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 probably the greatest vacation locations in Kenya.
Whereas in Malindi, you’ll be able to go to a museum, go snorkeling or scuba diving, catch sunrises, and many 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 stress-free on a seashore or consuming at a neighborhood restaurant.
My attraction for Malindi is predicated on my love for historical past and rest. The place is sort of a residing 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. Nonetheless, it’s the locals, residents (principally 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 points of interest. I’ve additionally included data on get there, one of the best 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 – make sure that so as to add it to your Kenya itinerary!
Finest Issues To Do in Malindi
Try this checklist of a number of the most enjoyable 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 so much 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 for this 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 stunning on this planet. They’re crammed 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 take pleasure in scuba diving. For the most recent costs, schedules, and extra data, try 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 together with your resort to see if they’ll prepare 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 rest, lengthy walks, or jogging (in case you’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 preferred resulting from 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 rest, however in case you fancy wildlife safaris, be a part of a tour to Tsavo East Nationwide Park. It’s positioned about 4 hours from Malindi and is among the greatest safari parks in Kenya.
In addition to game-watching (elephants, leopards, lions, and different animals), Tsavo East is residence to different scenic points of interest akin 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 probably the most reasonably priced factor to do in Malindi, costs for such a terrific expertise are nonetheless very affordable. You may also entry the parks by highway by way of the Sala Gate.
For those who 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.
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 Finest Issues to Do in Malindi)
Though I don’t take into account myself a foodie, that is certainly 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 it is best to too. That is a number of the greatest meals to attempt in Kenya.
The native culinary scene is various. It provides varied meals that mirror the locations’ wealthy tradition. You’ll be able to start by attempting biryani (fragrant rice cooked with spices and rooster or beef), pilau, and wali wa nazi (coconut rice). Additionally, attempt snacks akin to samosa and pastries like mandazi/mahamri (a type of fried bread).
Along with the Swahili delicacies, which has African, Indian, and Arabian influences, it’s also possible to 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 well-liked spot to go swimming and snorkeling. Throughout my journeys to Malindi, I all the time make sure that to affix a visit to the coral heads, that are full of colourful fish.
If this stunning expertise appeals to you, make sure 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 be potential on Malindi seashores because the water is heat and the ocean is calm. Nonetheless, it’s greatest to put on footwear throughout low tide to keep away from harm from corals in some locations.
Tackle: Click on right here for instructions to the marine park.
6. Study Historical past on the Malindi Museum
I really like historical past, and my first cease in any new place I go to is often a museum. This informational website teaches nearly the whole lot concerning the place and types a superb 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 palms between authorities departments (like fisheries and wildlife) till 2004, when it turned a museum.
Throughout the museum, you’ll be able to count on to study concerning the historical past of Malindi, its folks, and the fauna discovered within the Indian Ocean.
Tackle: The museum is well accessible from wherever on the town, whether or not by foot or automobile. 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 steerage.
Vasco da Gama Pillar is among the most visited Malindi points of interest. The monument (below the Museums of Kenya) has been relocated a number of instances resulting from silts that erode coral reefs and is now positioned on the seafront in Shela Neighborhood.
For those who 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 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 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 number 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 Outdated City, 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 points of interest 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.
Tackle: Right here is the placement of Fort Jesus and the Mombasa Outdated City.
10. Go to Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa
Additional north of Malindi (about 30 Km) in Marafa is the place you’ll discover certainly one of my favourite sights alongside the Kenyan coast – Hell’s Kitchen. The despair is an eroded sandstone canyon with gorgeous cliffs and rocks of purple, pink, and orange hues.
For those who 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 payment for this vacationer website in Malindi is $10, which works towards serving to the group and managing the positioning. Whereas there, you’ll be able to 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 resort/host to hail one for you). Study extra about the highly-rated journey to Hell’s Kitchen.
Tackle: Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa
Probably the greatest free issues to do in Malindi is to discover the city on foot. It’s a positive 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 every single place. Search for distinctive structure alongside the way in which (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 wood works are a standard characteristic in lots of buildings. In keeping 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 study 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 doubtless have the ability 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 Seaside – probably the greatest 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 in case you go searching, it’s straightforward 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 Seaside to Ngomeni village. It’s probably the greatest issues to see in Malindi and the simplest method to get there may be to rent a taxi from Malindi city. Your resort can even prepare for a similar.
Just a few kilometers offshore from this space is the San Marco website – a rocket launch pad by the Italian House Administration.
In keeping with varied sources, the positioning is among 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 residence. 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. Lodges alongside the shoreline have launched dhows and sails on surfboards for these searching 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 inbuilt Mozambique down south and sailed to Malindi. A full-day tour on the Sawa Sawa contains meals and actions akin 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 Highway.
15. See the Hanging Gardens of Malindi
To shut this checklist 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 sorts of orchids you doubtless 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 way of 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 understand one of the best locations to go to, listed here are my prompt itineraries on your journey to Malindi. Be at liberty 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 realm, head down alongside Silversand Highway. 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’ll be able to’t go improper.
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. Calm down 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’ll be able to be a part of this thrilling safari to Tsavo East Nationwide 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
You probably 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 one of the best 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’ll be able to go to the Mambrui Dunes and Hell’s Kitchen in Marafa, and in case 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 take pleasure in dinner at a neighborhood 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 may also take a day journey to see Fort Jesus in Mombasa or wildlife at Tsavo East Nationwide Park. For those who go for Tsavo, I like to recommend staying on the Ashnil Aruba Lodge on your final night time.
The place to Keep in Malindi
Identical to you’d discover in different coastal locations akin to Diani, there are few neighborhoods in Malindi. Nonetheless, the place has many vacation properties, elegant residences, and even luxurious seashore villas.
Under 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 stunning 2-bedroom condo has superb ocean views and likewise options all essential facilities appropriate for households, solo vacationers, and {couples}. Click on right here to e-book.
Beverly Suites – Finest for Group Vacationers and Households
Not everybody travels solo or as a pair. So, in case you’re a gaggle of as much as 5 trying to find a incredible seashore villa in Malindi, the Beverly Suites may very well be good. The power has a swimming pool, and all of the models are absolutely geared up 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. Nearly all of the lodging amenities I discovered had 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 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 on right here for extra data.
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 Level the place we get pampered with the whole lot, 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 checklist, and attacking the mini-bar.
For those who’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}
For those who’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, making certain privateness and luxury. It additionally contains 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. Guide right here now.
Finest Eating places in Malindi
Try my checklist of a number of the greatest eating places in Malindi. Right here you’ll be able to take pleasure in 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 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 among the greatest Italian eating places in Malindi. Right here, you’ll be able to take pleasure in 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 gives varied dishes. It’s an informal hangout joint with a nice environment and good music. Along with seafood akin 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
Under 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 best 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 companies from Moi Worldwide Airport (Mombasa) to Malindi.
By Bus
Malindi is related by long-distance buses from Nairobi and Mombasa on an everyday schedule. Most of those buses are secure and cozy, making the journey bearable.
From Nairobi, you’ll be able to board the posh buses alongside River Highway. For those who’re coming from Mombasa, buses to Malindi are boarded from Mwembe Tayari or alongside Abdel Nassy Highway.
The main bus corporations in Malindi embody Tahmeed Coach, Trendy Coast, Buscar, and Dreamline Specific.
By Practice
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’ll be able to take a taxi or a shared van for the two-hour journey to Malindi. Alternatively, you may get this non-public switch with an skilled tour information.
Getting Round Malindi
Listed below are one of the best methods to get round whereas sightseeing in Malindi:
Strolling
For brief distances, it’s greatest to stroll round. The city is secure, and a few of its points of interest are shut to one another.
Bikes and Tuk-Tuks
There are many bike taxis and tuk-tuks in Malindi. They’re reasonably priced and might 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 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 middle. They usually have a “taxi” signal. You may also communicate together with your resort or resort and have them prepare a trip for you.
Issues To Do in Malindi: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on one of the best issues to do in Malindi:
Malindi is common for its seashores, vacation properties, and seashore villas. It has a wealthy tradition and historical past, influenced by Swahili folks, Italians, Portuguese, and Arab merchants.
The very 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 provides a singular 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 secure for vacationers. Nonetheless, like elsewhere, staying alert and exercising warning is essential. See the most recent journey advisories from UK and USA.
One of the vital common actions in Malindi is visiting vacationer points of interest just like the Malindi Museum. Different prime issues embody snorkeling, scuba diving, and seashore strolling.
Golden Seaside (Buntwani) is one of the best seashore in Malindi. Others embody Silversands, Marine Park, and Mayungu.
Malindi is typically known as “Little Italy” due to the various Italian vacationers and residents. The recognition may 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 House Company within the Nineteen Sixties.
Kiswahili is the first language spoken in Malindi. Nonetheless, English and Italian are additionally frequent.
In Closing
So, there you’ve gotten 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 imagine it to be one of the crucial charming 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 rest or journey, Malindi delivers an unparalleled expertise.
