Historic Towns in Kwale
Kwale Town: The Capital of Vanga and Kwale
The origins of Kwale town, or at least its formal recognition as an administrative center, dates back to circa 1923 when it replaced Shimoni as the capital of Vanga District. Hitherto, Shimoni had served as both the capital of Vanga and the earliest headquarters for Imperial British East African Company (IBEA) from 1890. During the colonial period, Kwale remained a sluggish administrative center with limited infrastructure and economic development, compared to Mombasa. After Kenya gained independence, in 1963, Kwale was designated as the administrative center for Kwale County. The town has since played a crucial role in local governance.
Thanks to its geographical advantage and temperate climate on the coastal range, the place we now call Kwale had long been a hub for diverse settlement among the coastal nations, way before the arrival of the British. Oral traditions suggest that its occupation dates as far back as the mid 1400s when the Washiraze People settled here; followed by the Wavumba in the 1600’s, and later the Wasegeju People. Another sub-tribe, the Wadigo, inhabited the coastal regions, while the Waduruma settled around Gazi and Vanga, which had a marked Arab influence. These communities practiced subsistence farming, livestock rearing, and trade.
Like much of Kenya’s coastal region, Kwale was influenced by Swahili culture, which emerged as a blend of Bantu and Arab cultures due to centuries of trade along the East African coast. Swahili language and culture became dominant in the region. For many a generations, Kwale town and nearby coastal areas were involved in the extensive Indian Ocean trade network. Arab, Persian, and Indian traders exchanged goods like ivory, slaves, and spices with local communities. The Arab traders introduced Islam to the region, and it became an integral part of the culture and identity of many coastal communities, including Kwale center.
By the late 17th century, the Portuguese influence waned, and the Sultanate of Oman took control of much of the coastal region, including Kwale. The Omani rulers focused on expanding trade, especially in slaves and spices, impacting the local economy and society. In sequence, Kwale fell under British colonial rule as part of the British East Africa Protectorate (later Kenya). The colonial government established administrative structures in the town and surrounding areas. Still and all, during this disruptive era, Kwale town remained a small administrative center with limited infrastructure and economic development compared to Mombasa.
Historic towns around the world offer a glimpse into the past, preserving architecture, culture, and stories from different eras. In Kenya, some of the oldest towns are found along the coast, where medieval trade put on the map long before developments in the hinterland. Among these is Lamu town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Swahili architecture and cultural traditions.
Index of Relic & Historic Towns Around Kenya
Baringo County - Tambach, Homa Bay County - Old Kendu Bay Town, Isiolo County - Isiolo Town, Garba Tula, Kilifi County - Old Town Takaungu, Mambrui, Kwale County - Old Town Vanga, Vumba Kuu, Kwale, Lamu County - Lamu Old Town, Witu, Shela, Faza, Manda, Mandera County - El Wak, Migori County - Awendo-Sori, Mombasa County - Old Town Mombasa, Nyandarua County - Njabini town, Samburu County - Archer's Post, Tana River County - Old Town Kipini, Wajir County - Old Town Wajir
Located along the Kenyan coast, and a hub renowned for its pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, Kwale County uniquely combines two of Kenya’s unsurpassed offerings – beach and safari. Kwale County is also a melting pot of coastal traditions, modern development, farming and trade to boot.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Kwale Town
A Guide to Kwale County
A Summa Digest of Kwale
About Kwale Way Back When
85 Destinations in Kwale County, arranged as one would visit these - north, south, east then south - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, maps and distance chart:
Shelly Beach, Time Out Art Camp, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, Kutazama Lodge, Mandhari Lodge, Kimerimeta Safari Lodge, Baraza Park, Kwale Town, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Shimba Hills Lodge, Elephant Lookout, Sheldrick Falls, Shimba Hills Organic Farm, Nyalani Dam, WWF Nursery, Tiwi Beach, Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve, Kongo Mosque, Twiga Mosque, Diani Mosque, Diani Beach Art Gallery, Diani Bikes, Center Point Mall, Diani Beach, Almasi Art Agency, Diamond Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant, Kenya Kite Masters, Kite Festival, Funguo Wreck, Swahili Beach Resort, Raydon Water Sports, Colobus Conservation Trust, Sails Beach Bar & Restaurant, H2O Extreme, Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant, Baobab Beach Resort, Lantana Galu Beach, Galu Ruins, Bora Bora Wildlife Park, Skydive Diani, Kalista Bar & Restaurant, Kaya Kinondo (Forest), Kinondo Kwetu (Resort), Chale Island, Tulia Eco Garden, Gazi Beach, Gazi Mangrove Boardwalk, Gazi Ruins, Msambweni Beach, Munje Beach, Munje Beach Villas, Munje Ruins, Munje Octopus Closure, Funzi Island, Shirazi Ruins, Fikirini Caves, Hormuz, Pongwe, Shimoni Caves, Betty's Camp, Shimoni Ruins, KWS Shimoni Cottages, Wasini Island, Wasini Ruins, Wasini Boardwalk, Charlie Claw’s, Chambocha Cemetery, Wasini Dolphin Tours, Pilli Pipa Dhow, Blue Monkey Cottages, GVI Mkwiro, Mwaozi Tumbe's Gravestone, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, Sii Island, Mrima Hill, Maji Moto Springs, Vumba Kuu, Vanga, Vanga Ruins, Nyika Plateau
Know More About Kwale County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Kwale has monsoon type of climate marked by hot and dry weather from January to May and cooler temperatures from June to August. Average annual temperatures ranges between 24oC and 30oC.
Kwale is widely known for its 35 km long coast, where Diani Beach sits. Inland, the coastal uplands, commonly referred to as Shimba Hills, is a sharp elevation in altitude. The land then steeply falls again into the Nyika Plateau and Tsavo.