Malindi, a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Malindi Bay where the Sabaki River meets the Indian Ocean, graces the Kenyan coastline with its presence. With a history dating back to the 13th – 14th century, Malindi exudes an ageless charm that captivates all who visit.
While renowned for its exquisite beaches, Malindi offers a wealth of experiences beyond its sandy shores.
The captivating Swahili-inspired architecture further enhances its appeal, transforming the journey from Mombasa into a thrilling escapade.
For an unforgettable visit, the prime period is from May to October. My own exploration of Malindi in September 2022 etched lasting memories in my travel journal.
Malindi’s historical tapestry is woven with influences from Arab rulers, African residents, and Indian settlers.
The town boasted a diverse population, including approximately 1000 Arabs, 2500 Africans residing in or near Malindi, and an additional 2000 Africans in nearby plantations.
This eclectic amalgamation of races contributed to a vibrant and distinctive community, often characteristic of coastal areas.
Interestingly, I observed that some individuals exhibited facial features distinct from those I encountered in Nairobi, while their fair complexion hinted at their ancestral origins.
1. Tour the ancient Malindi ruins of the Gedi people.
Situated 94 km north of Malindi town, Gedi is a petite yet historically significant town nestled within Kenya’s coastal region.
Dating back to the 15th century, Gedi was once a bustling stone settlement masterfully crafted by the Swahili people.
The exceptional aspect lies in the fact that the entire town was painstakingly constructed using stones and rocks.
Thanks to the meticulous conservation efforts championed by the Kenyan government, a substantial portion of the original foundations remains intact to this day.
In the year 1927, Gedi’s remarkable expanse of 44 hectares was rightfully bestowed with the status of a historic monument.
Extensive excavations were undertaken, unearthing expansive sections of this ancient enclave.
Among the awe-inspiring discoveries were pillar tombs, a grand palace, and a resplendent mosque.
During its heyday, Gedi’s inhabitants were categorized based on their economic and social standings.
The sprawling ruins are encircled by two distinct walls. The inner wall serving as the enclave of the affluent elite.
The outer wall encompassed a sprawling 18-hectare expanse that included farmlands and plantations. It is presumed to be where the middle class erected mud and wattle houses.
Beyond the boundaries of the main walls, the lives of the peasants unfolded. Gedi’s intricate layout offers a vivid glimpse into its storied past and the diverse narratives of those who once thrived within its stone embrace.
What is in the Malindi ruins?
As the excavation work continued in Gedi, fascinating discoveries led to the naming of various areas based on what was found. One such discovery was a coral tomb adorned with exquisite Arabic script engraved with the date 1399. Just a few steps away from this dated tomb stood the majestic Great Mosque.
What amazed me the most was the “Well of the Great Mosque”. It’s an incredibly designed well that reached an impressive depth of 50 meters. It was believed to have been used for ablution, a ceremonial cleansing ritual.
As I explored further with the guide, I came across an intriguing sight on the other side of the mosque – an octagonal tall pillar tomb. The iman or priest probably lived here. priest.
Deeper into the forest, we encountered the presumed 15th-century palace. Here, the king would hold court and address women with marital problems separately from the men.
Along the way, I noticed chambers with no visible windows or doors. Historians speculate that these rooms might have been the secret storage places for the noblemen’s treasured gold and jewels. To access this hidden treasure, we saw a secret door cleverly concealed in the roof.
Walking through Gedi’s historical remnants was like stepping back in time, unraveling the mysteries of this ancient stone town. Every corner had a story to tell about the lives of those who once lived there.
Why is Gedi unique?
Gedi historic town is documented under public records as part of the National Monument since 1927. The National Museums of Kenya currently manages it.
Reports from UNESCO confirm it was the first site to be excavated in East Africa. Surprisingly, it remains the most intact of the preserved Swahili historic towns.
2. Take a history tour of the Gedi Ethnography gallery
Within the expansive premises of the Gedi ruins, there is a small gallery. It houses a treasure trove of ancient artifacts showcasing the life of the Malindi people. What’s truly remarkable is that you don’t have to travel elsewhere to explore this fascinating exhibit. It’s all conveniently located in one place.
Curious to glimpse the attire worn by these ancient people? Look no further, for this gallery has it all. From ancient clothes to displays of an old bed, chair, and baby cot used by the Swahili people. It made me step back in time and witness their way of life.
In transparent glass stands, there are delicate clay pots, intricate jewelry, and sharp swords. They give a glimpse of the skilled craftsmanship of that era. One of the most captivating exhibits is a small, elegantly designed ship. It offers a glimpse into the maritime culture of those days.
But perhaps the most surprising sight was the large whale skeleton occupying a single room. Standing there in awe, I couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur of this majestic creature. I imagined the stories it might have witnessed over the ages. This tiny gallery truly encapsulates the rich and vibrant culture of the Swahili people. It provides a short yet captivating summary of their fascinating history.
3. Enjoy the beauty of nature at the Malindi Kipepeo butterfly house
Butterflies, renowned for their vibrant hues and captivating beauty, grace the Earth as some of the most colorful insects. In Kenya, the nation takes immense pride in the rich diversity of butterfly species that call its landscapes home.
Nestled near the Arabuko Sokoke forest along the coastal regions of Kenya, a community-driven enterprise known as “Kipepeo” has taken root.
The name, derived from Swahili, translates to “butterfly.” This remarkable endeavor goes beyond admiration and sustenance by actively supporting the livelihoods of the local populace residing in the vicinity of the forest.
A visit to Kipepeo unveils a modest yet bustling butterfly warehouse. It functions as a hub for the exchange of butterfly and moth pupae, along with an array of other live arthropods.
Intriguingly, this community initiative also involves the production and trade of honey and silk cloth. That further enhances the economic viability of the locals.
While I ventured into the hatching room for pupae, an awe-inspiring revelation awaited me.
These emerging live insects don’t merely bring joy to the local community; they travel afar, making their way to insect parks around the globe, captivating audiences worldwide!
What is the role of Kipepeo?
Playing a pivotal role, Kipepeo undertakes the essential task of orchestrating the production and marketing of these living insects.
Employing a strategy of training and vigilant oversight, they ensure the sustainable breeding. They cultivate insects right on the farms, utilizing wild parent stock.
Nestled adjacent to the historic Gedi ruins, Kipepeo stands as an extraordinary enterprise that seamlessly melds conservation. It’s a source of community empowerment, and a global admiration for the captivating allure of butterflies and other arthropods.
It’s genuinely heartening to witness how this endeavor not only uplifts the local populace. It also magnificently showcases Kenya’s innate natural treasures to an international audience.
Whether international or national purchase of Kipepeo products, it contributes directly to the conservation of critical natural heritage for future generations. For as cheap as 1 dollar, every insect sold adds value to the life span.
After exploring the unique displays and seeing some beautiful butterflies moving around, I was impressed by the special photo zone. It transformed me into a butterfly.
For more reads on things to do in other cities in Kenya and countries, go here.
