Welcome to the #1 Tourism Information Portal for the Town of Malindi Kenya

Malindi Kenya is the biggest town on the North Coast of the Kenyan Shoreline. Just about 120km North of Kenya’s port city of Mombasa. Once a stopover to the world’s greatest explorers like Vasco da Gama, Magellan, and Prince Henry the Navigator, it became a resting point and home to many Portuguese Settlers. The Most Scenic town with warm sandy beaches, High Sand dunes, and close to a vibrant River Ecosystem

Geography of Malindi Kenya

Malindi is a town located on Malindi Bay at the mouth of the Sabaki River, along the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya, located in Kilifi County. The population of Malindi Town is 123,965 [1], and it serves as the capital of the Malindi District. It is situated approximately 120 kilometers northeast of Mombasa and 490 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.

Tourism is the major industry in the area, and the city is particularly popular among Italian tourists. Malindi is well-connected with a domestic airport, Malindi International Airport(MYD), and a highway that links it to Mombasa.  Malindi town lies on the Indian Ocean and is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, coral reefs, and warm climate. The Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve, located just offshore, is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling. The nearby Sabaki River also flows into the Indian Ocean just south of Malindi, creating a large estuary that supports a rich ecosystem of plant and animal life. The town is surrounded by lush tropical forests and has a mix of sandy and rocky shores.

Map of Kenya showing the former Malindi District and urban area of Malindi town made up of Central, Barani and Shella locations (wards) | Pictorial by Doris Njomo

Overview of Malindi Kenya

In addition to its beautiful natural scenery and warm climate, Malindi has a rich history and culture. It was once an important trading port for Arab and Portuguese traders and is home to several historical landmarks, including the Vasco da Gama pillar, which marks the spot where the famous explorer landed in Malindi in 1498. The town also has a vibrant local market, where visitors can buy fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and handmade crafts. Malindi is also known for its Swahili culture and traditions, which are celebrated through music, dance, and festivals throughout the year. Overall, Malindi is a unique and fascinating destination for anyone interested in exploring the beauty and diversity of coastal Kenya.

Malindi is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy its beaches, water sports, and cultural attractions. The town has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as deep-sea fishing, kite surfing, and hiking in the nearby forests. Malindi is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars & clubs, and restaurants offering a lively atmosphere and delicious local cuisine. Overall, Malindi is a dynamic and diverse town with something to offer for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, nature, or just relaxing on the beach.

In addition to the attractions mentioned earlier, Malindi is also home to several historical and cultural landmarks that offer a glimpse into the town’s rich past. These include the Vasco da Gama Pillar, a stone column erected by the famous Portuguese explorer in 1498 to mark his arrival in Malindi; the Juma Mosque, a beautiful 15th-century mosque with a striking white facade and intricate carvings; and the Malindi Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits on the town’s history and culture. Malindi is also a gateway to nearby attractions such as the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, a vast coastal forest that is home to several rare and endangered species of plants and animals, and Watamu Marine National Park, a protected area known for its pristine coral reefs and abundant marine life and the Gedi Ruins (also known as Gede Ruins).

Administrative Boundaries

The defunct Malindi District is situated 120 kilometers northeast of Mombasa and is located between latitudes 2.2° and 4° south and longitudes 39° and 41° east. It covers a geographical area of 7,605 square kilometers with a total population of 384,643 [1].

1. Malindi Constituency

Malindi Constituency is an electoral constituency in Kilifi County, Kenya. It was one of the constituencies in the now-defunct Malindi District before Kenya’s administrative boundaries were restructured. As an electoral constituency, it represents the residents of the area in the Kenyan political system.

Malindi Constituency is named after the coastal town of Malindi, which is one of the major urban centers in the region. The constituency encompasses a diverse area with both urban and rural populations. The people living in this constituency are represented in the Kenyan Parliament by Amina Mnyazi, a Member of Parliament (MP) who is elected through a democratic voting process during general elections. Read more about Malindi Constituency

History of Malindi Kenya

Malindi is known over time as a friendly ancient coastal town, founded around the 1st Century AD. It is believed that the original site of Malindi town may have been Mambrui, a few kilometers north of the Sabaki River. It was known to Portuguese sailors and travellers as Malinde / Melinde. The present-day town is the second biggest town on the Kenyan Coast after Mombasa City.

Some people say that the name is derived from the Swahili word Mali Ndi, which means a lot of wealth. However, others claim that Malindi is Swahili meaning ‘holes’ referring to the numerous caves found along the coastline. There was a time the town was also popularly known as Malindi Mtama. This was because of the large amounts of Sorghum produced around Malindi. Mtama is Swahili for sorghum.

Administratively, Malindi Kenya was formally an independent town that had a huge population of Muslim residents. With time, the town came under the influence of different forces; Portuguese, Arabs, Chinese, and British. In the sixteenth Century, Malindi town came under the influence of the Portuguese.

Their interaction and influence lasted for over two centuries. Notable Portuguese visitors include Vasco Da Gama. Vasco Da Gama, a renowned Portuguese explorer came to the coastal town in the 15th Century while on a voyage to India. It is believed that this maiden journey created a base for other Portuguese. The Vasco da Gama pillar and the Chapel are a shred of evidence to date of the Portuguese interaction in Malindi.

The 17th Century saw a different power taking control over the town. Malindi was ruled by the Sultan of Oman and Zanzibar for another 200 years before the Scramble and Partition of Africa which saw the town alongside other parts of the country under British rule in the 19th century. Notable visitors to Malindi Kenya included the Chinese explorer Cheng Ho another notable visitor to Malindi having had a stopover during his fifth voyage. There is an existence of Chinese Chinaware found in Mambrui(the original Malindi) now a small town a few kilometers from the present-day Malindi town.

7 reasons why you should visit Malindi

Malindi is perhaps the best coastal town in Kenya, whether you come in as a resident or a tourist. It goes without saying that the town has so many incredible things to offer: sandy beaches, Swahili culture, beautiful scenery, you name it! The following are the top reasons why you should visit Malindi town:

1. It is home to the famous Vasco da Gama Pillar

It is with no doubt that Vasco da Gama Pillar is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the name Malindi Kenya. It was built in the year 1498 by a Portuguese explorer called Vasco da Gama, hence the name of the monument. The pillar is one of the oldest European monuments in Africa.

2. Swahili culture

Since it has been a Swahili settlement since the 14^th century, Malindi town is sure to provide you with a Swahili cultural experience, an experience that most people only hear of. The Swahili craft markets and carving centers in Malindi will give you plenty of things to choose from as a souvenir.

3. Clean sandy beaches

Not only are the beaches in Malindi Kenya sandy, but they are also clean and tidy. The beaches in Malindi Kenya have been well-maintained and a visit to the town will give you an opportunity to swim in crystal clear waters and bask in the sun without worrying about any carelessly disposed of litter. These beaches also offer sea activities such as boat riding, surfing, and snorkeling at affordable prices. Some of the beaches you can visit while in Malindi are Malindi Marine Park Beach, Silversands Beach, Malindi Beach also known as Buntwani or Golden Beach

4. Reliable Accommodation

Since Malindi Kenya is widely known for tourist attractions, investors have put in efforts to establish some of the best hotels you can ever find yourself in. These hotels offer cozy rooms, spas, dashing bars and restaurants, and many other services. Malindi offers a vast list of modern hotels to choose from. Here, you can always find a hotel that fits your budget!

5. Hospitable locals

The locals here are very welcoming and are always ready to offer a helping hand to anybody who may need it. You will hardly feel like an outsider even when you are visiting for the first time.

6. Sparkly nightlife

Your days in Melinde must not always end when the sun goes down. With its well-lit streets and many contemporary clubs and casinos to choose from, Malindi gives you a chance to experience vibrant nightlife with your friends and colleagues.

7. Great places to visit

You can never run short of beautiful places to visit while in the coastal town. Historical sites like the Ruins of Gedi and Malindi Museum are must-visit places in Malindi. Other breathtaking places to visit while in town are the Portuguese Chapel, Ndoro Sculpture Garden, and Malindi Marine National Park, and Watamu Marine National Park, among others. These places will leave you dazzled and yearning for more.

A holiday in Malindi can hardly go wrong!

Culture in Malindi

The Swahili culture has a big influence on the dressing of the natives. Women wearing buibuis and men putting on kanzu is an indicator of the presence of Islam within the town. Traditionally, women adorn Khangas as wrappers while men made shirts and trousers from them. Leather sandals for both men and women are the norm. They compliment well kanzu, buibui, or khanga attires.

Top things to do in Malindi

Being a coastal town, the first thing that tops everybody’s list of things to do in Malindi is going to the beach. Trust me, you can never get enough of Malindi Kenya beaches. Within both white pristine and golden beaches, you can swim, snorkel or just lie on the sand and bask in the warmth of the all-year-round tropical sun. Malindi is also proud to be the home of the oldest National Marine Park in Kenya, the Malindi Marine Park.

However, Malindi Kenya is more than just beaches and the ocean, and National Marine Parks. There are numerous attractions in this town by the Indian Ocean. These include Vasco da Gama Pillar, the Malindi Pier, the Portuguese Chapel, the House of Columns, Malindi Museum Complex, Falconry of Kenya, Ndoro Sculpture Garden, Prince Henry the Navigator Monument, Marafa Hell’s Kitchen,  Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Mida Creek & Boardwalk, Gede Ruins, Watamu National Marine Park, Robinson Island, Bio-Ken Snake Park, Malindi Crocodile Farm

Hotels in Malindi Kenya

There are many accommodation options in Malindi. These can range from 5-star Resorts, such as Ocean Beach Resort, to decent lodges where you can spend your night with amenities ensuite. One might ask which are the best hotels to stay in Malindi Kenya. This can highly depend on your budget but one can consider Hotel Villa Malindi, Villa Mela Hotel, and Leopard Point Luxury Beach Resort & Spa as they are on the list of popular accommodation options and hotels in Malindi Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Malindi Town

Q1. What is Malindi Town known for?
Answer: Malindi Town is known for its friendly people beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant Swahili culture. It is a popular tourist destination in Kenya, attracting visitors with its stunning coastline and historical landmarks.

Q2. How do I get to Malindi Town?
Answer: Malindi Town can be reached by air through the Malindi Airport, which is well-connected to Nairobi and other major Kenyan cities. Alternatively, you can take a bus or drive from Nairobi or Mombasa to reach Malindi.

Q3. What are the best beaches in Malindi Town?
Answer: Some of the best beaches in Malindi Town include Golden Beach popularly known as Bunthwani, Malindi Marine Park Beach, and Silversands Beach. These beaches offer white sands, clear waters, and opportunities for water sports and marine exploration.

Q4. Are there any historical sites to visit in Malindi Town?
Answer: Yes, Malindi Town has several historical sites worth visiting. The Gede Ruins, a Swahili village dating back to the 12th century, and the Vasco da Gama Pillar, a landmark erected by the Portuguese explorer, are among the notable historical attractions.

Q5. What activities can I enjoy in Malindi Town?
Answer: In Malindi Town, you can indulge in various activities such as snorkeling, diving, boat trips, and fishing. You can also visit the Malindi Marine Park for underwater exploration and enjoy nature walks in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Q6. Is Malindi Town safe for tourists?
Answer: Malindi Town is generally considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s essential to take usual precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and safeguarding personal belongings.

Q7. What is the local cuisine in Malindi Town?
Answer: The local cuisine in Malindi Town is heavily influenced by Swahili flavors. Fresh seafood, coconut-based dishes, and traditional Swahili spices are common in the region. Don’t miss trying dishes like pilau, biryani, and coconut rice.

Q8. Are there accommodation options in Malindi Town?
Answer: Yes, Malindi Town offers a wide range of accommodation options, including resorts, hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious beachfront stay or a budget-friendly option, there are choices to suit every traveler.

Q9. What is the best time to visit Malindi Town?
Answer: The best time to visit Malindi Town is during the dry season, which typically falls between January and March and August and December. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and you can enjoy outdoor activities without much rainfall.

Q10. Can I explore nearby attractions from Malindi Town?
Answer: Yes, from Malindi Town, you can explore nearby attractions like the Watamu Marine National Park, the Marafa Hell’s Kitchen Canyon, and the Tsavo East National Park, offering opportunities for safari adventures and nature excursions.