The city of Malindi is probably the oldest city in Kenya, with a history spanning two millennia. Early documents place the city’s founding at the beginning of the first century. Its original site was Mambrui, at the mouth of the Sabaki River. The meaning of the name “Malindi” is unclear. Some say the name is Swahili for Mali Ndi, meaning a lot of wealth. Others claim that Malindi means ‘holes’ referring to the caves found along the coast. The town was also affectionately called Malindi Mtama, after the sorghum that was produced in large quantities.

Initially it was a port of call for travelers sailing along the coast. It later became an independent Islamic town, serving as a center for the Muslim community on the Kenyan coast. The Portuguese took it over in the 16th century and ruled it for 200 years until they were overthrown by the Sultan of Oman and Zanzibar. In the 19th century, however, it fell into the hands of the British.