Malindi Tourist Places to Visit in Malindi, Kenya, Africa

Malindi Tourist Places to Visit in Malindi, Kenya, Africa

Malindi is a beach town situated on the Indian Ocean coast line of the Eastern African country, Kenya, at 3°13′25″ S 40°7′48″ E. Lying at the gateway of Galana River, Malindi is situated about 120 km northeast of the city of Mombasa and 590 km northwest of the national capital, Nairobi. Malindi is the largest town of Kilifi County, holding tourism based economy, receiving thousands of overseas tourists for its excellent beaches, mainly Italians. Malindi has also gained prominence for its nearness with the two national parks, Watamu and Malindi Marine.

History of Malindi:

Malindi is noted as one of the major settlements of Swahili people, who has been inhabited the area since the 14th century. Malindi has a great link with the Portuguese as it was visited by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama on his way to the voyage to India, who constructed a coral pillar at that time that is still good in condition, gaining attention of both local and international tourists.

How to reach Malindi?

Malindi Airport is situated around 2 km away from the heart of the city and operates flights from and to Lamu, Nairobi and Mombasa. The Moi International Airport is situated around 70 miles away from Malindi with international flights from many African and European destinations.

By bus, Malindi is connected to all around the country, including the national capital, Nairobi and Mombasa.

Buses are the primary options to get around Malindi town.

Culture, Shopping and Food in Malindi:

As like many southern Kenyan cities and towns, Muslim covers the higher percentage of Malindi’s population and the Swahili architecture is also one of the highlights of Malindi.

Malindi is packed with full of upgraded food corners with large European and Kenyan menus. Shops are also densely sprawled.

Some popular restaurants in Malindi include:

Old Man and the Sea
La Rosada
KB Karen Blixen
White Elephant

Things to do in Malindi:

Agenzia turistica Angels Safaris & Tours
Exploring beaches
Visiting museums

Tourist Attractions in Malindi:

Vasco da Gama Pillar:

The Vasco da Gama Pillar is an iconic structure, constructed by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama on his way to the voyage of India at the end of the 15^th century. Without visiting this landmark pillar, the tour of Malindi never be completed.

Beaches in Malindi:

Beaches are one of the most important tourist attractions of Malindi, of which the most famous beaches are located at Watamu, around 20 km away from the heart of Malindi. There is also a marine park.

Malindi Museum Society:

The Malindi Museum Society is a cultural centre, open for visitors from 9.00am to 4.00pm. The museum houses some fine collection of booklets that are gettable at low prices. It is currently housed in the historic building ‘The House of Columns’.

Watamu Marine National Park:

The Watamu Marine National Park is situated around 25 km southwest of Malindi town centre. Established in 1968, the park is home to around 600 fish species and a total of 100 stony coral species. It is worth a visit.

Malindi Marine National Park:

The Malindi Marine National Park is considered as the Africa’s oldest marine park, known for the population of tropical fish, barracuda, dolphins and turtles. It is protected by the Malindi Marine National Reserve.

Other attractive places in Malindi include:

Watamu Beach
Marafa-Hells Kitchen
Mamasavana
Falconry of Kenya
Portuguese Church
Body and Spirit Fitness Centre

Ideal time to visit Malindi:

Since the beaches are the primary tourist attractions, the dry months January and February are the ideal months to travel Malindi.

Where to stay in Malindi?

There are dozens of hotels, exceeding hundred, with world class amenities like spa, sauna, lounge, bar, restaurant, fitness centre, tennis court, doctor on call service and arrangement of day tours and vehicles for local travel. The prominent tourist favor hotels in Malindi are given below: