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 lovely seashores and rustic seashore accommodations, making it among the best holiday destinations 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 may as well 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 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 house 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 instances, I’m excited to share with you my favourite Malindi sights. I’ve additionally included info on easy methods to get there, the very best locations to remain, and eating places. Regardless that it’s fairly small, there are such a lot of locations to go to in Malindi – make certain so as to add it to your Kenya itinerary!
Finest Issues To Do in Malindi
Try this listing of a number of the most enjoyable 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 number of the most lovely on the planet. They’re crammed with numerous 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 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, take a look at Bluefin Diving. They provide the very best diving journeys alongside the northern coast.
Moreover scuba diving, deep sea/offshore fishing is one other of the very best issues to do in Malindi. The game was popularised by Ernest Hemingway when he visited the place within the Sixties. Verify along with your resort to see if they will 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 (if you happen to’re so inclined). Shut to those seashores, you’ll additionally discover a number 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 straightforward 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. Take pleasure in a Full Day Safari at Tsavo East Nationwide Park
The Kenyan coast is usually for leisure, however if you happen to fancy wildlife safaris, be part of a tour to Tsavo East National Park. It’s positioned about 4 hours from Malindi and is among the best safari parks in Kenya.
Moreover game-watching (elephants, leopards, lions, and different animals), Tsavo East is house to different scenic sights corresponding to lovely 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 will not be probably the most reasonably priced factor to do in Malindi, costs for such an amazing expertise are nonetheless very affordable. You may as well entry the parks by street by way of the Sala Gate.
When you intend to spend an evening in Tsavo East Nationwide Park, I like to recommend reserving your keep at Ashnil Aruba Lodge – a phenomenal bush camp that includes a restaurant, an outside pool, and tents that overlooks Aruba dam.
Tackle: Click on right here to see the placement of Tsavo East National Park. The park is greatest reached through the Sala Gate.
4. Strive Swahili Dishes (One of many Finest Issues to Do in Malindi)
Though I don’t take into account myself a foodie, that is one in all my favourite issues to do in Malindi. When visiting the coastal city, I all the time pattern a number of the scrumptious Swahili dishes – and you need to too. That is a number of the best food to try in Kenya.
The native culinary scene is numerous. It gives numerous meals that replicate the locations’ wealthy tradition. You’ll be able to start by attempting biryani (fragrant rice cooked with spices and hen or beef), pilau, and wali wa nazi (coconut rice). Additionally, attempt snacks corresponding 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 may as well indulge your style buds in Italian flavors. On account of Malindi’s sizable inhabitants of Italians, pizza, pasta, and numerous seafood are available.
Tackle: Try 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 well-liked spot to go swimming and snorkeling. Throughout my journeys to Malindi, I all the time make certain to affix a visit to the coral heads, that are full of colourful fish.
If this lovely 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 based mostly contained in the park.
Swimming can be attainable on Malindi seashores because the 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 here for instructions to the marine park.
6. Study 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 every part in regards to the place and kinds a very good foundation for what to anticipate and look ahead to throughout your keep.
Moreover 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 fingers between authorities departments (like fisheries and wildlife) till 2004, when it turned a museum.
Throughout the museum, you’ll be able to anticipate to be taught in regards to 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 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 depart 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 cause them to 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 among the most visited Malindi sights. The monument (below the Museums of Kenya) has been relocated a number of instances as a consequence of silts that erode coral reefs and is now positioned on the seafront in Shela Neighborhood.
When you intend to see the pillar, I like to recommend getting a ticket from the Malindi Museum. For under $3, you’ll be able to go to the museum, see the Vasco da Gama Pillar, and the Portuguese Chapel.
Tackle: 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 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. Outdoors the chapel, there’s a graveyard the place it’s believed 36 individuals are buried. Amongst these individuals are sailors and a number of the city’s distinguished individuals.
Tackle: 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 positioned 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’ll be able to go to different vacationer sights and benefit from the attention-grabbing things to do in Mombasa.
Try this exciting tour of Mombasa City that features a go to to Fort Jesus.
Tackle: 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 melancholy is an eroded sandstone canyon with beautiful cliffs and rocks of crimson, pink, and orange hues.
When you can wait till the night, this masterpiece of nature is bound to shock you. Every sundown paints the gorges in fiery colours, like a painter’s palette in movement. It’s a very memorable expertise.
The local people manages this marvelous attraction, which they name “Nyari” – the place damaged by itself. The payment for this vacationer web site in Malindi is $10, which fits towards serving to the group and managing the location. Whereas there, you’ll be able to rent an area 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 as well rent a taxi from Malindi city (or request your resort/host to hail one for you). Study extra about the highly-rated trip to Hell’s Kitchen.
Tackle: Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa
Among the best 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 offers 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 way in which (often stone homes of limestone). You’ll additionally see locals doing enterprise – in outlets, eating places, and bus stops.
A few of the issues that fascinate me in Malindi are the Swahili curved doorways. These wood works are a standard characteristic in lots of buildings. In response to an area I spoke with, they arrive in several 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.
Try this resource to be taught extra about Swahili doorways.
Tackle: 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 gives 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 doubtless have the ability to watch fishermen returning to shore. Head there between 4 pm-6 pm for the very best likelihood of a sundown.
This landmark straddles Golden Beach – among the best locations to chill out 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 if you happen to go searching, it’s straightforward to hyperlink the place with the traditional Arab trading that occurred there.
You’ll discover a tremendous 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 among the best issues to see in Malindi and the simplest option to get there’s to rent a taxi from Malindi city. Your resort can even organize for a similar.
Just a few kilometers offshore from this space is the San Marco web site – a rocket launch pad by the Italian House Administration.
In response to various sources, the location is among the components 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 house. This attracted vacationers and expatriates who settled in, therefore the nickname “Little Italy.”
Tackle: 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 just a few. Lodges 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. Additionally they have one of many pioneering kite faculties in Kenya (Kitesurfing in Kenya & East Africa).
In addition to browsing, Che Shale gives cruise journeys on their lovely wood dhow (Sawa Sawa). The dhow was in-built Mozambique down south and sailed to Malindi. A full-day tour on the Sawa Sawa contains meals and actions corresponding to swimming and snorkeling. Click here to guide your keep at Che Shale Hotel & Kitesurf Center.
Tackle: Click here for directions to Che Shale – alongside Lamu Street.
15. See the Hanging Gardens of Malindi
To shut this listing of the very best issues to see and do in Malindi is The Hanging Gardens, an Orchid nursery that makes a speciality of numerous species together with the Tillandsia (Spanish Moss). What they do with crops right here is outstanding, and the expertise is properly value including to your itinerary.
In addition to seeing numerous varieties of orchids you doubtless 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 guide a go to, contact the proprietor by way of their web site here.
Tackle: The Hanging Gardens of Malindi is about 3 Km from city. Click here for instructions.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Malindi
Now that you understand the very best locations to go to, listed below are my instructed itineraries to your journey to Malindi. Be at liberty 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’ll be able to’t go mistaken.
From there, head to Malindi Marine National Park the place you’ll be able to 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. Chill out 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’ll be able to 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
When you 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 very best locations to base your adventures on.
On the third day, head northwards and guide a resort for 2 days. I like to recommend staying on the Che Shale. You’ll be able to go to the Mambrui Dunes and Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa, and if you happen to’re extra interested in the ocean, Che Shale gives numerous 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 sights just like the seashore or marine park. You may as well take a day trip to see Fort Jesus in Mombasa or wildlife at Tsavo East Nationwide Park. When you go for Tsavo, I like to recommend staying on the Ashnil Aruba Lodge to your final evening.
The place to Keep in Malindi
Similar to you’d discover in different coastal locations corresponding to Diani, there are few neighborhoods in Malindi. Nevertheless, the place has many vacation properties, elegant flats, and even luxury beach villas.
Beneath are a number of the greatest locations to remain in Malindi for vacationers:
Beachfront Penthouse – Finest 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 lovely 2-bedroom condo has superb ocean views and in addition options all mandatory facilities appropriate for households, solo vacationers, and {couples}. Click here to book.
Beverly Suites – Finest for Group Vacationers and Households
Not everybody travels solo or as a pair. So, if you happen to’re a bunch of as much as 5 looking for a incredible seashore villa in Malindi, the Beverly Suites may very well be excellent. The power has a swimming pool, and all of the items are totally outfitted for self-catering company. Click here for more information.
Primeshade Guesthouse – Finest for Finances Vacationers
After I final visited Malindi, a backpacker’s hostel didn’t exist. Virtually all of the lodging services I discovered had been both mid-range or high-end. Luckily, nonetheless, I’ve since stumbled upon Primeshade Guesthouse. For round $25 per evening, the ability is well-priced for funds vacationers.
Their rooms are spacious, with a clear lavatory and free toiletries. Additionally they have an outside swimming pool, a backyard, a shared lounge, a restaurant, and free non-public parking. Click here for more information.
Leopard Level Luxurious Seaside Resort – Finest for All Vacationers
Let’s face it. Typically we love a luxurious resort; just like the one discovered at Leopard Point the place we get pampered with every part, and all now we have to do is chill out – no self-catering or dealing with unruly backpackers in a hostel. It’s simply consuming, swimming, going to the seashore, working by way of the cocktail listing, and attacking the mini-bar.
When you’re after some splendor, this 5-star seashore resort in Malindi is your greatest guess. Click here to find out more.
Kilili Baharini Resort – greatest for first-time guests and {couples}
When 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 chill out 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.
Finest Eating places in Malindi
Try my listing of a number 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
Baby Marrow is among 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. Additionally 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 attractive dessert muffins. Click here to guide a desk/make a reservation.
Rosada Seaside Restaurant
Rosada is a superb seashore restaurant with a relaxed vibe that provides numerous dishes. It’s an off-the-cuff hangout joint with a nice ambiance and good music. Along with seafood corresponding to fish and prawns, they’ve nice native delicacies. Don’t depart the restaurant with out tasting the pizza – it’s fairly nice.
Attending to Malindi
Beneath are the very best methods to get to Malindi from Nairobi, Mombasa, and different locations in Kenya:
By Airplane
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 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 wherever round Malindi.
Try transfer services from Moi International Airport (Mombasa) to Malindi.
By Bus
Malindi is related 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 Road. When you’re coming from Mombasa, buses to Malindi are boarded from Mwembe Tayari or alongside Abdel Nassy Street.
The main bus firms in Malindi embrace Tahmeed Coach, Modern Coast, Buscar, and Dreamline Express.
By Prepare
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’ll be able to 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 very best 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 motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks in Malindi. They’re reasonably priced and may take you wherever round and outdoors city. Request your resort to hyperlink you up with a dependable driver.
Utilizing Employed Taxis
Regular taxis are probably the most comfy and most secure technique of transport round Malindi. It’s straightforward to rent one out of your lodging facility or city heart. They usually have a “taxi” signal. You may as well 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 very best issues to do in Malindi:
Malindi is widespread 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.
One of the best time to go to is throughout the dry season – June to October and December to February.
Sure. Malindi is value visiting for its beautiful seashores, watersports, and historic websites. It gives a singular mix of journey, leisure, and different experiences.
A really useful keep in Malindi could be round 7 days – to interact in water actions, go to vacationer websites, and revel in leisure time.
Malindi is taken into account protected for vacationers. Nevertheless, like somewhere else, staying alert and exercising warning is necessary. See the most recent journey advisories from UK and USA.
One of the widespread actions in Malindi is visiting vacationer sights just like the Malindi Museum. Different high issues embrace snorkeling, scuba diving, and seashore strolling.
Golden Seaside (Buntwani) is the very best seashore in Malindi. Others embrace Silversands, Marine Park, and Mayungu.
Malindi is typically referred to as “Little Italy” due to the various Italian vacationers and residents. The recognition may 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 House Company within the Sixties.
Kiswahili is the first language spoken in Malindi. Nevertheless, English and Italian are additionally widespread.
In Closing
So, there you might 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 probably the most 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 leisure or journey, Malindi delivers an unparalleled expertise.
