Vasco da Gama explored the sea route from Portugal to India, sailing around the Cape of Good Hope and along the east coast of Africa before reaching Calicut, India.

Quick scoop

He set out from Lisbon in 1497 and followed the African coastline with stops or contact points along places such as the Cape Verde Islands, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Mozambique, and other East African ports.

His voyage is best known for opening the first successful direct maritime route from Europe to India.

Where he went

  • Lisbon, Portugal, as the starting point.
  • Along the west coast of Africa, including past the Cape Verde Islands and near Sierra Leone.
  • Around the Cape of Good Hope into the Indian Ocean.
  • Down the east coast of Africa, including areas linked to present-day South Africa and Mozambique.
  • On to India, where he reached Calicut on the Malabar Coast.

If you want, I can also give you a simple map-style route in one line.