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 recognized for its stunning seashores and rustic seashore lodges, making it the most effective vacation locations in Kenya.
Whereas in Malindi, you’ll be able to go to a museum, go snorkeling or scuba diving, catch sunrises, and lots extra. You too can take a day journey to a nationwide 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 an area restaurant.
My attraction for Malindi relies on my love for historical past and leisure. The place is sort of a residing museum which I usually revisit to see what’s modified. Many explorers and vacationers have handed by Malindi, whereas others have referred to as it dwelling 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 an area Kenyan and somebody who has visited the coast a number of occasions, I’m excited to share with you my favourite Malindi points of interest. I’ve additionally included data on the right way to get there, the perfect locations to remain, and eating places. Despite the fact that it’s fairly small, there are such a lot of locations to go to in Malindi – ensure that so as to add it to your Kenya itinerary!
Greatest Issues To Do in Malindi
Try this listing of a few of the most fun locations to see and issues to do in Malindi. It’s primarily based on points of interest I’ve visited and enjoyable actions that I’ve skilled myself. Touring round Kenya is thrilling and the coast and Malindi have lots to supply guests.
1. Go Scuba Diving or Deep Sea Fishing
The Kenyan coast contrasts the wild deserts, safari parks, and delightful 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 the earth. They’re stuffed with varied species of marine life, together with colourful fish (like snappers, filefish, angelfish, and groupers). Hundreds of divers flock there yearly to plunge and marvel on the world beneath the floor.
Malindi Marine Nationwide Park is the place to go if you wish to bask in scuba diving. For the newest costs, schedules, and extra data, try Bluefin Diving. They provide the perfect diving journeys alongside the northern coast.
Moreover 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 Sixties. Test along with your resort to see if they’ll organize a fishing journey.
Tackle: 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 leisure, 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 Seaside is the most well-liked as a consequence of its simple accessibility. For watersport actions and seashore facilities, head to Marine Park.
Tackle: Click on on every seashore for instructions – Silversands, Golden, Casuarina, Marine Park, and Mayungu.
3. Get pleasure from a Full Day Safari at Tsavo East Nationwide Park
The Kenyan coast is usually for leisure, however when you fancy wildlife safaris, be part of a tour to Tsavo East Nationwide Park. It’s positioned about 4 hours from Malindi and is without doubt one of the greatest safari parks in Kenya.
Moreover game-watching (elephants, leopards, lions, and different animals), Tsavo East is dwelling to different scenic points of interest comparable to stunning landscapes, Mudanda rock formations, and the eye-catching Lugard Falls.
One of the best ways to go to the park is by becoming a member of an organized safari. Whereas it is probably not essentially the most inexpensive factor to do in Malindi, costs for such an incredible expertise are nonetheless very cheap. You too can entry the parks by highway by the Sala Gate.
Should you intend to spend an evening in Tsavo East Nationwide Park, I like to recommend reserving your keep at Ashnil Aruba Lodge – a wonderful bush camp that includes a restaurant, an out of doors pool, and tents that overlooks Aruba dam.
Tackle: Click on right here to see the placement of Tsavo East Nationwide 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 every of 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 it’s best to too. That is a few of the greatest meals to attempt in Kenya.
The native culinary scene is numerous. It provides varied meals that mirror the locations’ wealthy tradition. You possibly can start by attempting biryani (fragrant rice cooked with spices and hen or beef), pilau, and wali wa nazi (coconut rice). Additionally, attempt snacks comparable 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 too indulge your style buds in Italian flavors. Resulting from Malindi’s sizable inhabitants of Italians, pizza, pasta, and varied seafood are available.
Tackle: Try Seafront Swahili Dishes and Child 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 ensure that to hitch a visit to the coral heads, that are full of colourful fish.
If this stunning expertise appeals to you, remember to 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 particular person. Try marine boat excursions primarily based contained in the park.
Swimming can also be attainable on Malindi seashores for the reason that water is heat and the ocean is calm. Nevertheless, it’s greatest to put on footwear throughout low tide to keep away from damage from corals in some locations.
Tackle: Click on right 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 normally a museum. This informational web site teaches nearly all the pieces concerning the place and types a great foundation for what to anticipate and look ahead to throughout your keep.
Moreover internet hosting historic data 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.
Throughout the museum, you’ll be able to count on to be taught concerning the historical past of Malindi, its individuals, and the fauna discovered within the Indian Ocean.
Tackle: The museum is definitely accessible from wherever on the town, whether or not by foot or automotive. Click on right 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 steering.
Vasco da Gama Pillar is without doubt one of the most visited Malindi points of interest. The monument (below the Museums of Kenya) has been relocated a number of occasions as a consequence of silts that erode coral reefs and is now positioned on the seafront in Shela Neighborhood.
Should you intend to see the pillar, I like to recommend getting a ticket from the Malindi Museum. For less than $3, you’ll be able to go to the museum, see the Vasco da Gama Pillar, and the Portuguese Chapel.
Tackle: Click on right 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 a logo of Portugal there. He stayed on for just a few 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 wood benches, and an altar. Exterior 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 outstanding individuals.
Tackle: Click on right here for instructions to the Portuguese Chapel.
9. Take a Day Journey to Mombasa
After nearly 100 years in Malindi, the Portuguese shifted their base to Mombasa the place they established a fort (Fort Jesus) to protect the previous port. The fort is positioned on the fringe of Mombasa Previous City, which can also be a beautiful place to go to and wander round.
To raised respect the Portuguese significance in Malindi, I like to recommend taking a day journey to Mombasa. Along with visiting Fort Jesus and the Previous City, you’ll be able to go to different vacationer points of interest and benefit from the attention-grabbing issues to do in Mombasa.
Try this thrilling tour of Mombasa Metropolis that features a go to to Fort Jesus.
Tackle: Right here is the placement of Fort Jesus and the Mombasa Previous City.
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 every of 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.
Should 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 price for this vacationer web site in Malindi is $10, which fits towards serving to the neighborhood and managing the positioning. Whereas there, you’ll be able to rent an area information to tell you extra concerning the place. They normally 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 journey. You too can rent a taxi from Malindi city (or request your resort/host to hail one for you). Be taught extra concerning the highly-rated journey to Hell’s Kitchen.
Tackle: 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 means 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 all over the place. Search for distinctive structure alongside the best way (normally stone homes of limestone). You’ll additionally see locals doing enterprise – in outlets, eating places, and bus stops.
Among the issues that fascinate me in Malindi are the Swahili curved doorways. These wood works are a standard characteristic in lots of buildings. In keeping with an area I spoke with, they arrive in numerous kinds primarily based 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.
Try this useful resource to be taught extra about Swahili doorways.
Tackle: Click on right here for the placement of Malindi City.
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 provides a spectacular spot to catch sundown or dawn.
I extremely suggest visiting between 6 am-8 am for the dawn. Throughout this time, few individuals are round, and also you’ll possible be capable of watch fishermen returning to shore. Head there between 4 pm-6 pm for the perfect likelihood of a sundown.
This landmark straddles Golden Seaside – the most effective locations to calm down and really feel the ocean vibe whereas in Malindi.
Tackle: 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 simple to hyperlink the place with the traditional Arab buying and selling 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 Seaside to Ngomeni village. It’s the most effective issues to see in Malindi and the best strategy 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 varied sources, the positioning is without doubt one of the components related to the excessive inhabitants of Italians in Malindi. The engineers who labored on the positioning arrived in Malindi and popularised the city by making it dwelling. This attracted vacationers and expatriates who settled in, therefore the nickname “Little Italy.”
Tackle: Click on right 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 just a few. Motels alongside the shoreline have launched dhows and sails on surfboards for these looking for a bit of 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 faculties in Kenya (Kitesurfing in Kenya & East Africa).
In addition to browsing, Che Shale provides cruise journeys on their stunning wood 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 comparable to swimming and snorkeling. Click on right here to e-book your keep at Che Shale Lodge & Kitesurf Middle.
Tackle: Click on right here for instructions to Che Shale – alongside Lamu Street.
15. See the Hanging Gardens of Malindi
To shut this listing of the perfect issues to see and do in Malindi is The Hanging Gardens, an Orchid nursery that makes a speciality of varied species together with the Tillandsia (Spanish Moss). What they do with crops right here is exceptional, and the expertise is nicely value including to your itinerary.
In addition to seeing varied varieties of orchids you possible have by no means seen earlier than, you’ll even have the chance to buy them. Visits to this heart are by appointment solely – to e-book a go to, contact the proprietor by their web site right here.
Tackle: The Hanging Gardens of Malindi is about 3 Km from city. Click on right here for instructions.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Malindi
Now that you recognize the perfect locations to go to, listed below are my instructed itineraries to your journey to Malindi. Be happy to combine the vacationer points of interest 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 concerning the historical past and gaining some deeper details about the world, 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’ll be able to’t go unsuitable.
From there, head to Malindi Marine Nationwide Park the place you’ll be able to stroll alongside the seashore or go swimming and snorkeling. End your day with dinner at Child 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 suited to a day journey exterior Malindi city. You possibly can be part of this thrilling safari to Tsavo East Nationwide Park or head north to see the Mambrui Dunes. Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa can also be an ideal escape for a day.
1 Week in Malindi Itinerary
You probably have seven days in Malindi, mix leisure, 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 leisure. 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 possibly can go to the Mambrui Dunes and Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa, and when you’re extra interested in the ocean, Che Shale provides 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 an area restaurant.
Spend the final two days in Malindi stress-free and revisiting your greatest points of interest just like the seashore or marine park. You too can take a day journey to see Fort Jesus in Mombasa or wildlife at Tsavo East Nationwide Park. Should you go for Tsavo, I like to recommend staying on the Ashnil Aruba Lodge to your final evening.
The place to Keep in Malindi
Identical to you’d discover in different coastal locations comparable to Diani, there are few neighborhoods in Malindi. Nevertheless, the place has many vacation properties, elegant flats, and even luxurious seashore 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 condominium has wonderful ocean views and likewise options all essential facilities appropriate for households, solo vacationers, and {couples}. Click on right here to e-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 incredible seashore villa in Malindi, the Beverly Suites could possibly be excellent. The ability has a swimming pool, and all of the items are absolutely outfitted for self-catering friends. Click on right here for extra data.
Primeshade Guesthouse – Greatest for Finances Vacationers
Once I final visited Malindi, a backpacker’s hostel didn’t exist. Nearly all of the lodging services I discovered had been both mid-range or high-end. Thankfully, nonetheless, I’ve since stumbled upon Primeshade Guesthouse. For round $25 per evening, the ability is well-priced for price range vacationers.
Their rooms are spacious, with a clear rest room 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 on right here for extra data.
Leopard Level Luxurious Seaside Resort – Greatest for All Vacationers
Let’s face it. Typically we love a luxurious resort; just like the one discovered at Leopard Level the place we get pampered with all the pieces, and all we’ve got 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 listing, and attacking the mini-bar.
Should you’re after some splendor, this 5-star seashore resort in Malindi is your greatest guess. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
Kilili Baharini Resort – greatest for first-time guests and {couples}
Should you’re searching 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 incorporates 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. E book right here now.
Greatest Eating places in Malindi
Try my listing of a few of the greatest eating places in Malindi. Right here you’ll be able to get pleasure from Swahili dishes like biryani, eat pizza, order drinks, and join with locals.
Seafront Swahili Dishes
Because the title suggests, Seafront is an genuine restaurant in Malindi for Swahili meals. Moreover 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
Child Marrow is without doubt one of the greatest Italian eating places in Malindi. Right here, you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to wash down the meals with a glass of wine or beer.
Check out their samosas, fish fillet, and engaging dessert desserts. Click on right here to e-book a desk/make a reservation.
Rosada Seaside Restaurant
Rosada is a superb seashore restaurant with a relaxed vibe that provides varied dishes. It’s an off-the-cuff hangout joint with a nice environment and good music. Along with seafood comparable 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 Aircraft
Flying to Malindi is the most suitable choice because it saves time, which you need to use to expertise extra locations. A home airport serves the city with every 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 wherever round Malindi.
Try switch companies from Moi Worldwide Airport (Mombasa) to Malindi.
By Bus
Malindi is linked by long-distance buses from Nairobi and Mombasa on a daily schedule. Most of those buses are protected and cozy, making the journey bearable.
From Nairobi, you’ll be able to board the luxurious buses alongside River Street. Should 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, Fashionable Coast, Buscar, and Dreamline Categorical.
By Practice
There are three every 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’ll be able to take a taxi or a shared van for the two-hour journey to Malindi. Alternatively, you will get this non-public switch with an skilled tour information.
Getting Round Malindi
Listed here are the perfect methods to get round whereas sightseeing in Malindi:
Strolling
For brief distances, it’s greatest to stroll round. The city is protected, and a few of its points of interest are shut to one another.
Bikes and Tuk-Tuks
There are many motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks in Malindi. They’re inexpensive and may take you wherever 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 snug and most secure technique of transport round Malindi. It’s simple to rent one out of your lodging facility or city heart. They sometimes have a “taxi” signal. You too can communicate along with your resort or resort and have them organize a trip for you.
Issues To Do in Malindi: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on the perfect issues to do in Malindi:
Malindi is well-liked for its seashores, vacation properties, and seashore villas. It has a wealthy tradition and historical past, influenced by Swahili individuals, Italians, Portuguese, and Arab merchants.
The very best time to go to is throughout the dry season – June to October and December to February.
Sure. Malindi is value visiting for its gorgeous seashores, watersports, and historic websites. It provides a novel mix of journey, leisure, and different experiences.
A advisable keep in Malindi could 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 elsewhere, staying alert and exercising warning is vital. See the newest journey advisories from UK and USA.
Some of the well-liked actions in Malindi is visiting vacationer points of interest just like the Malindi Museum. Different high issues embrace snorkeling, scuba diving, and seashore strolling.
Golden Seaside (Buntwani) is the perfect seashore in Malindi. Others embrace Silversands, Marine Park, and Mayungu.
Malindi is typically referred to as “Little Italy” due to the numerous Italian vacationers and residents. The recognition could be attributed to the city’s laid-back coastal life-style and seashores. It additionally dates again to the opening of the San Marco rocket launch pad by the Italian Area Company within the Sixties.
Kiswahili is the first language spoken in Malindi. Nevertheless, English and Italian are additionally widespread.
In Closing
So, there you will have it. These are my favourite issues to do and locations to go to in Malindi. Hopefully, you’ll be able to see by now why I consider it to be some of the fascinating locations in Kenya – it’s overflowing with magnificence and vacationer points of interest.
There are numerous methods to whereas away your time there. So, whether or not you crave leisure or journey, Malindi delivers an unparalleled expertise.
