Malindi Travel Essentials

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"Where Coastal Beauty Meets Excitement"

Malindi Tourism

Malindi is a coastal town in Kenya, located along the Indian Ocean on Kenya's north coast. It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. Malindi is a favoured destination for Italian tourists, earning it the nickname "Little Italy." The city's main industry is tourism, with beautiful beaches and hotels. Malindi offers a mix of natural attractions, water sports, historical sites, and a laid-back atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing, as well as explore historical sites like the Vasco da Gama Pillar, the Portuguese Chapel, the House of Columns, and the Malindi Museum Heritage Complex. The Watamu and Malindi Marine National Parks, situated to the south, offer opportunities for water sports and underwater activities. The town's Swahili and multicultural influences, along with its serene coastal ambience, make it a charming place to unwind and experience the Kenyan coast's beauty.

Things to do in Malindi

1. Malindi Marine National Park - Dive into Malindi's Majestic Coral Garden Experience

Malindi Marine National Park - Dive into Malindi's Majestic Coral Garden Experience
Malindi Marine National Park, located along the stunning coastline of Mombasa in Kenya, is recognized as the oldest marine park in Africa. Renowned for its breathtaking coral reefs, pristine sandy bea (Read More)ches, diverse marine life and huge population of endangered green turtles, the park covers an area of approximately 213 square kilometres of the Indian Ocean coastline. The park boasts fringing reefs, stunning coral gardens in the lagoons, sea grass beds, mangroves, mudflats, and a diverse range of marine mammals with over 600 species of fish, and shorebirds.

2. Vasco da Gama Pillar

A historical treasure, this monument was erected by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498 during his journey to India. It's easily accessible near the seafront and serves as a captivating piec (Read More)e of Malindi's history.

3. Portuguese Chapel

A short walk from the Vasco da Gama Pillar, this small chapel from the 15th century reflects the town's Portuguese legacy. Visitors can explore its historical architecture and enjoy the scenic views.

4. Malindi Museum Heritage Complex

Located in the town centre, this museum delves into the rich history and culture of the region. It's a great place to explore local heritage through artefacts and exhibits.

5. Malindi Falconry Show

Just a short drive from the town, this bird sanctuary offers daily shows featuring trained raptors. Visitors can witness falconry displays and even interact with the birds, making it an ideal family o (Read More)uting.

6. Gede Ruins

Located about 15 kilometres south of Malindi, these well-preserved ruins showcase the ancient Swahili town of Gede. Guided tours are available, allowing you to explore the archaeological site.

7. Marafa Depression (Hells Kitchen)

This geological wonder, featuring sandstone gorges and vivid rock formations, lies roughly 24 kilometres northwest of Malindi. It's a unique site for captivating photography and guided tours.

8. Malindi Beach

Malindi's picturesque coastline is easily accessible from the town centre. Here, visitors can indulge in various beach activities, including swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and beachcombing.

9. Watamu Beach and Marine National Park

A short drive south of Malindi, Watamu Beach is celebrated for its coral reefs. Activities like snorkelling, diving, and beachcombing are popular here.

10. Bio-Ken Snake Farm

Found in nearby Watamu, this snake farm provides an educational and thrilling experience. Visitors can learn about the diverse snake species of the region, and their conservation, and even witness liv (Read More)e snake-handling demonstrations.

11. Malindi Market

Visit the local markets, like the Maasai Market in Malindi, to shop for authentic Kenyan crafts, jewellery, and souvenirs. Bargaining is common, so be prepared to haggle.

12. Boat Tours

You can book boat tours from Malindi to explore the coastline, visit marine reserves, and go deep-sea fishing. This is a great way to enjoy the Indian Ocean.

13. Gede Museum

Adjacent to the Gede Ruins, this small museum provides additional insights into the archaeological findings and history of the region.

14. Snorkeling and Diving

Malindi offers numerous opportunities for underwater exploration. You can arrange snorkelling and diving trips to discover the vibrant marine life and coral reefs.

15. Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a romantic or leisurely sunset cruise along the coast of Malindi. These tours often include dinner and live entertainment.

16. Marine Activities

In addition to snorkelling and diving, you can indulge in various water sports, including kite surfing and windsurfing.

17. Traditional Dhow Sailing

Take a ride on a traditional dhow (sailboat) to experience the coastal lifestyle and enjoy beautiful sunsets at sea.

Must Know Before You Travel to Malindi

  • Local Transport: In Malindi, you've got various local transport options – tuk-tuks, matatus (shared minivans), and motorcycle taxis – perfect for short trips around town. Prices can be bargained for. You'll also find regular taxis, which are the safest and most comfortable, especially at night.
  • Mobile Networks: There are three Kenyan network providers in Malindi: Safaricom, Airtel, and Telkom. They offer Internet bundles and SIM cards, but you'll need your passport for registration. The main Airtel store is along Lamu Road.
  • No Ferries: Malindi does not have regular ferry services. Local transport mainly includes road travel.
  • Ticket Purchase: For most local buses and transportation options, buying tickets at the station is common, and it's usually more cost-effective than online booking.
  • Beach Water: Be aware that water in Malindi can sometimes be murky as a result of the Sabaki River.
  • Opt for Watamu Beaches: If given a choice, opt for Watamu beaches over Malindi's beaches, which is just 25 kilometres to the south.
  • Tourist Preferences: In Malindi, the majority of the dishes are tailored to suit the tastes of Italian and British tourists, who make up a significant portion of visitors.

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Shopping in Malindi

Malindi boasts two main markets: the Old Market, locally known as Soko la Zamani, is a vibrant place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables each morning. The New Market is ideal for shopping for clothing, electronics, and various retail items. It also serves as a bus terminal for transportation to different regions.

Malindi offers a unique shopping experience, especially in its Barani and Shela neighbourhoods. Here, you can explore a variety of shops with distinctive offerings.
  • Kilimanjaro Spice Shop: Known for its exotic spices and herbs, this shop adds flavorful twists to your culinary experiences.
  • Bawaly Halwa: Discover a Malindi favourite at this renowned halwa shop, where you can savour delicious almond halwa, a sought-after treat.
  • Sarto Moderno: If you're into fashion, this clothing store is a must-visit, offering stylish and contemporary attire.
Explore the diverse shops and markets, and don't forget to purchase unique Kenyan souvenirs, such as handwoven bags made from recycled plastic, African brass jewellery, traditional Calabash bowls, and colourful Kanga or Kitenge apparel. You'll find items like Kikapu baskets, Kikoys, and Kangas for various uses.

In addition to these, shop for items such as coconut hats, Tingatinga paintings, Tusker beer T-shirts, African masks, beaded accessories, soapstone or wooden carvings, and a wide range of books. Enjoy the delightful taste of Kenyan tea and coffee, and don't forget to try the famous almond halwa from Bawaly’s Halwa, an exceptional Malindi treat.

Nightlife in Malindi

Malindi's nightlife offers a unique mix of coastal charm and lively entertainment. You can enjoy various popular spots to relax after sunset. Club 28, Pata Pata Beach Club, UK Lounge, and Fermento Disco Bar are known for their lively atmospheres. Stardust Beach Hotel & Club offers a beachfront experience, and Billabong Club is another exciting option. Here, you'll find diverse music, from local African tunes to international hits, and a chance to dance by the Indian Ocean.

History of Malindi

Malindi's history dates back to the 13th century as a Swahili settlement and later became a vital trading port, attracting Arab and Persian merchants for commerce in ivory, spices, and local goods. In the late 15th century, it fell under Portuguese influence and played a role in their explorations along the East African coast, notably as a stop for Vasco da Gama in 1498. The 17th century saw the Portuguese lose control of the Sultanate of Oman, resulting in Malindi's decline. British colonial rule followed, and it eventually became a part of independent Kenya. Today, Malindi is known for its cultural diversity, beautiful beaches, and appeal to visitors from around the world.

Travel Tips for Malindi

  • Traffic Tip: Malindi Town gets quite congested with traffic, making shopping a bit of a hassle. If you want a more relaxed shopping experience, head over to Watamu. There's a tourist market near the pier.
  • Travel Safety Note: If you're planning a trip to Lamu, it's better to fly there rather than take a bus from Malindi for safety reasons.
  • Local Laws and Culture: Smoking in public areas might be frowned upon, and visitors should dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Tap Water: The tap water in Malindi is generally not potable. It's best to stick to bottled water.
  • Safety at Night: Don't go to the beach alone at night and avoid deserted beaches. Also, avoid driving at night.

Best Time to Visit Malindi

How to Reach Malindi

How to Reach Overview

Malindi is easily accessible from major cities in Kenya. If you're coming from Nairobi, the capital city, you can opt for a direct 1.5-hour flight or embark on an 8-9 hour road trip covering a distance of approximately 500 kilometres. Travelers arriving from Mombasa can take a short 2-3 hour drive, spanning 120 kilometres, to reach Malindi. Moreover, there are reliable bus connections offering convenient and cost-effective transportation options to and from Malindi.

How to reach Malindi by flight

Malindi has an airport, Malindi Airport (MYD), which serves domestic flights. From Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), a direct flight to Malindi takes approximately 1 and a half hours and a one-way trip would cost around $50 to $150 per person. You can also arrive via Moi International Airport in Mombasa (MBA) and take a domestic flight to Malindi, which takes around 30 minutes.

The airport is approximately 3 kilometres away from the town, and travellers can easily take a taxi or arrange for a transfer to reach their destination.

Jambojet provides regular flights to Malindi Airport from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
EaseMyTrip has regular flights scheduled from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Malindi.

How to reach Malindi by road

Malindi is accessible by road from different parts of Kenya. From Nairobi, the capital city, it takes approximately 8-9 hours to reach Malindi by road, covering a distance of around 500 kilometres.

From Mombasa, it is just a 2-3 hour drive to cover a distance of 120 kilometres and reach the park Visitors can choose to drive their vehicles or hire a private taxi.

How to reach Malindi by train

The nearest major railway station is in Mombasa, where you'd need to continue your journey to Malindi by road.

How to reach Malindi by bus

Malindi enjoys regular intercity bus connections to major cities like Mombasa and Nairobi. Reputable bus operators, including Modern Coast, Dreamliner, Buscar EA, Mash Poa, Tahmeed, and more, provide convenient and reliable transportation to and from Malindi.

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