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Gede Ruins & Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Tour

Safari Overview

Uncover the mysteries of Kenya’s past and the magic of its coastal biodiversity on this enriching tour that combines a visit to the Gede Ruins — a 13th-century Swahili-Arabic settlement shrouded in legend — with a guided nature walk through the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, the largest coastal forest in East Africa.

Begin your journey by exploring the hauntingly beautiful Gede Ruins, where ancient coral-stone mosques, palaces, and houses lie hidden beneath towering baobab and fig trees. Walk among the ruins as a local guide brings to life the rise and fall of this once-thriving trade town, now a National Monument steeped in Swahili history, architecture, and mystery.

Then step into the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, a biodiversity hotspot home to rare birds, butterflies, primates, and endemic plant species. With the help of a knowledgeable forest guide, you’ll track wildlife, listen to birdsong, and learn about the unique ecosystems that make this forest a global conservation priority.

This tour offers a rich mix of culture, history, and nature — ideal for curious travelers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking to explore Kenya beyond the beach.

Parks Highlights

  • Gede Ruins Exploration
  • Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Walk
  • Culture & Conservation Combined

At Glance

itinerary description

Duration: Half-day tour (approx. 4–5 hours)
Start Time: Morning (8:00 AM recommended) or afternoon (3:00 PM for cooler temperatures & better wildlife viewing)


Itinerary Breakdown

Hotel Pick-up (Watamu or Malindi)

  • Meet your guide and depart for the short drive to Gede Ruins, located about 10–15 minutes from Watamu or 30–40 minutes from Malindi.

  • Receive a short briefing about the day’s combined cultural and ecological experience.

Guided Tour of Gede Ruins (Approx. 1.5 hours)

  • Explore the mysterious ruins of this 13th–17th century Swahili-Arabic settlement.

  • Visit key landmarks:

    • The Great Mosque

    • Royal Palace complex

    • Tombs and residential quarters

    • The ancient well and town walls

  • Learn about the trade networks, religious life, and eventual abandonment of the city.

  • Hear local legends about spirits (jinns) said to still inhabit the site.

  • Option to visit the on-site museum with ancient artifacts and archaeological insights.

 Transfer to Arabuko-Sokoke Forest (Approx. 10 mins)

  • Short drive to the forest gate, where you’ll meet a KWS ranger or community guide.

 Guided Nature Walk in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest (Approx. 1.5–2 hours)

  • Choose one of the walking trails (depending on interests and fitness level).

  • Discover three distinct forest types:

    • Mixed Brachystegia woodland

    • Cynometra forest

    • Wet coastal forest patches

  • Spot a variety of wildlife:

    • Golden-rumped elephant shrew

    • Suni antelope

    • Monkeys (vervet, sykes)

    • Rare birds like the Sokoke Scops Owl, Amani Sunbird, and Clarke’s Weaver

  • Learn about medicinal plants, forest conservation, and local community involvement in protecting this biodiversity hotspot.

 Optional Refreshments or Forest Picnic

  • Stop for a light snack or drink (bring your own or request it as an add-on).

  • Relax at one of the forest viewpoints or picnic spots.

 Drop-off at Your Hotel

  • Return to your accommodation in Watamu or Malindi.

  • End of Tour.

itinerary map

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