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 resorts, making it probably the greatest vacation locations 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 nationwide park for a wildlife safari or to Mombasa for some historic websites. After these experiences, I like to recommend enjoyable 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 residing museum which I usually 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 have been right here and left their marks. Nonetheless, 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 instances, I’m excited to share with you my favourite Malindi sights. I’ve additionally included data on methods to get there, one of the best locations to remain, and eating places. Although it’s fairly small, there are such a lot of locations to go to in Malindi – make sure that so as to add it to your Kenya itinerary!
Finest Issues To Do in Malindi
Try this record of a number of the most enjoyable locations to see and issues to do in Malindi. It’s primarily based on sights I’ve visited and enjoyable actions that I’ve skilled myself. Touring round Kenya is thrilling and the coast and Malindi have quite a bit 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. Nonetheless, 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 this planet. They’re full of 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, take a look at Bluefin Diving. They provide one of the best diving journeys alongside the northern coast.
In addition to scuba diving, deep sea/offshore fishing is one other of one of the best 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 lodge to see if they will prepare 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 (for those who’re so inclined). Shut to those seashores, you’ll additionally discover a number of the finest 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 most well-liked attributable to its simple 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. Get pleasure from a Full Day Safari at Tsavo East Nationwide Park
The Kenyan coast is generally for rest, however for those who fancy wildlife safaris, be part of a tour to Tsavo East Nationwide Park. It’s situated about 4 hours from Malindi and is without doubt one of the finest safari parks in Kenya.
In addition to game-watching (elephants, leopards, lions, and different animals), Tsavo East is residence to different scenic sights comparable to lovely 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 probably the most reasonably priced factor to do in Malindi, costs for such an important expertise are nonetheless very cheap. You may also entry the parks by street via 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 gorgeous 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 situation of Tsavo East Nationwide Park. The park is finest reached through the Sala Gate.
4. Attempt Swahili Dishes (One of many Finest Issues to Do in Malindi)
Though I don’t take into account myself a foodie, that is considered one of 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 finest meals to attempt in Kenya.
The native culinary scene is various. It presents varied meals that replicate the locations’ wealthy tradition. You’ll be able to start by making an attempt biryani (fragrant rice cooked with spices and rooster 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. On account of Malindi’s sizable inhabitants of Italians, pizza, pasta, and varied seafood are available.
Deal with: 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 all the time make sure that to hitch 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 individual. Try marine boat excursions primarily based contained in the park.
Swimming can also be doable on Malindi seashores because the water is heat and the ocean is calm. Nonetheless, it’s finest to put on sneakers throughout low tide to keep away from harm from corals in some locations.
Deal with: Click on right 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 website teaches nearly all the pieces concerning the place and kinds foundation for what to anticipate and look ahead to throughout your keep.
In addition to 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 fingers between authorities departments (like fisheries and wildlife) till 2004, when it turned a museum.
Inside the museum, you possibly can anticipate to be taught concerning the historical past of Malindi, its folks, and the fauna discovered within the Indian Ocean.
Deal with: The museum is well 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 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 without doubt one of the most visited Malindi sights. The monument (beneath the Museums of Kenya) has been relocated a number of instances attributable to silts that erode coral reefs and is now situated 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 under $3, you possibly can go to the museum, see the Vasco da Gama Pillar, and the Portuguese Chapel.
Deal with: 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 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 persons are buried. Amongst these persons are sailors and a number of the city’s distinguished individuals.
Deal with: 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 situated on the fringe of Mombasa Previous City, which can also be a beautiful place to go to and wander round.
To raised recognize 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 possibly can go to different vacationer sights and benefit from the fascinating issues to do in Mombasa.
Try this thrilling tour of Mombasa Metropolis that features a go to to Fort Jesus.
Deal with: Right here is the situation 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 considered one of my favourite sights alongside the Kenyan coast – Hell’s Kitchen. The despair is an eroded sandstone canyon with beautiful 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 very memorable expertise.
The local people manages this marvelous attraction, which they name “Nyari” – the place damaged by itself. The price for this vacationer website 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 concerning 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 journey. You may also rent a taxi from Malindi city (or request your lodge/host to hail one for you). Study extra about the highly-rated journey to Hell’s Kitchen.
Deal with: Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa
Probably the greatest free issues to do in Malindi is to discover the city on foot. It’s a certain manner 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 lodge 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 few 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 line with a neighborhood I spoke with, they arrive in several types primarily based on the influencing tradition. My favourite was the Zanzibar-style door which had iron tiers on it. Others embody Gujerati, Oman, Bajuni, Siu, and Kijumwa doorways.
Try this useful resource to be taught extra about Swahili doorways.
Deal with: Click on right here for the situation 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 presents a spectacular spot to catch sundown or dawn.
I extremely suggest visiting between 6 am-8 am for the dawn. Throughout this time, few persons are round, and also you’ll probably be capable to watch fishermen returning to shore. Head there between 4 pm-6 pm for one of the best likelihood of a sundown.
This landmark straddles Golden Seashore – probably the greatest locations to loosen up 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 for those who 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 great unfold of dunes stretches from Mambrui Seashore to Ngomeni village. It’s probably the greatest issues to see in Malindi and the simplest solution to get there may be to rent a taxi from Malindi city. Your lodge also can prepare for a similar.
Just a few kilometers offshore from this space is the San Marco website – a rocket launch pad by the Italian Area Administration.
In line with varied sources, the location is without doubt one of 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 residence. This attracted vacationers and expatriates who settled in, therefore the nickname “Little Italy.”
Deal with: Click on right here to see the situation 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. Motels alongside the shoreline have launched dhows and sails on surfboards for these searching for a bit adrenaline.
My favourite lodge in Malindi for kitesurfing is Che Shale, a seashore lodge (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 lovely picket dhow (Sawa Sawa). The dhow was inbuilt Mozambique down south and sailed to Malindi. A full-day tour on the Sawa Sawa contains meals and actions comparable to swimming and snorkeling. Click on right here to ebook your keep at Che Shale Lodge & Kitesurf Heart.
Deal with: Click on right here for instructions to Che Shale – alongside Lamu Street.
15. See the Hanging Gardens of Malindi
To shut this record of one of the best 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 properly price including to your itinerary.
In addition to seeing varied kinds of orchids you probably 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 ebook a go to, contact the proprietor via their web site right here.
Deal with: The Hanging Gardens of Malindi is about 3 Km from city. Click on right here for instructions.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Malindi
Now that one of the best locations to go to, listed below are my instructed itineraries to your journey to Malindi. Be happy to combine the vacationer sights and websites to fulfill your tastes and pursuits.
1 Day in Malindi Itinerary
Begin your day with breakfast at your lodge 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 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 rooster biryani and tamarind juice are my favourite – you possibly can’t go flawed.
From there, head to Malindi Marine Nationwide Park the place you possibly can 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 right spot for this; go swimming, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, and snorkeling from there.
The third day is finest suited to a day journey exterior Malindi city. You’ll be able to 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
When you’ve got 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 one of the best locations to base your adventures on.
On the third day, head northwards and ebook a lodge 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 for those who’re extra drawn to 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 finest vacationer websites The Hanging Gardens. End the day watching the sundown from the Malindi Pier after which take pleasure in dinner at a neighborhood restaurant.
Spend the final two days in Malindi enjoyable and revisiting your finest sights just like the seashore or marine park. You may also 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 night time.
The place to Keep in Malindi
Similar to you’d discover in different coastal locations comparable to Diani, there are few neighborhoods in Malindi. Nonetheless, the place has many vacation houses, elegant residences, and even luxurious seashore villas.
Beneath are a number of the finest 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 house has superb ocean views and likewise options all essential facilities appropriate for households, solo vacationers, and {couples}. Click on right here to ebook.
Beverly Suites – Finest for Group Vacationers and Households
Not everybody travels solo or as a pair. So, for those who’re a gaggle of as much as 5 looking for a improbable seashore villa in Malindi, the Beverly Suites could possibly be excellent. The power has a swimming pool, and all of the models are absolutely outfitted for self-catering friends. Click on right here for extra data.
Primeshade Guesthouse – Finest for Finances Vacationers
Once I final visited Malindi, a backpacker’s hostel didn’t exist. Virtually all of the lodging amenities I discovered have been both mid-range or high-end. Thankfully, nevertheless, I’ve since stumbled upon Primeshade Guesthouse. For round $25 per night time, the power is well-priced for finances vacationers.
Their rooms are spacious, with a clear toilet and free toiletries. In addition they have an out of doors swimming pool, a backyard, a shared lounge, a restaurant, and free personal parking. Click on right here for extra data.
Leopard Level Luxurious Seashore Resort – Finest for All Vacationers
Let’s face it. Generally we love a luxurious resort; just like the one discovered at Leopard Level the place we get pampered with all the pieces, and all now we have to do is loosen up – no self-catering or dealing with unruly backpackers in a hostel. It’s simply consuming, swimming, going to the seashore, working via the cocktail record, and attacking the mini-bar.
Should you’re after some splendor, this 5-star seashore resort in Malindi is your finest wager. Click on right here to search out out extra.
Kilili Baharini Resort – finest 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 finest for you. The small boutique lodge solely has a small variety of rooms, guaranteeing privateness and luxury. It additionally encompasses a personal seashore to loosen up and benefit from the ocean breeze.
That includes elegant rooms with personal verandas, a beachside restaurant, and swimming pools, Kilili guarantees nothing however a memorable expertise. Ebook right here now.
Finest Eating places in Malindi
Try my record of a number of the finest eating places in Malindi. Right here you possibly can take pleasure in 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. In addition to biryani rooster 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 finest Italian eating places in Malindi. Right here, you possibly can take pleasure in a wide array 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 attractive dessert muffins. Click on right here to ebook a desk/make a reservation.
Rosada Seashore 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 pleasing ambiance 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 one of the 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 should use to expertise extra locations. A home airport serves the city with day by day scheduled flights from Nairobi, Mombasa, Lamu, and Diani.
Some main home airways to Malindi Airport embody Kenya Airways, Jambojet, and Air Kenya. As soon as on the airport, taxis can be found to take you wherever round Malindi.
Try switch providers from Moi Worldwide 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 comfy, making the journey bearable.
From Nairobi, you possibly can board the posh 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 firms in Malindi embody Tahmeed Coach, Trendy Coast, Buscar, and Dreamline Specific.
By Prepare
There are three day by 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 will get this personal switch with an skilled tour information.
Getting Round Malindi
Listed here are one of the best methods to get round whereas sightseeing in Malindi:
Strolling
For brief distances, it’s finest to stroll round. The city is protected, 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 out of doors city. Request your lodge to hyperlink you up with a dependable driver.
Utilizing Employed Taxis
Regular taxis are probably 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 may also communicate along with your resort or lodge and have them prepare a experience for you.
Issues To Do in Malindi: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on one of the best issues to do in Malindi:
Malindi is common 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.
The most effective time to go to is throughout the dry season – June to October and December to February.
Sure. Malindi is price visiting for its beautiful seashores, watersports, and historic websites. It presents a singular mix of journey, rest, and different experiences.
A beneficial 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. Nonetheless, like somewhere else, staying alert and exercising warning is necessary. See the newest journey advisories from UK and USA.
Probably the most common actions in Malindi is visiting vacationer sights just like the Malindi Museum. Different prime issues embody snorkeling, scuba diving, and seashore strolling.
Golden Seashore (Buntwani) is one of the best seashore in Malindi. Others embody Silversands, Marine Park, and Mayungu.
Malindi is usually known as “Little Italy” due to the various Italian vacationers and residents. The recognition might 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 Nineteen Sixties.
Kiswahili is the first language spoken in Malindi. Nonetheless, 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 possibly can see by now why I consider it to be probably the most charming 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.
