Culture & Nature
Gede Ruins & Arabuko Sokoke Forest
Explore the mysterious 12th-century Swahili town hidden in the forest, then look for golden-rumped elephant shrews and rare birds in East Africa's largest coastal forest.
- Duration
- Full day
- Group size
- 1 to 8 guests
- Best time
- Year round, mornings are coolest
About this experience
Gede was a wealthy Swahili trading town of coral-stone mosques, palaces and houses, abandoned in the 17th century for reasons still debated. Walking its shaded lanes with a knowledgeable guide brings the place to life, and the resident Sykes' monkeys make sure you are never alone.
Next door, Arabuko Sokoke Forest protects species found almost nowhere else, including the Sokoke scops owl and the golden-rumped elephant shrew. Our forest guide knows where to look.
Highlights
- Guided tour of the Gede Ruins UNESCO tentative site
- Forest walk with a trained Arabuko Sokoke guide
- Optional visit to the Kipepeo butterfly project
- Lunch at a local restaurant in Gede
What's included
- Private vehicle and driver
- Site and forest entry fees
- Guides at both sites
- Lunch and water
What to bring
- Closed walking shoes
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars if you have them
Common questions
How do I book a tour?
Send us a message on WhatsApp, call, or use the Plan My Trip form. We confirm availability, tide times and price, and you pay a deposit by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. The balance is settled on the day.
Are your prices fixed?
Every trip is designed around your group size, dates and budget, so we quote individually rather than publishing one price for everyone. Our quotes always include park fees, guides and transfers so there are no surprises on the day.
Do you pick up from hotels?
Yes. All day trips and safaris include pick-up and drop-off at hotels, guesthouses and villas in Watamu. Pick-ups from Malindi, Kilifi and Malindi Airport can be arranged.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Boat trips depend on the sea, and safety comes first. If the captain calls a trip off we move it to another day or refund your deposit in full. Safaris and inland trips run in light rain.
