Malindi is a popular tourist attraction destination, located 120 km Northeast of the town of Mombasa. There are a number of exciting things to do in Malindi. Starting from the historical ruins to the National Parks, Malindi has a lot to offer.
You can discover many new and interesting places in this beautiful city in Kenya. The city was established in the 14th century and was also served as a sanctuary to Vasco da Gama during 1498. The popular Vasco da Gama pillar and church was erected by the Portuguese explorer and is testimony to the fact of the friendship of the local people of Malindi with him.
Top 10 Things To Do In Malindi
There are lots of interesting things to do in Malindi and in this article we will discuss the best things to do in Malindi. You can do a lot of exploration in this friendly city and also check out these tourist attraction places.
1. Gedi Ruins
2. Kipepeo Market
3. Kipepeo Market
4. Takwa Ruins
5. Bio Ken Snake Park
6. Vasco Da Gama Pillar
7. Portuguese chapel
8. Malindi Marine National Park
9. Malindi Marine National Park
10. Mayungu Public Beach
1. Gedi Ruins
This is one of the most visited places in Kenya and of the country’s greatest mysteries. The Gedi Ruins are located deep inside the lush green forests of Arabuko-Sokoke and near the Indian Ocean basin. The ruins used to be a town, which was founded in some period of the 13th century. Though scientists and researchers didn’t find any hardcore evidence of settlement in the ruins, what fascinates them is the unusual development of this medieval town and the sudden desertion of it. The Gedi ruins is a site of great archeological interests and is a perfect destination to visit for the explorers in Malindi.
Location: Gede Watamu Road, Malindi, Kenya
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2. Kipepeo Market
Kipepeo is a market area in Malindi, which markets butterflies, moth pupae and other insects as well as honey and silk clothing prepared by the local community in Malindi. The insects and butterflies hatched here, are exported to many national parks in the country and around the world. The market sells nature-based, organic products derived from the Arabuko Sokoke forests and the Kipepeo Butterfly Project ensures that the insects are butterflies are bred, hatched and raised in their farms in a sustainable manner. You can visit the place to know more about the project and also purchase some organic items and goodies.
Location: Malindi, Kenya
3. The Falconry
The falconry in Malindi houses a large number of bird species and is a perfect spot for bird watching. Here, in the park, you will be able to see a large variety of bird species out in the open and observe them from a close range. Many species of birds dwell in this park including Eagles, Falcons, Owls and Pecker birds and if you are up for a little adventure, you can also get an Eagle perched on your arm, with the help of local guides. The park is also home to a 200-year-old, ancient tortoise, which you can feed bananas guided by the staff at the place. Also, there is a snake chamber, which houses a number of different snake species including Python, Cobra and Green Mamba.
Location: Off Lamu Road, Malindi, Kenya
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4. Takwa Ruins
These ruins are actually the remains of the 15th – 16th-century Swahili town, which also used to be a trading center until it was deserted in the 17th century. The remains are relatively well preserved and serves as a site of great archeological importance. Among other notable features of the ruin, the Friday Mosque church is quite prominent you will see the large pillar of the church remains atop a qibla wall. The locals believe that the pillars are a symbol of the burial of Sheikh under the walls.
Location: Manda Island, Malindi, Kenya
5. Bio Ken Snake Park
Bio-Ken Snake park is a nature park and a research center. This research center deals with reptiles specifically snakes and snake bites as well. The park is located only about a 5 minutes’ drive from Watamu. The Bio-Ken Snake Park is believed to hold the largest collection of snakes in entire East Africa. The park is open to the public and you can take a trip down to this place if you would like to see some slithering reptiles.
Location: Watamu, Malindi, Kenya
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6. Vasco Da Gama Pillar
This is a very interesting tourist attraction site in Malindi. The Vasco da Gama’s Pillar is visited by a lot of people and it is quite famous among the tourists not only because of the edifice erected but rather of what it symbolizes. The structure was erected by Vasco da Gama himself during 1498 and the column is made of coral stone and topped with a star made of Lisbon stone. The column was built to serve the purpose of a navigational aid and in the location of the pillar, you will get some of the nicest views of the Ocean.
Location: Malindi, Kenya
7. Portuguese chapel
The St Francis Xavier Chapel was erected by Vasco de Gama in 1498 and the Portuguese church is located near the seafront in the town of Malindi. The church is about 500 years old and is presumably the oldest church in East Africa. Vasco de Gama erected this church on his way to India and the church has undergone many little renovations work over the time by the locals.
Location: Silversand Road, Malindi, Kenya
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8. Malindi Marine National Park
Malindi Marine National Park is located right next to the Malindi Beach and is filled with many exquisite marine resources. In the National Park you can witness some prolific marine life including crabs, sea urchins, sea stars jellyfish and sea cucumbers etc. It also includes many fringing reefs, coral gardens inside the lagoons as well as mangroves, seagrass beds and mudflats. Marine mammals like turtles and shorebirds also dwell in this park. If you are looking for fun things to do in Malindi, you can also go for adventure activities like snorkeling and glass bottom boat rides here in the park. There are also opportunities for camping in Malindi Beach adjacent to the park.
Location: Casuarina Road, Malindi, Kenya
9. Arabuko Sokoke National Park
The Arabuko Sokoke National Park is located in the Kenyan coast. The national park is home to many different species of birds, butterflies, endemic birds, and many reptiles and mammals. The Arabuko Sokoke National Park is the largest dry coastal forest in the East African region and very popular among people for bird and butterfly watching. The park is managed by Kenya Wildlife Services while the forest is under the management of Kenya Forest Service.
Location: Mombasa-Malindi highway, Kenya
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10. Mayungu Public Beach
Mayungu Public Beach is one of the most scenic stretches of Kenyan coastline and is characterized by crystal clear waters with a cluster of huts and sunbeds scattered along the beach. Located just 8 km south of Malindi, Mayungu Beach is a perfect spot to relax and unwind. The beach faces quite a bit of tide action and during the low tides you can hike up to the banks of sands. You can also enjoy a nice bath in the water and take long walks along the picturesque stretch of crystalline white sands.
Location: Casuarina Road, Mayungu, Malindi, Kenya
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These are some of the best things to do in Malindi, Kenya. So, get packed, visit these place on your trip to Kenya and you will be surprised at how much this lovely city has to offer.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Malindi
What is Malindi known for?
Malindi is a town in Kenya. It is known for its unique architecture which is inspired from Swahilis. It is also famous for white sandy beaches and delicious seafood. There are many things to do in Malindi that will make you fall in love with this town.
How far is Mombasa to Malindi?
The aerial distance between Mombasa and Malindi is 66 miles. If you go by road, Malindi is located at a distance of 120 km from Mombasa. It takes almost an hour to reach Mombasa from Malindi.
Is Malindi safe for tourists?
Yes, Malindi is a safe place for tourists. All you need to do to stay safe is to stay at a good hotel and follow the rules.
How safe is Kenya?
Some parts of Kenya are very safe. Others might be a little dangerous but you need not worry. The places visited by tourists are usually safe.
How long is the drive from Mombasa to Malindi?
Mombasa is located at a distance of 120 km from Malindi. The drive from Mombasa to Malindi is almost around an hour.
What language is spoken in Malindi?
Swahili language is spoken in Malindi. However, the locals also speak English language. So, if you are visiting Malindi, you won’t have any language issue.
Is Malindi an island?
No, Malindi is not an island. It is a town located on the banks of Galana river in Kenya. It offers beautiful views and amazing tourist attractions.
What did Malindi trade?
Malindi used to trade agriculture related things like lemons, oranges, sugarcane, and more across the Indian ocean.
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