The Mysterious Ruins Of Gedi : Exploring The Gedi Ruins Of Kenya : The mysterious Gedi Ruins near Malindi, Kenya, indicate that a thriving Swahili city once existed within a dense indigenous forest, but no written record of its existence exists. Who lived there, and why did they flee to the jungle?
Gedi appears to have been abandoned on purpose, as the residents had time to clear out their valuable possessions before leaving. Every house had a special strong room with only a trap door for an entrance – they were all empty. What would prompt at least 2500 people to abandon their homes for no apparent reason? This is a hotly debated topic!
GEDI, THE SWAHILI CITY IN THE FOREST
It’s unclear why Gedi was established at all. If the city was significant in any way, its presence would have been noticed; additionally, evidence of extensive trading activities at Gedi belies its remote location deep in a forest miles from the sea. The questions are: what did the citizens trade with, and who were the customers?
Gedi was built in the 13th century on a large scale out of rock and coral. The city was meticulously planned by town planners who clearly knew what they were doing. There were water wells, advanced sanitation and drainage systems, and flush toilets! The city included a palace, mosques, mansions, houses, tombs, and burial grounds.
This Muslim city flourished and prospered until the 16th century, when an exodus occurred for unknown reasons. In the early 17th century, Gedi was finally abandoned. The city was lost to the forest until 1894, when a British resident of Zanzibar investigated it, but it was not officially recognized until 1927, when the ruins were designated a Kenyan National Monument.
WHAT HAPPENED HERE?
The Gedi Ruins is One of Kenya’s and East Africa’s greatest mysteries. The mystery surrounding this abandoned town adds to its haunting beauty, which still captivates and frightens locals and tourists alike. Due to discoveries such as a Ming China vase and Venetian glass, it is thought that the town was founded in the early 13th century. In the late 17th century, Gedi was mysteriously abandoned.
This could have happened as a result of tribes from the north migrating down into the forest where Gedi is located and driving the inhabitants out. The main mystery, however, is that there are no records of the town in Portuguese, Arabic, or Swahili scripts. It was close to other settlements due to its location two miles outside Watamu on the Malindi-Mombasa road, but no references have been found to date. Pottery was discovered from all over the world, implying a trade center, making the obscurity of Gedi in records even more intriguing.
WHAT TO DO AT GEDI
The ruins are overgrown and set among a grove of beautiful indigenous trees. Butterflies flit through the sun-dappled shadows, and birds and curious monkeys abound in the tree canopy. Shrews the size of rabbits scurry about on the forest floor, which is thick with leaves. It’s an atmospheric location that’s well worth a visit.
Gedi was excavated between 1948 and 1958, and many buildings and artifacts were discovered. Ancient porcelain is embedded in the walls, and the museum contains fascinating finds such as Venetian beads and scissors from Spain, as well as objects from China and India and carved furniture. The museum has experienced guides, and you can walk around the entire site. The shop sells souvenirs as well as refreshments.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
The Kipepeo Butterfly Project is located at the entrance to the Gedi Ruins. This is an excellent community project that generates much-needed revenue for the residents. The Arabuko Sokoke Forest’s unique butterflies are bred here and then sent to live displays around the world.
The Arabuko Sokoke National Park contains Kenya’s last great indigenous coastal forest. It is an ecological hotspot because it is home to the Forest Elephant and a variety of rare flora and fauna, including the endemic Clarke’s Weaver.
HOW TO GET THERE
You can drive to the ruins on your own or join a guided tour from Malindi, which is located on the northern Swahili Coast. Gedi is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) south of Malindi, just off the Malindi-Mombasa Road in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest.
