Malindi is a city nestled on Malindi Bay about 120 km northeast of Mombasa on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. This vibrant historic Swahili town and also the capital of Malindi District has a population of 207,735 residents. (2003 estimate). Malindi, the second-largest city on the Kenyan Coast and delights several trendy boutiques and Shopping Centres, numerous restaurants, and a colourful outdoor market. It is famous for the Malindi Marine National Park and deep-sea fishing. Many of the beach resorts have a significant Italian influence.
Malindi holiday tours are exceptionally rewarding tours particular those who want to rewind after busy schedules. The calmness and friendliness of the locals are just part of what makes Malindi Kenya such an esteemed vacations spot.
The park is located 118 km north of Mombasa, near Malindi on Kenya’s north coast. The park headquarters are located 5km south of Malindi town at Casuarinas point.
Several expert tour guides are available to help you enjoy your tour to the marine parks. The choice is yours to make. Malindi Tour packages are common with snorkelling excursions. This is simply amazing. Visitors who might not be comfortable with snorkelling, you can always arrange to head out on a glass-bottomed boat to explore the spectacular coral gardens.
Malindi town has a very strong Italian influence, making it a hotspot for European travellers and locals seeking an “Out of Africa” experience.
Malindi town has a rich history, with the famous Gedi ruins, a model of ancient Arab territorial quarters only a few minutes drive away. One of the few remaining breeding sites for the endangered green turtle, Watamu, is also in the vicinity. A pillar built by the famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco Da Gama adds to the many must-see sites of Malindi. Malindi Museum is a building formerly of the Bohra community after a longer period of occupation by the Medical Department. Other attractions include;
– Coral reefs
– Lagoons
– White sandy beaches
– Turtle nesting sites
– The Juma Mosque
Tropical Village Hotel
Tropical Village Hotel is a fantastic all-inclusive holiday resort situated 15 minutes from Malindi Airport. It boasts tropical gardens, whitewash and thatch, Lamu furniture and a free-form swimming pool. The resort accommodates approximately up to 60 visitors in several double story buildings.
The Drift Wood Beach Club
Commissioned in 1963, The Driftwood Beach Club is a relaxing and very friendly hotel with stunning views on the Kenyan coast of Malindi overlooking the beautiful blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Like its name, the driftwood offers accommodation is in individual bandas.
White Elephant Sea Lodge
Elegance and stylish, this smaller lodge caters almost exclusively in every sense. It has 40 spacious rooms with Lamu furniture and air conditioning. Rooms do not have sea views.
Che-Shale Resort Hotel
Che-Sale Resort Hotel is perched at the Kenyan Coast right on the beach in a stretch of about 2 hours drive from Mombasa. This is a romantic and rustic accommodation is reached by 4 wheel drive or you can ride there from the Kibokoni Riding centre. It is set on a deserted beach, 20km north of Malindi, Che-Sale
Indian Ocean Lodge Malindi
This prestigious lodge in Malindi accommodates guests in sumptuous Arab-style houses. The lodge has four acres of private property and is built on a promontory overlooking the ocean. It prides an exclusive Kenya coastal atmosphere with exceptional privacy, comfort and relaxation with the serenity of a bygone era.
Domina Palm Tree Club
Domina Palm Tree Club is a first-class resort set in typical coastal style with a makuti roof. This large Italian resort lies right next to the Malindi Golf Course about 600m from the ocean; approximately 120km from Mombasa International Airport and 2km from the centre of Malindi Town. Its rooms are decorated with restored antiques to offer guests a unique, exotic and elegant ambience.
Open Daily 8:30-6:00 pm, including public holidays.
Entry: Entry is by cash paid at the park entrance in Kshs or US$.
Malindi has temperatures quite high, it is there paramount to pack along with light garments, sandals, shorts to wear on the beach, sunglasses, and sunscreen for your skin protection when the scorching heat of the sun gets to the extremes. The best time to visit Malindi for summer-holiday in August, and later in December and January.
Malindi can be reached by driving on the Mombasa-Malindi road. There is also Malindi Airport located on the western border of the town, about 10 minutes drive from the centre. The airport operates daily scheduled flights to Mombasa, Lamu Island and Nairobi. Available also are Private Charters. Visitors can also reach using the Broglio Space Port.
