After encountering bitter experiences in Mozambique and Mombasa, Vasco da Gama sailed towards Malindi. The fleet reached Malindi on 14th April 1498, where they received a cordial welcome.
In Malindi, Gama traced evidences of Indian traders. Vasco da Gama and his crew contracted the services of a local pilot, who used his knowledge of the monsoon winds to guide the expedition to Calicut in India. This was a timely help the fleet received. Vasco da Gama left Malindi for India on 24th April 1498.
The pilot hired by da Gama was Ahmed Ibn Majid. He warned Vasco da Gama about the monsoon winds, and told him that the ships would have to wait for the right season to sail. He also knew the optimum route, where they can take advantage of winds and currents. Once they were out of sight of land, it took them only twenty three days to reach the coast of India.
Thus, Vasco da Gama’s landfall at Malindi proved to be crucial.
