Historic Sites Along the Coast

Takwa Ruins: Abandoned Relic Stone Town

2 km east of the Maljis Hotel on the coast facing the sea are assorted ruins, and among these, on a low hill, is the pleasant site of Takwa Ruins. According to James Kirkman (who first excavated the site) Takwa belong to the 16th and 17th centuries. The remnants of a thriving Swahili trading town. In script of many relic towns on the Swahili coast, offering insights into Swahili civilization and its trading network, Takwa was deserted mysteriously in the 17th century, presumably for the lack of fresh water. The Pate chronicles claim that the towns at Manda Island succumbed to the power of Pate and many natives escaped across the creek to Lamu Island.

This is endorsed in the Lamu chronicle which state that although the people of Lamu were prepared to give them shelter they did not, however, permit them to build their houses of stone. Takwa Ruins have the remains of a spacious mosque; above its mihrab is a pillar. This salient detail appears once more in the 15 century domed mosque of Kilwa where the stone pillar is fluted. At Takwa, the pillar is believed to signify the burial of a Sheikh. There are remains of a second town just east of Takwa. The focal interest is the 2.5 ms high stone column at the north end.

There are didactic panels at the site providing plenty of useful information for travellers to the ruins, courtesy of National Museums of Kenya. Takwa Ruins are approached from the mainland (Shela or Lamu) via a narrow mangrove fringed channel into Manda Island. Allow yourself at least two hours to get to the ruins, although many a travel writer insist the boat tour and walk takes an hour. It is recommended to visit early to avoid the heat, bringing water and comfortable shoes. Once at the jetty, there’s a raised boardwalk leading to the Takwa ruins.

There are dozens of well-studied and accessible historic sites along the Kenya’s Coast. Some of the historic sites located here are composed of the old settlement towns and outlying groups of tombs. North to South, the coast is awash with a collection of ruins, found mainly along the beach, many of them on private lands.

Index of Historic Sites Along the Coast of Kenya

Kwale County - Vumba Kuu , Vanga , Kagugu, Wasini Island Ruins , The Chambocha Cemetery , Pongwe , Hurumuzi (House of Hormuz) , Shirazi , Munje Ruins , Gazi Ruins , Galu Ruins , Ukunda Diani Mosque , Kongo Mosque , Twiga Mosque , Mombasa County - Fort Jesus, Santo Antonio de Tanna, St. Joseph’s Fort, The Mbaraki Pillar, Kilifi County - Mtwapa Ruins , Jumba la Mtwana (The Slavemaster's House) , Vipingo Masjid , Kinuni Ruins , Kitoka Ruins , Mnarani Ruins , Uyombo Ruins , Kirepwe Island Ruins , Kiburugeni , Mgangani , Gede Ruins , Portuguese Chapel, Vasco da Gama Cross, Kibirikani Ruins , Mambrui , Tana River County - Ungwana Bay Ruins , Shaka Ruins , Mwana Ruins , Lamu County - Kibirikani Ruins, Matondoni Ruins , Kipungani Ruins , Takwa Ruins , Nabahani Ruins , Siyu Fort , Shanga Ruins , Atu Ruins , Chundwa Ruins , Ashuwei Ruins , Ishakani I

Lamu County is one of Kenya’s most unique and enchanting regions, known for its rich Swahili culture, pristine beaches, and UNESCO-listed heritage. Located on the northern coast of Kenya, it consists of a group of islands (Lamu, Manda, Pate, and Kiwayu) and a stretch of mainland coastline. Lamu Island in particular is more than just a destination—it’s a living piece of Swahili history and coastal paradise.

You Are Here: Takwa Ruins

Where to Next?

Explore Destinations Nearby Takwa Ruins

A Guide to Lamu County

A Summa Digest of Lamu

About Lamu Way Back When

70 Destinations in Lamu County , arranged as one would visit these - west, south, north then west - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Delta Dunes Lodge , Lake Moa , Old Town Witu , Witu Forest Reserve , Pangani Swamp, Lake Kiboko , Amu Ranch , Lake Amu, Kipini Conservancy , Lake Kenyatta , Amu Baharini Beach, Kizuke Beach , Lamu (Manda) Port , Red Pepper House , Lamu Island , Matondoni Dau Workshop , Matondoni Ruins , Tusitiri Dhow , Kipungani Ruins , Kizingoni Beach , Old Town Lamu, Lamu World Heritage Sector , Lamu Museum , The Swahili House Museum , German Post Office Museum , Lamu Fort , Lamu Market , Masjid Khoja Ithnasheri , Masjid Riyadha , House of Habib Swaleh , The Mosque College Lamu , Lamu Catholic Church , Tamarind Tree Cafe , Donkey Sanctuary , The Floating Bar , Boat Rides , MaraRaha , Kijani Hotel , Shela Village , Friday Masjid , Forodhani House , Peponi Hotel , Shela Beach , Bahari Restaurant , Fort at Shela , Ras Kitau , Diamond Village , The Maljis , Takwa Ruins , Manda Island , Manda Lodge , Manda Toto , Manda Coral Quarry , Nabahani Ruins , Pate Island , Shanga Ruins , Siyu Fort , Shindamweh, Atu Ruins , Chundwa Ruins , Faza Village , Lamu Monuments , Mangrove Forests , Dodori National Reserve , Kiunga Marine N. Reserve , Kiwayu Island , Ashuwei , Boni Forest National Reserve , Ishakani Ruins , Lamu Festivals

Know More About Lamu County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Air Like In Lamu?

Lamu County lies along the Equatorial Climate System, enjoying two rainy seasons and temperatures between 24°C and 30°C year round – Hottest in December & April

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.05?

Lamu is composed of a coastal zone of 65 islands, vast creeks, bays, sand bars and mangrove. Among these, Lamu Island, hosting Lamu Town, is the bussiest. The mainland is flat to undulating.

Know More About Lamu County…