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We may never know why the Swahili built Gede so far from the ocean nor what caused them to abandon their village yet its quite obvious why one would want to visit this ruin: Gede is one of the best preserved Swahili settlements on the Kenyan Coast. Lost to tamarind and baobab trees for over 300 years this extensive site once suppoted a population of 2500. The most interesting ruins include a palace, Great Mosque and complex water system. Archealogists believe the site was first settled in the 12th century and reached its peak in the 15th century. The regal tombs and distant artifacts uncovered at Gede suggest that it was an important trade center and prosperous village. Theories of Gede's ruin include a Wazimba raid in 1589, removal of the Sheikh of Malindi, a depleted water supply, and fear of the Galla, a nomadic ethnic group from Somalia. But as no written records exist there are no definitive answers.

Sokoke Pipit Facts

There are lots of fun facts about the Sokoke Pipit. Did you know that?

The Sokoke Pipit, Anthus sokokensis, is a member of the Motacillidae family of passerine birds.
Sokoke Pipits are dull brown in color. They have a white throat and streaked chest. They have long thin white legs and a medium-sized tall.
The Sokoke Pipit is small pipit. It measures just 12 cm or 4.7 inches in length.
Sokoke Pipits are found only in Kenya and Tanzania. They inhabit coastal forests and woodlands. They spend most of their time on the forest floor.
The Sokoke Pipit is a ground nester meaning it lays its eggs in a nest built on the ground.
Sokoke Pipits eat small invertebrates. Their favorite foods are snails, termites, spiders and beetles.
The Sokoke Pipit is an endangered species. Its primary threat is habitat loss.