GEDE RUINS & ARABUKO FOREST
Moreover it has been declared the second most important forest in Africa for bird conservation, and it’s currently considered for the status of a world heritage site.
The two rare and small mammals, shy and difficult to be spotted are considered the stars of the park.
The first one is also known as the duiker of Zanzibar because it was firstly discovered here, it is a small antelope only 35 cm high, partly nocturnal, which lives hidden in the forest and in pairs; the second 0.5 meters long and almost half of it belonging to the tail, leads a solitary existence and is diurnal habits.
Very close to the forest there is another site not to be lost: Gede.
This primordial forest is a sacred place for the locals and also the habitat of many wild species, some of which are endangered, such as the golden elephant shrew rump, a small mammal that is usually found in association with a bird, the robin.
Along the coastal road, in the south of Malindi and in the middle of the Arabuko Sokoke forest, lies one of those places surrounded by mystery and unanswered questions.
In fact, the city of Gede Swahili (or Gedi) is an enigma, as, despite the notoriety gained during its five centuries of history, there are no writings written about it.
The city was founded in the 12th century by the Swahili Arabs, who populated the coast and already established cities like Pate, Lamu and Malindi. The remains allow to conclude that the city, far from the sea and secluded in the coastal forest, was flourishing, rich and as large as Mombasa.
The place is also home to its own mythological animal, the local version of Bigfoot or Yeti: a supposedly Duba creature that looks like a huge sheep. What you should be careful about is a much smaller threat: siafu ants (siafu means only "ants" in Swahili), destructive insects that usually emerge from the ground after the rains.
Our staff will be more than happy to help arranging your trip providing you with all the necessary!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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All excursions are organized by Malaika Beach Villas.
Yes, you can also book the excursion directly at Malaika Beach Villas.
No, the price of the excursion is not included.
EXPLORING AFRICA
Immerse yourself in the African nature and capture the uniqueness of these colour.
Safari Tsavo Est Savannah
Tsavo National Park, Kenya’s largest wildlife reserve, is 90 minutes from Malaika Beach Villas. We suggest at least one overnight stay to give you the best chance of seeing animals, and we have close relationships with several of the best camps in the best locations.
Golden Beach
The golden beach is a large stretch of golden sand in the wild nature situated at only 2km north of Malindi.
Mida Creek Watamu
Mida Creek is a broadwater tidal creek surrounded by extensive mangroves and lined with palms. It’s better to explore Mida by boat, on a cruise through the creek while the sun goes down.
If you are interested in kayak the creek is the perfect place with endless small channels and passages through the mangroves to explore where kingfishers hunt in the shallow waters and fish eagles perch in the overhead trees.
Robinson Island
Robinson island is about 40 minutes away from Malindi, before arriving there you will follow a unpaved road on the salt pans, a place frequented by various species of birds including ibis herons and pink flamingos.
Blue Safari
It is possible to organize glass bottom boat trips in Malindi Marine Park or Watamu Marine Park. You can admire the depths of the Indian Ocean and observe marine life in a natural environment and it is possible to snorkel. Your spectacular day ends with a delicious lunch with a mix of grilled fish.
Marafa Canyon
At 30 km northwest of Malindi you can admire the incredible colors of Marafa. Along the way between great and charming clearings, villages, acacias and Baobab trees, you will arrive in this unique and suggestive place.