Gede Ruins

The Gede Ruins (also spelled Gedi) are the remains of a medieval Swahili town, abandoned some time in the 17th or early 18th century. The site is about 4 km inland from Watamu, surrounded by coastal forest, and it is one of the most atmospheric historical sites on the Kenyan coast. Stone mosque foundations, a palace, houses, and a city wall are all visible, partially engulfed by fig trees and tangled vegetation.

The forest around the ruins is home to colobus monkeys and a variety of birds. A small museum at the entrance displays the porcelain, coins, and glass beads excavated from the site. The combination of archaeology and wildlife makes it one of the most rewarding day trips from Watamu.

things to do sight historic site
A story
Gede was a prosperous Swahili town of perhaps 2,500 people that was abandoned in the 17th century under circumstances that are still not fully explained. Archaeological finds include Chinese porcelain, Indian glass beads, and Venetian glass — evidence of the trade networks that connected the East African coast to Asia and the Middle East. The site was not mentioned in any Portuguese or Arab written records of the time, which deepens the mystery of what happened here.