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Mtwapa · Bird Watching

Gede Ruins & Arabuko Sokoke Forest Day Trip from Mtwapa

  • DurationFull day
  • Group size1–12 guests
  • DifficultyEasy
  • AvailabilityOn request
Price On request
Request a quote
Gede Ruins & Arabuko Sokoke Forest Day Trip from Mtwapa

Overview

Gede Ruins and Arabuko Sokoke Forest from Mtwapa

Gede, also spelled Gedi, is the ruin of a Swahili town abandoned centuries ago, set inside coastal forest with walls, houses and a mosque still standing. Beside it, the Arabuko Sokoke Forest is one of the last large areas of coastal forest in East Africa and is home to rare birds and small mammals. This full-day trip from Mtwapa takes you to both.

Gede Ruins

Your driver-guide walks you through the ruins and explains what archaeologists know about the town and what remains a mystery. The paths run between walls and trees, and monkeys are often seen around the site. The ruins are a protected monument, and entry fees are itemised in your quote.

Arabuko Sokoke Forest

The forest is known for its birds and small mammals, some found in few other places, and a short guided walk gives you a chance to see some of them. Sightings vary with the season, the time of day and luck, and cannot be guaranteed. Forest guide fees are itemised in your quote.

On the way back

Time permitting, there is a stop in Watamu for lunch or a look at the beach before the drive back to Mtwapa, Bamburi or your hotel.

Good to know

The drive from Mtwapa to Gede takes roughly an hour and a half each way, depending on traffic, so we start early. Wear comfortable shoes, a hat and insect repellent, and bring water. We confirm the plan, entry fees and lunch in your written quote, and an overnight version with a night in Watamu or Malindi can be arranged.

Highlights

  • Pickup from your hotel, villa or apartment
  • Guided walk through the Gede Ruins in the forest
  • Time in Arabuko Sokoke Forest for birds and small mammals
  • Optional stop in Watamu on the way back

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Early morning – Pickup and drive north

    Meet your driver-guide at your hotel, villa or apartment and drive north along the coast road towards Gede.

  2. 2

    Gede Ruins

    Guided walk through the ruined Swahili town in the forest, with its walls, houses and mosque.

  3. 3

    Arabuko Sokoke Forest

    A short guided walk in the forest, looking for birds and small mammals.

  4. 4

    Afternoon – Watamu and return

    Lunch and an optional look at Watamu’s beaches, then drive back to the north coast.

What’s included

Included

  • Pickup and drop-off on the north coast
  • private vehicle and driver-guide
  • guided visit to the Gede Ruins
  • time in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest area
  • bottled water. Entry fees, forest guide fees and lunch are itemised in your written quote.

Not included

  • Drinks
  • tips
  • personal expenses
  • travel insurance
  • anything not listed in your written quote

Practical information

Departure
Early morning from your hotel, villa or apartment on the north coast, at the time agreed when you book
Pickup
Mtwapa, Bamburi, Shanzu, Vipingo, Nyali and Kilifi hotels, villas and apartments
Meeting point
Your hotel, villa or apartment in Mtwapa or the north coast, or a meeting point agreed when you book
Accommodation
Not included; hotels, villas and apartments in Mtwapa, Bamburi and Vipingo can be added to your request
Best time to go
Year-round; the drier months (roughly late December–March and July–October) are the most comfortable for walking around the sites
Recommended age
All ages; some walking on uneven ground
Cancellation & changes
Free request changes before final confirmation; final terms depend on the selected supplier.
How to book
Submit your dates and guest details. Our team confirms availability and the final itinerary before payment.

Frequently asked questions

Is it too long for a day trip?

It is a full day, with around three hours of driving in total. If you prefer a shorter day, the Jumba la Mtwana tour is a half-day alternative, and an overnight version is possible.

Will we see wildlife?

Monkeys are often seen at Gede, and the forest has rare birds and small mammals. Sightings vary and cannot be guaranteed.

Can you collect us from our hotel, villa or apartment?

Yes. Tell us where you are staying in Mtwapa, Bamburi, Shanzu, Vipingo or Nyali and we confirm the pickup time when you book.

Are entry fees included?

Entry fees, boat costs and meals are itemised in your written quote, because they change over time and depend on the size of your group.

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