Early visitors from China
In the 14th century Chu-ssu-pen’s World Atlas included the coast of Africa beyond the Cape of Good Hope. It is said to be the earliest map, roughly showing Africa in its true shape. If the map was based on physical inspection of the coast by Chinese sailors or compiled from other’s reports is not known.
One century later Cheng Ho, a Moslem from Mongol ancestry headed some seven voyages with fleets of up to 63 ships and 30 000 men. He visited 30 countries around the rim of the Indian Ocean. The direct encounter with Africa astonished people at both ends of the ocean. Cheng Ho asked himself in the preface of his book about the voyages ‘How can such dissimilarities exist in the world?’
Although commerce between East Africa and China existed as early as 1300 A.D. concluding from the celadon and porcelain found in old Swahili towns, Chinese ships rarely visited Africa. One famous exception was 1420 A.D. used by the Sultan of Malindi to send a distinctive gift to the Emperor of China. A giraffe which has been immortalised on Chinese Silk.
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For more information about Pugu Hills Centre, the Forests and the history, please visit our web site:
(also a copy of this booklet can be downloaded from the website)
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