoveries, and the exchange of goods that supported the regional slave trade.

Historic Wells & Underground Passages

Discover the ancient wells that supplied water to caravans, traders, soldiers, and local communities, followed by an introduction to the underground passages associated with the old town and their historical significance.

Lunch

Enjoy traditional Swahili cuisine at a local restaurant.

Slave Route Heritage Walk

An afternoon guided walk follows sections of the historic slave route through Mombasa, highlighting former caravan entry points, trading areas, warehouses, and loading locations while discussing the human experiences behind the trade.

Evening Historical Lecture

A reflective presentation explores daily life during the East African slave trade, including the experiences of women and children, resistance, survival, and the lasting impact of slavery on African societies.

Dinner & Overnight Stay – Mombasa

Breakfast

Depart for Freretown, one of Kenya's most significant settlements established for liberated slaves.

Freretown

Learn how rescued captives were settled here after British naval forces intercepted slave ships. Discover how education, agriculture, Christianity, and new communities helped rebuild lives following emancipation.

Visit:

• Historic Bell Tower
• St. Emmanuel's Church
• Freed Slave Cemetery
• Widow's House
• Remaining structures of the original settlement

Missionary Heritage

Learn about the pioneering work of Dr. Johann Ludwig Krapf and Rev. Johannes Rebmann, whose missionary efforts promoted education, Bible translation, literacy, and opposition to slavery throughout East Africa.

British Campaign Against the Slave Trade

Explore how the Royal Navy patrolled the East African coast, intercepted slave ships, negotiated anti-slavery treaties, and helped establish liberated settlements such as Freretown.

Rabai Mission

Visit Kenya's first inland Christian mission, where participants learn about early education, agriculture, Bible translation, cultural exchange, and Rabai's contribution to weakening the slave trade through community development.

The Uganda Railway & Economic Transformation

Understand how the construction of the Uganda Railway transformed East Africa by encouraging legitimate commerce, reducing reliance on slave and porter labour, and strengthening efforts to suppress the slave trade.

Legacy of Abolition

Conclude the tour with a discussion on the lasting impact of abolition, including the formation of new communities, education, land ownership, cultural identity, and the continuing importance of preserving this history for future generations.

Return to Mombasa