Exploring Ram Island: Meet the purest Swahili style in East Africa

Since the 1960 s, Ram Island in Kenya has been praised by hippies as “Kathmandu of Africa”. This small island, which combines Arab, Indian and Chinese customs and is famous for its exquisite handicraft, has become the yearning place of many travelers. Its remote location, most of its residents maintain a traditional lifestyle, and almost all people believe in Islam. It is the oldest and best preserved cradle of Swahili culture in East Africa.

The ancestors of the Swahili people were Arab or Persian merchants from the Middle East in the 9 th century AD. They arrived in East Africa by ship to engage in the spice, silk and slave trade, and intermarried with local residents, and have since taken root here. The ancient city of Ram, which has the same name as the island, can be traced back to the 14 th century, and its architectural style brings together the imprint of diverse civilizations.

Once a bustling trading city-state on Manda Island, the site of Taqwa was abandoned in the 18 th century when its wells dried up. After we landed, we took about half an hour by car and walked slowly along a narrow shallow stream. At the end of the road, the ruins of a mosque stand out: the outer wall is carved with delicate patterns, including sailboats and Arab daggers. Archaeologists conclude that it used to be a retreat for religious people.

Sheila village is connected to Ram village by a coastal path. Donkeys are the “taxis” on this road and are also responsible for carrying coral bricks. In the past, the only motor vehicles on the island were the Land Rovers of government officials, a tractor and an ambulance. It was not until the appearance of motorcycles in recent years that the quiet Arab night on the island was slightly broken.

Simple and chic hostels on the island still have no TV and telephone, but they attract many novelists, diplomats, western explorers and officials of environmental organizations. In the 1990 s, Prince Ernst August of Hanover, Germany, built a mansion here and rented it through Hollywood agents.

Soon, celebrities including singer Sting, supermodel Kate Moss and movie star Jude Law visited one after another and huddled into a small, dim bar. On this distant African island, only the sound of donkeys’ hooves or the trace of dhows can reveal their whereabouts.

In the 1980 s, a wealthy Norwegian businessman discovered the dhow frame once used for the trade of spices and goods in the Indian Ocean. He hired a team of local boatmakers with 22 years of sailing experience to manually restore it, resulting in a vintage sailboat that can accommodate up to 10 passengers.

An African island skillfully blends the cultural genes of Arabia, India and China. People are always eager for unique travel experiences, but they often get together in popular resort islands. Why not step out of your comfort zone and try such a fresh and different scenery?