Malindi Travel Guide

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Malindi Travel Guide

Malindi town is set on the sparkling Indian Ocean.  A place of white sand beaches, coral reefs, Swahili architecture, antique shops, Italian influenced cuisine and fair weather. Malindi nurtures Malindi Marine Park, an exquisite nature preserve and a laid back atmosphered that pervades this gorgeous coastal town. Explore things to see and do in this popular Kenyan beach destination with my Malindi Travel Guide
 
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Malindi Travel Guide

Weather in Malindi

Malindi weather

Malindi Attractions

Dhow Trip 

Malindi Dhows are an ancient form of transport still used today. The pretty boats carved from mangrove trees traverse the shoreline.  Traditionally used by traders and fishermen, visitors to Malindi can now take a trip along the coast.  A great way to experience Malindi from the sea and the ultimate romantic sunset cruise.

Marafa Hell’s Kitchen 

A vastly under rated location in Kenya. This mini grand canyon is a series of incredible sandstone gorges and valleys carved from the rocks by wind and rain over millenia.  Steeped in myth, hotter than hades and an adventurers dream.  Take the kids to explore and your camera for shots for the ‘gram.

Vasco de Gama 

The Vasco da Gama Pillar so named for the Portuguese explorer that erected it in 1498. The pillar was meant to help him and other sailors get to India. A simple coral pillar with an iron stone cross, it’s a perfect spot to sit and relax with views of the water and ponder on the lives of men who crossed oceans to discover new lands.

Head to the Malindi Museum

The Malindi Museum is a treasure trove of historical delights.  If you are interested in local history then the Malindi museum gives you the opportunity to learn about the Mijikenda communities that still live along the Kenyan coast. Discover ancient traditions, cultural gods, burial totems and a collection of  of underwater archaeology.

Malindi Marine Park 

Malindi Marine Park was established in 1986. The park is spectacular in looks, diversity of habitats and the sea life that you find there. Reefs coral, sea grass, mangroves and mudflats hide tropical fish, mammals and seabirds.  The reef is close to shore but on the other side drops of sharply into the Barracuda Channel where you will find shark, whale, manta ray and other larger forms of ocean going life.

White sand beaches lined with palms front the reef which is exposed at low tide offering a giddying array of rock pools and hidden aquatic treasures. 

Malindi Marine Park offers diving, snorkeling, skiing, deep sea fishing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

 

Hotels in Malindi

Hotels in Malindi range from 5 star hotels, medium sized resorts, luxurious villages and sweet little cottages.  This is Kenya so the huge tourist resorts that will be familiar to beach goers from other parts of the world don’t exist here. Instead you will find cool villas or thatched houses in a resort with one or two restaurants and a pool or two at best.  Malindi has a handful of all inclusive resorts but generally the accommodation is as laid back as Malindi town itself. 

Most locals prefer to get a villa or cottage, many places come with staff including a cook, so its less self catering and more indulgent relaxation.   The closer to Malindi beach you get the more you will pay but in the summer months you may feel that the extra money for a sea breeze is worth it. If you are off the beach front then try to make sure you have access to a pool and ideally air conditioning.  It can be hellish hot and humid.  For cheap hotels in Malindi check out Airbnb for the best deals and keep an eye on this Malindi Travel Guide.

Travel to Malindi

Flights Nairobi to Malindi

Malindi, Kenya sits approximately 3 hours to the north of Mombasa, Kenya’s second largest city and closest international airport.   

Transport from Mombasa to Malindi town is best taken by taxi, cost should be between 60 – 90 dollars one way.  Don’t be tempted by the far cheaper tuk-tuks,  you will waste hours of your life bumping in slow motion towards your destination. 

Matatu’s also run between the town,  its a crowded, hot and sticky affair but vastly cheaper.  There are also a couple of bus services, check Kenyabus more information.

Direct flights to Malindi are frequently available from several Kenyan destinations. Flights from Nairobi to Malindi and vice versa run up to 6 times a day, take an hour and are pretty cheap. (Approx 70 USD one way).

Kenya Airways, Jambojet and Fly540 Malindi to Nairobi and return fly throughout the year. 

You may also fly into Mombasa, which is slightly cheaper and take the taxi on to Malindi town.

The SGR train runs a twice daily, very cheap, clean and comfortable service from Nairobi to Mombasa.

 

Helpful links for travel in Kenya

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