Gedi Ruins

Gedi is the overgrown ruin of a Swahili town that flourished from the 13th century and was abandoned some 400 years ago, its palace, mosques, tombs and houses now standing among huge baobabs and forest. Paths wind between the coral-stone walls with monkeys crashing about overhead, and a site museum displays the Chinese porcelain and glass beads dug up here. The mystery of why everyone left is the hook that gets kids exploring.

How a family visit works

1. 1Arrive at Gedi, near Watamu, and take a site guide. The forest paths are easy to lose, and the ruins need the stories.
2. 2Walk the coral-stone palace, mosques, tombs and houses among the baobabs. The town flourished from the 13th century and was abandoned some 400 years ago — that mystery is what keeps kids moving.
3. 3Watch for monkeys in the canopy. Keep snacks put away.
4. 4Finish in the site museum: Chinese porcelain and glass beads dug up on the walk you just did.
5. 5Hats and closed shoes. It is an outdoor forest site, about two hours, then back toward Watamu.

What kids actually do here

• A lost Swahili town in coastal forest
• Coral-stone palace, mosques and houses
• Huge baobabs among the walls
• Monkeys overhead on the paths
• A site museum with Chinese porcelain and glass beads
• The open question of why the town was abandoned

What to pack

• Closed shoes for forest paths and old coral stone
• Sunhat and water
• Cash for a site guide
• Insect repellent

Parent questions

Do we need a guide?

Take one. The ruins are far more interesting with the stories, and the forest paths are easy to lose.

Hours, tickets and activity rules change. Confirm the current details on the official site or at the gate before you travel.