Gede Ruins

Departure at 15:30 for the Ruins of Gede, an Arab-Swahili city mysteriously abandoned centuries ago. Local tradition makes this place magical and a little feared — few locals would enter the ruins after sunset.

Excavations have uncovered Ming porcelain, glassware and glazed terracotta from the 13th century, when the city was founded. Nobody knows exactly why it was abandoned — perhaps the sea receded, perhaps invaders came from the north.

The palaces, built with coral lime and earth, are surrounded by lush forest and giant baobabs. During the 90-minute walk, monkeys and baboons call from the treetops, lizards dart through the undergrowth and large butterflies flutter among the ruins. Return to Watamu at around 17:30–18:00.