Location: Malindi
Top Things to do in Malindi
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What to do and see in Malindi, Coast Province: The Best Things to do
Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama stopped at Malindi on his way to India in 1498 and erected a pillar that remains overlooking the harbor, however precariously, to this day. Still popular with Europeans, Malindi is famed for coral reefs that lie just 1,000 feet off its shore, best seen at Malindi National Marine Park or nearby Watamu. Game fishing, surfing and simply relaxing on the beach are popular local pastimes. The narrow streets and market of Malindi's old town are worth a visit.
Restaurants in Malindi
1. Sawa Sawa Dhow Excursions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Sawa Sawa is an authentic East African Dhow based on the Kenyan Coast, moving between Che Shale Hotel, Malindi & Mida Creek, Watamu. It is spacious and has been carefully outfitted with comfortable seating, ample shade, storage for your bags, life jackets and snorkeling gear. On board we provide drinks and grilled seafood lunch (for the trips that include lunch). Snorkel at the Malindi Marine Park, set on a sunset cruise or explore the stunning Mayungu lagoon and sand bar.
2. Mamasavana
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
The african word Safari in Kiswahili language means "travel" or tour: Not only physical tour, but also a spiritual. For Mamasavana this is not a simply african tour towards the incontaminated nature, but a tour inside yourself, where the contact with the land of the great Mama Africa takes you back to your origins. Mamasavana wants to lead by hand whoever wants to embark on this experience in savanna, the real heart of Africa, with Kenya or Tanzania safari. We would like to narrate you more, but we know very well that certain emotions can not narrated, but only by living. Neither do we want to make you depart right away: the desire is probably already inside you. Safari Njema !!!
Reviewed By 692supratimg - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Spent 4 nights and 5 days with Mama Savana in African Safari. Visited Tarangire, Central and Northern Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater. All are unique with their nature and wild life. It was my best African safari ever. We saw all big fives and one African Civet in the day time very close to our car. Our driver cum guide Joseph is young and energetic. He has in depth knowledge about wildlife, birds and nature. We enjoyed every moment of it. Mama savana is a very professional company leaded by Alex. Thanks Mama Savana to make the safari memorable.
3. Ndoro Sculpture Garden Malindi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By P6699JWtracyn
Ndoro is a piece of heaven! A stunning garden with Zimbabwean Shona sculpture placed like hidden treasures. Carola is the perfect host. She knows her subject & we learned a lot. She is kind & thoughtful- offering drinks while showing her displays. The tour ended with a very affordable gift shop - jewelry, metal sculpture. But most of the Shona pieces are available to buy, too. Highly recommend scheduling an appointment to see this great spot in Malindi!! Tracy N., San Rafael, CA
4. Stage Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Adventure Park 12 km from Malindi, on a hill with an enchanting view. In the park the turrets with the Tibetan bridges and the various paths stand out, and a zipline of over 600 meters in total, with a breathtaking view. Guided bike tours are organized in the savannah passing through the villages up to the Galana river promontory. There is a restaurant / bar with a panoramic terrace.
5. Watamu Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 688 reviews
The coastal village of Watamu is known for its wonderful white sand beach. The region is protected as part of the Watamu National Marine Park.
Reviewed By SawaMA - Kigali, Rwanda
Watamu Beach especially near Fortamu is a paradise. Beautiful white sand beach where you can walk freely and enjoy the spectacular view. During high tides you can enjoy the water that is giving the sensation of a warm bathtub. I spent a wonderful week! Definitively a place to visit in Kenya.
6. Marafa-Hells Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 464 reviews
Reviewed By PilipiliNdogo - Nairobi, Kenya
Located just a few kilometers from Malindi town is this sandstone canyon Marafa depression. If you visit in the evening, the layer cake colors of the sandstone reveal hues of whites, pinks, oranges and deep crimson making the gorge so striking at sunset. There is a fable and a geological explanation of how it was formed, once you visit you’ll get to pick which one to believe. Excellent for a day trip when combined with other activities in Malindi.
7. Prawn Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By moniquel588
Ordered ahead and had wonderful prawn samosas, prawns and chips and cold wine! Excellent service. Perfect setting! Definitely worth finding!!!
8. Falconry of Kenya
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By Wakhoworld - Sydney, Australia
I thought this was going to be a really sad place; zoos in developing nations are usually poorly kept and cramped for the animals. However, I was very pleasantly surprised. The place had snakes, a giant tortoise and crocodiles; as well as birds, mostly hawks and owls. Although the cages were small they weren't cramped and the birds are allowed to "free fly". Our guide took us around and explained that this (private) zoo bred the birds and then released them into the wild. Some of the birds have been injured and can't be released back into the wild. A wonderful place and a MUST visit in Malindi. Why isn't this place in the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya?
9. Malindi Market
10. Vasco da Gama Pillar
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By mekuvuna - Nairobi, Kenya
A great place to visit in the morning (when the sun is not very hot). The guide explains the history of Portuguese exploration into East African and how the pillar came into existence. You can also opt to be taken to the church Vasco Da Gama built his church in and worshipped. The church is well kept complete with a cemetery right outside with tombstones of people long gone with histories. So surreal.
