Malindi a tropical town situated on a stretch of idyllic beaches with intriguing hideaways on the north coast of Kenya.
Malindi offers a wonderful mix of new and old - all along the palm fringed beaches are luxurious resorts ready to pamper to your every need. But not more than 20 Kms away are the Gede Ruins which was a town founded in the 12th century, which was prosperous and flourished unitl the 17th century when it became abandoned. Surrounding these ruins is the Arabuko - Sokoke Forest, which is the largest remaining coastal forest in Africa.
Then on the seafront road near the jetty is the Vasco Da Gama Pillar, which is one of the oldest remaining monuments in Africa to this Portuguese explorer. It was built in 1498 by Vasco Da Gama as a sign of appreciation for the welcome that he had received from the Sultan of Malindi. The cross on the pillar is the original cross and is made of Lisbon limestone.
Close to this is East Africa’s oldest christian church, a small Portuguese chapel of St Francis Xavier, built in 1542, and surrounded by a small but very old cemetery.
Malindi Museum on the sea promenade near the jetty has some interesting exhibitions on the history of Malindi. There is also a modern day town centre, where you can find craft shops, restaurants, bars and a night club. Malindi and Watamu Marine Parks were established in 1968; were the first of their kind in Africa. The marine parks teem with diverse coral kingdoms and varied coloured fish species like Angel, Butterfly, Surgeon and Trigger fishes. The marine department offers glass bottom rides for a fee for tourists to view the aquatic marvels. Boats can be hired privately for half day or full day excursions. You can also go scuba diving or snorkelling inside these colourful reserves.
Getting there
The Malindi Airport is situated 2.5km (1.5miles) out of town on the Mombasa Road which is lined with scenic coconut plantations. There are daily scheduled flights between Malindi and Mombasa as well as Nairobi and Lamu. The airport also serves private charters. There are taxis available from the airport to your accommodation.
By road - there is a good tar road from Mombasa to Malindi. Mombasa is approx 120 Km away.
What to do in Malindi
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Explore the old town of Gede ruins
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Tan on the beach or by the pool
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Swimming, diving and snorkelling in the Malindi Marine Reserve
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Windsurfing, boating, deep sea fishing and a wide array of water sports
The Experience
The main attraction of Malindi is its endless beautiful white sandy beaches and warm, blue tropical waters. The hotels all offer a wide range of watersports from windsurfing to paddle boating and snorkelling. You can head out and explore the historic sites of the town such as the Malindi Museum, situated on the seafront near the jetty, the building itself is typical 19th century building craftsmanship or go on an excursion to the nearby Gede Ruins.
Malindi Accommodation
Ocean Beach Resort and Spa - This beautiful resort is situated among the sandy dunes outside of Malindi. It has graceful old world charm and accommodation is offered in luxuriously appointed suites that overlook the tropical gardens and the Indian Ocean. Dine on sumptuous meals that focus on freshly caught seafood and be pampered with rejuvenating wellness treatments at the spa.
Diamonds Dream of Africa - with its exotic Indo-Arabic architecture and Swahili charm this all inclusive resort offers to satisfy your vacation needs. Here your dream of total relaxation can become a reality. This resort has two bars and restaurants, a gym to work off the excesses, a spa to be pampered and an evening animation programme, something for everyone.
Climate
Malindi has a warm tropical climate that is hot and humid throughout the year with temperatures seldom dropping below 20 °C and around 30°C maximum temperatures. The short rains are from October to November and the long rains between April and July.
