The oldest towns in Kenya
With their ancient architecture, magnificent ruins and characteristic rustic charm, Kenya’s old towns are as fascinating as they are beautiful. Lucky visitors find themselves returning again and again, inspired by the towns’ profound history, authentic Kenyan culture and heavenly tropical settings. From donkey-led carts to Swahili coral walls, here are just some of the reasons to fall in love with the old-world feel of some of Kenya’s towns.
Lamu
Situated just off the coast of Kenya in Lamu Island, Lamu is the oldest of Kenya’s towns and certainly the oldest in East Africa, as well as being a Unesco World Heritage Site. Set in an idyllic tropical paradise, the town is a perfectly preserved haven of Swahili culture and one of Kenya’s most celebrated national treasures.
An original 14th Century Swahili settlement, Lamu’s astonishing past is etched into its narrow cobbled streets and medieval stone buildings. Navigating your way through the town’s labyrinthine alleys feels like taking a step back in time. Donkeys pull huge carts, veiled Muslim women chat in intricately carved doorways, meat grills across open fires and stray cats and goats wander the bustling streets. Chaotic but magical, Lamu is a hive of activity that is bursting with quintessential Swahili charm.
There are no vehicles here. Instead, donkeys and dhows (Arab sailing vessels) are the main modes of transport, adding to the other-worldly beauty of the town. A society built upon strong traditions and a respect for the island’s deep-rooted history, the locals are warm, friendly and famously hospitable to visitors. With its welcoming atmosphere, mystical appeal and rich culture, it is no surprise that this particular Kenyan town is one of the most visited.
Mtwapa
Known to the locals as “the village that never sleeps”, Mtwapa has a well-earned reputation as the “Las Vegas of Kenya”. A drowsy town during the day, Mtwapa comes alive at night with plenty of evening entertainment – from terraced seafood restaurants to busy clubs and bars. Mtwapa’s venues may not be particularly salubrious, but of all of Kenya’s towns, this one’s welcoming atmosphere and unique charm will have you falling in love with the place and its friendly locals.
Beyond its vibrant nightlife, Mtwapa is a gateway to the oldest archaeological site in East Africa: Jumba la Mtwana. Translating to ‘the large house of the slave’, the site contains the ruins of a 14th Century Swahili town believed to have been a significant medieval slave port. Situated just north of Mtwapa Creek, the 600-year-old ruins include the abandoned remains of houses, mosques and ancient tombs scattered throughout picturesque coastal woodland. Ethereal, beautiful and mesmerising, a visit to Jumba la Mtwana feels like stepping inside Kenya’s mysterious and deep-rooted history.
Malindi
Known for its pristine coastlines, Swahili-inspired architecture, coral reefs and remarkable natural beauty, the port town of Malinda is one of Kenya’s most popular coastal destinations. And with its pearl-white, palm-fringed beaches and glittering tropical waters, it is easy to see why.
One of the oldest of Kenya’s towns, Malinda began life in the 13th Century as a small Swahili fishing village. Today, the town is a melting point of local cultures rich in architectural and historical treasures. The town’s most famous attraction is The Vasco da Gama Pillar, a 14th Century Portuguese monument originally built as a navigational aid. The bell-shaped pillar is one of the oldest European cenotaphs still standing on the East African coast — and well worth a visit.
Beneath the surface of its crystal-blue waters, Malinda hides its most precious treasure: the Malinda Marine National Park. This tropical underwater paradise is teeming with sea turtles, marine mammals, tropical fish, coral reefs and Thalassia seagrass. The aqua park is Kenya’s first, covering 213 square kilometres of continuous protected living coast. Home to over 600 species of marine life, Malinda’s vibrant seascape makes the town a perfect destination for snorkelling.
Mombasa Old Town
Situated in the South East of Mombasa Island, Mombasa’s Old Town is the historically rich suburb of Kenya’s largest coastal port city. Of all of Kenya’s towns, this one is possibly the most multicultural town – it is home to residents of local, Asian, British, Portuguese and Arab origin who have lived and worked here together for hundreds of years. It is this fusion of global cultures that gives the Old Town its truly distinct character and diverse architectural style – from curved 18th Century buildings and ornate balconies to beautifully carved Indian doorways and Swahili coral walls.
Equally varied is the town’s eclectic mix of local and international cuisine. With its traditional Swahili coffee houses, delicious seafood and authentic Indian and European restaurants, Mombasa Old Town has food from every corner of the world. For trinket-lovers, the town’s many curiosity shops are like little pockets of local history – lined with Arabian vases, Asian artefacts, Swahili art and fragrance oils. You could spend hours just walking the streets of Mombasa Old Town, exploring antique shops and stalls, enjoying exquisite food and taking in its unique Kenyan flavour.
The prize of Mombasa Old Town is the museum-monument Fort Jesus, one of Kenya’s seven Unesco World Heritage Sites. Built-in 1591, the fort is considered to be the best-preserved example of 16th Century Portuguese military architecture in the world. The fort offers an insight into Mombasa’s compelling history, complete with frescoed walls, 18th Century Arabic inscriptions, beautiful stone benches and elaborate Swahili carvings. A must-see for anyone visiting Mombasa.
Kenya’s oldest towns offer one thing in common: a fascinating insight into the country’s profound and complex history. With so many unique charms, it’s easy to see why culture-lovers fall in love with Kenya’s towns. If you have been to these towns, which is your favourite, and why?
Sources:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/kenya/mtwapa
https://watsupafrica.com/news/mtwapa-the-village-that-never-sleeps/
