Gedi Ruins: the Swahili town in the forest, opening hours and fee
Gedi (also spelt Gede) is a ruined Swahili town hidden in the Arabuko-Sokoke forest, a few kilometres from Watamu and about 16 km south of Malindi. Inhabited from the 12th to the 17th century, it had mosques, a palace, coral-stone houses and pillar tombs before being abandoned for reasons historians still debate. The site is a national monument managed by the National Museums of Kenya (NMK). The details below were noted in October 2026; confirm them before you visit.
Highlights
The Great Mosque
At the heart of the site, the coral-stone mosque is one of the best-preserved buildings in the town. You can make out the mihrab (prayer niche) and the remains of the prayer halls; the walls stand out among the trees.
The palace and stone houses
A palace and several houses still have their walls, courtyards and wells. The shaded paths help you grasp the layout of the walled town and the life of merchants who traded with Arabia, India and China.
The forest and its residents
The ruins lie in the middle of a forest home to monkeys, squirrels and many birds; baobabs and tall trees wrap around the walls. A small museum at the entrance shows objects found on the site, including imported ceramics.
Practical info
Tips
- NMK admission fees for museums and heritage sites were revised in May 2026 (2025 admission fees regulations): an older figure of about USD 8 still circulates on some sites but should not be taken for granted. Ask for the price at the gate or from NMK, and check whether M-Pesa, card or eCitizen is accepted. A local guide, often offered at the entrance, adds a lot to the visit: agree the price before you start. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours, and bring closed shoes, water, repellent and a hat. Many visitors combine Gedi with Watamu and Malindi.
How to get there
About 15 to 20 minutes by road from Watamu and 20 to 30 minutes from Malindi, by taxi, tuk-tuk or car with driver; several hotels arrange half-day visits. From Mombasa, allow about 2 hours by the coastal road.
Opening hours
Nearby
See on the map →
Comments
No comments yet.