Gede

Gede is a town 15 kilometres south of Watamu, at the junction of the Malindi-Mombasa Road, and the link road from Gede to Watamu. It is best know for the ancient ruins of Gedi. Another highlight is the Kipepeo Butterfly Project.

Gedi Ruins

Gedi was an old Swahili civilisation of Muslim decent dating back to the 13th Century. The community of this forested town thrived for hundreds of years before being abandoned some time in the 16th Century.

Having been made a National Park in 1948 - the ruins remain a popular tourist destination being in close proximity to Malindi, Watamu, and slightly further afield - Mombasa. A recent addition to the park was a tree platform allowing visitors to get 'bird's eye' view of the ruins and a different perspective on the layout of the ancient town.

Further information can be found at the National Museums of Kenya website.

Kipepeo Butterfly Project

The Kipepeo Butterfly Project is a community based enterprise. Open to visitors, the 'butterfly house' is situated among the ancient Gedi Ruins, and makes for a fascinating visit into an ancient world surrounded by brilliant butterflies of all colours.

The project generates revenue through entry fees, as well as the sale of butterfly and moth pupae, and live insects to customers from across the globe. Other products for sale include silk and honey. Kipepeo is the main market place for a range of natural produce from the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. Purchases contribute to the conservation of the flora, fauna and cultural heritage in the Gede area and environs.

For more information, please visit the project website.