There are many distinctive issues to do in Malindi. A small city alongside the northern coast of Kenya that’s wealthy in historical past and tradition. It’s additionally identified for its stunning seashores and rustic seashore resorts, making it top-of-the-line holiday destinations in Kenya.
Whereas in Malindi, you possibly can go to a museum, go snorkeling or scuba diving, catch sunrises, and lots extra. You may also take a day journey to a national park for a wildlife safari or to Mombasa for some historic websites. After these experiences, I like to recommend stress-free on a seashore or consuming at a neighborhood restaurant.
My attraction for Malindi relies on my love for historical past and rest. The place is sort of a dwelling museum which I typically revisit to see what’s modified. Many explorers and vacationers have handed by Malindi, whereas others have known as it residence for ages.
Vacationers like Ernest Hemingway, Zheng He, and Vasco da Gama had been right here and left their marks. Nevertheless, it’s the locals, residents (largely Italians), and vacationer attraction websites that make the place most magical.
As a neighborhood Kenyan and somebody who has visited the coast a number of occasions, I’m excited to share with you my favourite Malindi sights. I’ve additionally included info on the best way to get there, the perfect locations to remain, and eating places. Although it’s fairly small, there are such a lot of locations to go to in Malindi – be sure that so as to add it to your Kenya itinerary!
Greatest Issues To Do in Malindi
Take a look at this record of a few of the most fun locations to see and issues to do in Malindi. It’s based mostly on sights I’ve visited and enjoyable actions that I’ve skilled myself. Traveling around Kenya is thrilling and the coast and Malindi have rather a lot to supply guests.
1. Go Scuba Diving or Deep Sea Fishing
The Kenyan coast contrasts the wild deserts, safari parks, and exquisite landscapes upcountry, and this is the reason many guests head south for the sand, solar, and sea. Nevertheless, it’s not devoid of journey.
For these inclined to scuba diving, the coral reefs in Malindi are a few of the most stunning on this planet. They’re crammed with varied species of marine life, together with colourful fish (like snappers, filefish, angelfish, and groupers). 1000’s of divers flock there yearly to plunge and marvel on the world beneath the floor.
Malindi Marine National Park is the place to go if you wish to take pleasure in scuba diving. For the most recent costs, schedules, and extra info, try Bluefin Diving. They provide the perfect diving journeys alongside the northern coast.
In addition to scuba diving, deep sea/offshore fishing is one other of the perfect issues to do in Malindi. The game was popularised by Ernest Hemingway when he visited the place within the Nineteen Sixties. Examine along with your resort to see if they’ll organize a fishing journey.
Deal with: Marinepark Rd off Casuarina Rd.
2. Discover the Seashores in Malindi
Though much less well-known than those in Diani and Watamu, Malindi seashores are spectacular. They’ve golden and white sands, appropriate for rest, lengthy walks, or jogging (when you’re so inclined). Shut to those seashores, you’ll additionally discover a few of the greatest seashore villas and resorts in Kenya.
There are a number of seashores in Malindi together with Golden, Casuarina, Marine Park, and Silversands. Golden Seashore is the preferred as a result of its straightforward accessibility. For watersport actions and seashore facilities, head to Marine Park.
Deal with: Click on on every seashore for instructions – Silversands, Golden, Casuarina, Marine Park, and Mayungu.
3. Take pleasure in a Full Day Safari at Tsavo East Nationwide Park
The Kenyan coast is usually for rest, however when you fancy wildlife safaris, be part of a tour to Tsavo East National Park. It’s situated about 4 hours from Malindi and is among the best safari parks in Kenya.
In addition to game-watching (elephants, leopards, lions, and different animals), Tsavo East is residence to different scenic sights equivalent to stunning landscapes, Mudanda rock formations, and the eye-catching Lugard Falls.
One of the best ways to go to the park is by joining an organized safari. Whereas it might not be essentially the most reasonably priced factor to do in Malindi, costs for such an awesome expertise are nonetheless very cheap. You may also entry the parks by highway by the Sala Gate.
In case you intend to spend an evening in Tsavo East Nationwide Park, I like to recommend reserving your keep at Ashnil Aruba Lodge – a good looking bush camp that includes a restaurant, an out of doors pool, and tents that overlooks Aruba dam.
Deal with: Click on right here to see the placement of Tsavo East National Park. The park is greatest reached through the Sala Gate.
4. Attempt Swahili Dishes (One of many Greatest Issues to Do in Malindi)
Though I don’t contemplate myself a foodie, that is one in all my favourite issues to do in Malindi. When visiting the coastal city, I at all times pattern a few of the scrumptious Swahili dishes – and you need to too. That is a few of the best food to try in Kenya.
The native culinary scene is numerous. It presents varied meals that mirror the locations’ wealthy tradition. You may start by attempting biryani (fragrant rice cooked with spices and hen or beef), pilau, and wali wa nazi (coconut rice). Additionally, attempt snacks equivalent to samosa and pastries like mandazi/mahamri (a type of fried bread).
Along with the Swahili delicacies, which has African, Indian, and Arabian influences, you can even indulge your style buds in Italian flavors. On account of Malindi’s sizable inhabitants of Italians, pizza, pasta, and varied seafood are available.
Deal with: Take a look at Seafront Swahili Dishes and Baby Marrow – my favourite Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria.
5. Go Swimming and Snorkeling
As talked about earlier, Malindi Marine Nationwide Park is an underwater paradise. It’s additionally my most popular spot to go swimming and snorkeling. Throughout my journeys to Malindi, I at all times be sure that to affix a visit to the coral heads, that are full of colourful fish.
If this stunning expertise appeals to you, be sure you head to Malindi Marine Nationwide Park. You’ll discover skilled guides who will take you to the coral gardens on glass-bottomed boats for round $15 per individual. Take a look at marine boat excursions based mostly contained in the park.
Swimming can be potential on Malindi seashores for the reason that water is heat and the ocean is calm. Nevertheless, it’s greatest to put on sneakers throughout low tide to keep away from damage from corals in some locations.
Deal with: Click here for instructions to the marine park.
6. Be taught Historical past on the Malindi Museum
I like historical past, and my first cease in any new place I go to is often a museum. This informational web site teaches virtually the whole lot in regards to the place and varieties a great foundation for what to anticipate and stay up for throughout your keep.
In addition to internet hosting historic info and artifacts, the Malindi Museum is a relic. The constructing on which it stands was constructed in 1891 by Adhussein Gulamhussein because the “Home of Columns.” It then modified palms between authorities departments (like fisheries and wildlife) till 2004, when it grew to become a museum.
Inside the museum, you possibly can count on to study in regards to the historical past of Malindi, its folks, and the fauna discovered within the Indian Ocean.
Deal with: The museum is definitely accessible from anyplace on the town, whether or not by foot or automobile. Click here for instructions.
7. See Vasco da Gama Pillar
Vasco da Gama, a well-known Portuguese explorer, and navigator, sailed the East African coast within the late fifteenth century. He was among the many first Europeans to set foot and go away his prints in Malindi.
When Vasco da Gama arrived on Easter Sunday, 1498, the Sultan of Malindi welcomed him and his crew. He gave them meals provisions and somebody to make them India (Ahmad ibn Majid). On returning to Malindi, the explorer constructed a pillar as a “thanks” gesture to the Sultan for his generosity and steerage.
Vasco da Gama Pillar is among the most visited Malindi sights. The monument (underneath the Museums of Kenya) has been relocated a number of occasions as a result of silts that erode coral reefs and is now situated on the seafront in Shela Neighborhood.
In case you intend to see the pillar, I like to recommend getting a ticket from the Malindi Museum. For under $3, you possibly can go to the museum, see the Vasco da Gama Pillar, and the Portuguese Chapel.
Deal with: Click here to see the instructions to the Vasco da Gama Pillar.
8. Go to the Portuguese Chapel
One other of my favourite issues to do in Malindi is to go to the Portuguese Chapel (St. Francis Xavier Chapel) – a small place of worship constructed by Vasco da Gama’s crew in 1502.
Round 1545, St. Francis Xavier, a catholic missionary, landed in Malindi and was delighted to see an emblem of Portugal there. He stayed on for a couple of days, buried a seaman, and went on to Goa.
The chapel is roughly 5 sq. meters. It options white partitions of coral rocks, a rooftop cross, ten picket benches, and an altar. Outdoors the chapel, there’s a graveyard the place it’s believed 36 individuals are buried. Amongst these individuals are sailors and a few of the city’s distinguished individuals.
Deal with: Click here for instructions to the Portuguese Chapel.
9. Take a Day Journey to Mombasa
After virtually 100 years in Malindi, the Portuguese shifted their base to Mombasa the place they established a fort (Fort Jesus) to protect the outdated port. The fort is situated on the fringe of Mombasa Old Town, which can be an exquisite place to go to and wander round.
To higher respect the Portuguese significance in Malindi, I like to recommend taking a day journey to Mombasa. Along with visiting Fort Jesus and the Outdated City, you possibly can go to different vacationer sights and benefit from the fascinating things to do in Mombasa.
Take a look at this exciting tour of Mombasa City that features a go to to Fort Jesus.
Deal with: Right here is the placement of Fort Jesus and the Mombasa Old Town.
10. Go to Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa
Additional north of Malindi (about 30 Km) in Marafa is the place you’ll discover one in all my favourite sights alongside the Kenyan coast – Hell’s Kitchen. The despair is an eroded sandstone canyon with gorgeous cliffs and rocks of crimson, pink, and orange hues.
In case you can wait till the night, this masterpiece of nature is certain to shock you. Every sundown paints the gorges in fiery colours, like a painter’s palette in movement. It’s a really memorable expertise.
The local people manages this marvelous attraction, which they name “Nyari” – the place damaged by itself. The charge for this vacationer web site in Malindi is $10, which matches towards serving to the group and managing the location. Whereas there, you possibly can rent a neighborhood information to tell you extra in regards to the place. They often cost round $5 for a one-hour tour.
One of the best ways to go to Hell’s Kitchen is by becoming a member of this guided day trip. You may also rent a taxi from Malindi city (or request your resort/host to hail one for you). Be taught extra about the highly-rated trip to Hell’s Kitchen.
Deal with: Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa
Top-of-the-line free issues to do in Malindi is to discover the city on foot. It’s a certain approach of understanding the historical past, tradition, and locals’ lifestyle. Wandering alongside its streets provides you a memorable expertise of the coastal city.
Start out of your resort and easily stroll in all places. Search for distinctive structure alongside the best way (often stone homes of limestone). You’ll additionally see locals doing enterprise – in retailers, eating places, and bus stops.
A number of the issues that fascinate me in Malindi are the Swahili curved doorways. These picket works are a typical characteristic in lots of buildings. In keeping with a neighborhood I spoke with, they arrive in numerous types based mostly on the influencing tradition. My favourite was the Zanzibar-style door which had iron tiers on it. Others embrace Gujerati, Oman, Bajuni, Siu, and Kijumwa doorways.
Take a look at this resource to study extra about Swahili doorways.
Deal with: Click on right here for the placement of Malindi Town.
12. Catch Dawn or Sundown on the Malindi Pier
Whereas nonetheless exploring Malindi city, cease by the favored Malindi Pier. This 400-meter-long concrete bridge spans deep into the ocean and presents a spectacular spot to catch sundown or dawn.
I extremely advocate visiting between 6 am-8 am for the dawn. Throughout this time, few individuals are round, and also you’ll seemingly be capable to watch fishermen returning to shore. Head there between 4 pm-6 pm for the perfect probability of a sundown.
This landmark straddles Golden Beach – top-of-the-line locations to calm down and really feel the ocean vibe whereas in Malindi.
Deal with: Click on right here for instructions to Malindi Pier.
13. Discover the Sand Dunes in Mambrui
About 20 kilometers north of Malindi is the city of Mambrui. Most buildings there have a deep Muslim affect and when you go searching, it’s straightforward to hyperlink the place with the traditional Arab trading that occurred there.
You’ll discover an incredible attraction as you head towards the ocean exterior the city – the Mambrui Dunes. The fantastic unfold of dunes stretches from Mambrui Beach to Ngomeni village. It’s top-of-the-line issues to see in Malindi and the best option to get there’s to rent a taxi from Malindi city. Your resort can even organize for a similar.
A couple of kilometers offshore from this space is the San Marco web site – a rocket launch pad by the Italian Area Administration.
In keeping with various sources, the location is among the elements related to the excessive inhabitants of Italians in Malindi. The engineers who labored on the location arrived in Malindi and popularised the city by making it residence. This attracted vacationers and expatriates who settled in, therefore the nickname “Little Italy.”
Deal with: Click here to see the placement of the Mambrui Dunes.
14. Go Kitesurfing at Che Shale
Along with scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming, there are different water sports activities actions in Malindi. Water-skiing, kitesurfing, and wind-surfing are some to call a couple of. Resorts alongside the shoreline have launched dhows and sails on surfboards for these in search of slightly adrenaline.
My favourite resort in Malindi for kitesurfing is Che Shale, a seashore resort (25 Km north of Malindi city) that organizes browsing journeys for guests of all ranges. In addition they have one of many pioneering kite colleges in Kenya (Kitesurfing in Kenya & East Africa).
In addition to browsing, Che Shale presents cruise journeys on their stunning picket dhow (Sawa Sawa). The dhow was in-built Mozambique down south and sailed to Malindi. A full-day tour on the Sawa Sawa consists of meals and actions equivalent to swimming and snorkeling. Click here to e-book your keep at Che Shale Hotel & Kitesurf Center.
Deal with: Click here for directions to Che Shale – alongside Lamu Street.
15. See the Hanging Gardens of Malindi
To shut this record of the perfect issues to see and do in Malindi is The Hanging Gardens, an Orchid nursery that focuses on varied species together with the Tillandsia (Spanish Moss). What they do with vegetation right here is outstanding, and the expertise is nicely price including to your itinerary.
In addition to seeing varied kinds of orchids you seemingly have by no means seen earlier than, you’ll even have the chance to buy them. Visits to this middle are by appointment solely – to e-book a go to, contact the proprietor by their web site here.
Deal with: The Hanging Gardens of Malindi is about 3 Km from city. Click here for instructions.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Malindi
Now that the perfect locations to go to, listed below are my urged itineraries in your journey to Malindi. Be happy to combine the vacationer sights and websites to satisfy your tastes and pursuits.
1 Day in Malindi Itinerary
Begin your day with breakfast at your resort or resort in Malindi. From there, take a taxi or tuk-tuk to city. Right here, you’ll go to Malindi Museum and be issued a day’s ticket. After studying in regards to the historical past and gaining some deeper details about the realm, head down alongside Silversand Street. Cease on the Portuguese Chapel earlier than continuing to the Vasco da Gama Pillar.
After a half day of historical past, head again to city for lunch. Check out native delicacies on the Seafront Swahili Dishes. Their hen biryani and tamarind juice are my favourite – you possibly can’t go incorrect.
From there, head to Malindi Marine National Park the place you possibly can stroll alongside the seashore or go swimming and snorkeling. End your day with dinner at Baby Marrow.
2-3 Days in Malindi Itinerary
Begin your first day studying the historical past and tradition of Malindi. And afterward, take a stroll on the town admiring the structure and wooden items of furnishings. Make sure you additionally go to Malindi Museum, Portuguese Chapel, and Vasco da Gama Pillar. Earlier than the day’s finish, eat at a Swahili or Italian restaurant that catches your eye, (or nostril!).
Spend your second day having fun with the ocean and sand. Loosen up on one of many magnificent Malindi seashores or take part in water sports activities. Malindi Marine Nationwide Park is the proper spot for this; go swimming, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, and snorkeling from there.
The third day is greatest fitted to a day journey exterior Malindi city. You may be part of this thrilling safari to Tsavo East National Park or head north to see the Mambrui Dunes. Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa can be an ideal escape for a day.
1 Week in Malindi Itinerary
If in case you have seven days in Malindi, mix rest, journey, historical past, and watersports at your leisure.
Spend the primary two days wandering round Malindi city. Begin with the historic websites after which hit the seashore for watersports and rest. Malindi Museum and Malindi Marine Nationwide Park are the perfect locations to base your adventures on.
On the third day, head northwards and e-book a resort for 2 days. I like to recommend staying on the Che Shale. You may go to the Mambrui Dunes and Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa, and when you’re extra interested in the ocean, Che Shale presents varied water-related actions together with kitesurfing and dhow cruise journeys.
Head again to city on the fifth day and go to two of its greatest vacationer websites The Hanging Gardens. End the day watching the sundown from the Malindi Pier after which get pleasure from dinner at a neighborhood restaurant.
Spend the final two days in Malindi stress-free and revisiting your greatest sights just like the seashore or marine park. You may also take a day trip to see Fort Jesus in Mombasa or wildlife at Tsavo East Nationwide Park. In case you go for Tsavo, I like to recommend staying on the Ashnil Aruba Lodge in your final night time.
The place to Keep in Malindi
Identical to you’d discover in different coastal locations equivalent to Diani, there are few neighborhoods in Malindi. Nevertheless, the place has many vacation houses, elegant flats, and even luxury beach villas.
Beneath are a few of the greatest locations to remain in Malindi for vacationers:
Beachfront Penthouse – Greatest for {Couples} and Small Households
Most individuals go to Malindi to benefit from the solar, sand, and sea views, and there’s no higher place to expertise this than the Beachfront Penthouse. This stunning 2-bedroom house has wonderful ocean views and in addition options all vital facilities appropriate for households, solo vacationers, and {couples}. Click here to book.
Beverly Suites – Greatest for Group Vacationers and Households
Not everybody travels solo or as a pair. So, when you’re a gaggle of as much as 5 looking for a improbable seashore villa in Malindi, the Beverly Suites might be excellent. The power has a swimming pool, and all of the items are absolutely geared up for self-catering friends. Click here for more information.
Primeshade Guesthouse – Greatest for Finances Vacationers
After I final visited Malindi, a backpacker’s hostel didn’t exist. Virtually all of the lodging amenities I discovered had been both mid-range or high-end. Fortuitously, nonetheless, I’ve since stumbled upon Primeshade Guesthouse. For round $25 per night time, the ability is well-priced for funds vacationers.
Their rooms are spacious, with a clear lavatory and free toiletries. In addition they have an out of doors swimming pool, a backyard, a shared lounge, a restaurant, and free non-public parking. Click here for more information.
Leopard Level Luxurious Seashore Resort – Greatest for All Vacationers
Let’s face it. Generally we love a luxurious resort; just like the one discovered at Leopard Point the place we get pampered with the whole lot, and all we now have to do is calm down – no self-catering or dealing with unruly backpackers in a hostel. It’s simply consuming, swimming, going to the seashore, working by the cocktail record, and attacking the mini-bar.
In case you’re after some splendor, this 5-star seashore resort in Malindi is your greatest wager. Click here to find out more.
Kilili Baharini Resort – greatest for first-time guests and {couples}
In case you’re on the lookout for issues to do in Malindi for {couples} and locations to remain, this resort is greatest for you. The small boutique resort solely has a small variety of rooms, guaranteeing privateness and luxury. It additionally includes a non-public seashore to calm down and benefit from the ocean breeze.
That includes elegant rooms with non-public verandas, a beachside restaurant, and swimming pools, Kilili guarantees nothing however a memorable expertise. Book here now.
Greatest Eating places in Malindi
Take a look at my record of a few of the greatest eating places in Malindi. Right here you possibly can get pleasure from Swahili dishes like biryani, eat pizza, order drinks, and join with locals.
Seafront Swahili Dishes
Because the identify suggests, Seafront is an genuine restaurant in Malindi for Swahili meals. In addition to biryani hen and samaki wa kupaka (fish in coconut curry), they serve some scrumptious seafood. I additionally love their tasty ukwaju (tamarind juice).
Child Marrow – Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Baby Marrow is among the greatest Italian eating places in Malindi. Right here, you possibly can get pleasure from a big selection of Italian delicacies like pizza and pasta. In addition they serve seafood (fish, prawns, and octopus) and native dishes (ugali and nyama choma). After consuming, you possibly can wash down the meals with a glass of wine or beer.
Check out their samosas, fish fillet, and engaging dessert muffins. Click here to e-book a desk/make a reservation.
Rosada Seashore Restaurant
Rosada is a good seashore restaurant with a relaxed vibe that provides varied dishes. It’s an informal hangout joint with a pleasing ambiance and good music. Along with seafood equivalent to fish and prawns, they’ve nice native delicacies. Don’t go away the restaurant with out tasting the pizza – it’s fairly nice.
Attending to Malindi
Beneath are the perfect methods to get to Malindi from Nairobi, Mombasa, and different locations in Kenya:
By Airplane
Flying to Malindi is the best choice because it saves time, which you should utilize to expertise extra locations. A home airport serves the city with each day scheduled flights from Nairobi, Mombasa, Lamu, and Diani.
Some main home airways to Malindi Airport embrace Kenya Airways, Jambojet, and Air Kenya. As soon as on the airport, taxis can be found to take you anyplace round Malindi.
Take a look at transfer services from Moi International Airport (Mombasa) to Malindi.
By Bus
Malindi is linked by long-distance buses from Nairobi and Mombasa on an everyday schedule. Most of those buses are protected and cozy, making the journey bearable.
From Nairobi, you possibly can board the luxurious buses alongside River Road. In case you’re coming from Mombasa, buses to Malindi are boarded from Mwembe Tayari or alongside Abdel Nassy Street.
The main bus corporations in Malindi embrace Tahmeed Coach, Modern Coast, Buscar, and Dreamline Express.
By Practice
There are three each day trains from Nairobi to Mombasa operated by Kenya Railways. The scenic journey from the capital metropolis to the coastal metropolis takes 5-6 hours.
As soon as in Mombasa Terminus, you possibly can take a taxi or a shared van for the two-hour journey to Malindi. Alternatively, you may get this private transfer with an skilled tour information.
Getting Round Malindi
Listed below are the perfect methods to get round whereas sightseeing in Malindi:
Strolling
For brief distances, it’s greatest to stroll round. The city is safe, and a few of its sights are shut to one another.
Bikes and Tuk-Tuks
There are many bike taxis and tuk-tuks in Malindi. They’re reasonably priced and may take you anyplace round and out of doors city. Request your resort to hyperlink you up with a dependable driver.
Utilizing Employed Taxis
Regular taxis are essentially the most comfy and most secure technique of transport round Malindi. It’s straightforward to rent one out of your lodging facility or city middle. They usually have a “taxi” signal. You may also communicate along with your resort or resort and have them organize a trip for you.
Issues To Do in Malindi: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on the perfect issues to do in Malindi:
Malindi is widespread for its seashores, vacation houses, and seashore villas. It has a wealthy tradition and historical past, influenced by Swahili folks, Italians, Portuguese, and Arab merchants.
One of the best time to go to is in the course of the dry season – June to October and December to February.
Sure. Malindi is price visiting for its gorgeous seashores, watersports, and historic websites. It presents a novel mix of journey, rest, and different experiences.
A beneficial keep in Malindi can be round 7 days – to interact in water actions, go to vacationer websites, and luxuriate in leisure time.
Malindi is taken into account protected for vacationers. Nevertheless, like somewhere else, staying alert and exercising warning is vital. See the most recent journey advisories from UK and USA.
One of the vital widespread actions in Malindi is visiting vacationer sights just like the Malindi Museum. Different high issues embrace snorkeling, scuba diving, and seashore strolling.
Golden Seashore (Buntwani) is the perfect seashore in Malindi. Others embrace Silversands, Marine Park, and Mayungu.
Malindi is usually known as “Little Italy” due to the various Italian vacationers and residents. The recognition could be attributed to the city’s laid-back coastal way of life and seashores. It additionally dates again to the opening of the San Marco rocket launch pad by the Italian Area Company within the Nineteen Sixties.
Kiswahili is the first language spoken in Malindi. Nevertheless, English and Italian are additionally widespread.
In Closing
So, there you may have it. These are my favourite issues to do and locations to go to in Malindi. Hopefully, you possibly can see by now why I consider it to be one of the vital fascinating locations in Kenya – it’s overflowing with magnificence and vacationer sights.
There are numerous methods to whereas away your time there. So, whether or not you crave rest or journey, Malindi delivers an unparalleled expertise.
