GEDE RUINS TOUR EXPERIENCE IN WATAMU WITH AFRICANMECCA

Since 1884 when Gede Ruins was first visited by Sir John Kirk, the site has been recognized for its archaeological value and today it is one of the most highly studied relics on the Kenyan Coast. The ruins were first noted as a Historical Monument in 1927, followed by being identified as a Protected Monument in 1929 and a National Archaeology Site in 1948. James Kirkman is credited for overseeing the first archaeological studies of the site, and in 1969, the ruins were placed under the administration of the National Museums of Kenya.

When you visit Gede Ruins during your historical beach tour of Watamu with AfricanMecca, you are taken back to a 12th-century Swahili settlement that served as a model of other townships along the coast of East Africa. Evidence shows that portions of the original settlement were rebuilt during the 15th and 16th centuries as a result of an increasing population from surrounding coastal villages and towns.

The mosques, palaces, houses and other structures demonstrate the abundant growth of wealth that was enjoyed by the townspeople until the 15th century, and the mystery of the Gede lies in the ultimate abandonment of the fruitful and thriving town two centuries later. Studies of the ruins have revealed many factors that may have motivated the people of Gedi to leave behind the idyllic setting of the beautiful rural metropolis that was built within an ancient forest, such as the 1589 raids of the Wazimba along the coast of East Africa, the eventual demise of the Sheikh of Malindi and Portuguese loss of Mombasa in 1593 and the ever-present threat of a raid by the Galla tribespeople of Somalia.

Archaeologists have also found that the inhabitants deepened the well outside the Great Mosque, an indication that the water table was growing significantly harder to reach, leaving the people without a necessary resource.

1. Deep Sea Fishing

2. Snorkeling

3. Scuba Diving

4. Arabuko Sokoke Forest

5. Gede Ruins

6. Watamu Marine Park

7. Mida Creek

8. Bio-Ken Snake Farm

KENYA TRIP IDEAS

Watamu Beach Trip Ideas & Kenya Beach Trip Ideas