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The coral-stone walls of the Great Mosque at the Gede Ruins, surrounded by forest

Ruins

Gede Ruins

The Gede Ruins are the remains of a walled Swahili town hidden in the forest near Watamu. Built of coral stone between about the 12th and 16th centuries, it had a palace, mosques, large houses with courtyards and pillar tombs, before it was abandoned in the early 17th century. Today the ruins are a national monument, shaded by tall trees and full of birds and monkeys.

Why visit

Gede was one of many Swahili towns along the East African coast that traded with Arabia, Persia, India and China. Its people lived in stone houses with courtyards, bathrooms and wells, and Chinese porcelain, Venetian glass beads and Indian goods have been found in the ruins. Nobody knows exactly why the town was abandoned, but raids from the north and a falling water table are often suggested. Because it lies in the forest and is not mentioned in early Portuguese records, it has an air of mystery.

What to see

  • The Great Mosque: with its prayer niche facing Mecca and the remains of its pillars.
  • The palace: a large complex with courtyards, reception rooms and a grand arched entrance.
  • The houses: named after objects found in them, such as the House of the Cowries and the House of the Scissors.
  • The pillar tombs: tall carved pillars marking the graves of important people.
  • The museum: pottery, beads and other finds from the excavations.

Tips

  • Go early or late in the day, when it is cooler and the light filters through the trees.
  • Hire one of the site guides at the entrance.
  • Keep snacks out of sight of the monkeys.
  • Read our guide to visiting the Gede Ruins.

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