Jumba La Mtwana

Jumba la Mtwana Ruins is located a little less than 13 miles (20 kilometers) from the island Mombasa near Mtwapa Creek and the ruins are all that remains of the small historical Swahili town that was deserted about 500 years ago. Excavation of the site began in 1972, and ten years later the site was recognized as a National Monument. Evidence found within the rural metropolis indicates that it started out around the 14th century and chosen for the proximity to fresh water, as well as the fresh ocean breezes and strategic position to avoid attack from the water. Jumba la Mtwana translates to “the large house of the slave” in Kiswahili and the ruins stand among a baobab forest that overlooks a desolate beach. While most of the structures have been lost to time, you can still the Great Mosque ruins that overlook the Indian Ocean, tombs and houses, such as House of the Cylinder, House of the Kitchen, House of the Many Pools. An AfricanMecca tour of the ruins gives you a unique insight into yesteryear life in a small coastal settlement, as well as a wonderful opportunity to see the historical architecture of the village and its breathtaking setting along the Indian Ocean coastline! You can almost imagine what it would be like to live simply in such a stunning location!