This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a journey back in time that helps us see 'The Swahili Coast' in a new light. From the 15th century (and possibly earlier) The East African coast has seen traders and travellers come from India, Oman, Persia and Portugal. Many settled. Today's Kiswahil language has Bantu grammar and many 'borrowed' words from Arabic. Our guide - Badi - was excellent: knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and with good English. As a bonus, the Syke's monkeys near the Gede Ruins are used to people and provide good photo opportunities.

Exploring this place can easily be a day trip. It was so exciting and relaxing at the same time. The ruins are well preserved, whole place is clean, there is enough toilets. Just check in was a bit chaotic. But once inside we enjoyed every single minute. I think it is a must see once in the Mombasa or Malindi area.

Loved this quick 1 hour tour of ancient Swahili ruins and the super cute and gentle Sekes Monkeys running all around it! Get a guide at the ticket booth (they work for tips only) and look for Steven, he was fantastic, spoke great English and working his way thru school. TIP: Buy a bunch of bananas from the vendor across the street and the guide will help you feed them to the monkeys - with them jumping up on your shoulders!! Makes for fantastic pictures and is a thrill. Loved the history of the Gedes site and you literally walk right thru it. Ask to see the small snake museum they have too (included in entrance fee)! The Big Mambas are incredible!