Location: Malindi
Top Things to do in Malindi
Countries
What to do and see in Malindi, Kenya: The Best Places and Tips
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. Marafa-Hells Kitchen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By Martin_Wahogo - Nairobi, Kenya
This is Kenya's equivalent of the Grand Canyon. It is spectacular. It is known locally as Nyari, a Kigiriama word which means the place broken by itself.
Getting there is easy and there is convenient public transport from Malindi. The smaller Nissan matatus are better to use because they fill up faster. Make sure you leave before the last matatu leaves for Malindi in the evening. That should be at about 6pm.There is an entry fee and if you use a guide, you also need to pay them. Make sure you negotiate before hand. If you don't need a guide, make sure the cost has not been added to your receipt. There is no food inside the canyon so it is recommended that one takes lunch at the restaurants in the town.
The site is very beautiful and photogenic. It is best to walk down to the bottom of the canyon and walk around it. The sun rays shine differently on the rocks. One has to spend the whole day there to really appreciate the effect
I recommend it to everyone.
2. Watamu Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 521 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.
3. Mamasavana
Overall Ratings
5 based on 37 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 1rob1erto1 - Rome, Italy
Safari has been well balanced, with heterogeneous environments and different kind of lodge. Mamasavana has a very good fleet and organization, highly reliable.
Excellent Safari inside and outside parks, close to the nature, to the people and to the culture of the country.
Guides often speak different languages and have a great attitude to communicate, a lot of empathy and cheerfulness.
Better then expected.
4. Che Shale Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By Antoine S. T
We only went there for a swim and lunch. To me, it was the Robinson Crusoe experience: After crossing a few majestic sand dunes, you arrive at this marvellous place on the most beautiful sandy beach with African thatched roofs hanging overhead. We had a very interesting table hanging on some sort of a balcony overlooking the beach, where we basically sat on cushions laid-out the floor. We had their unique specialty: Deep-fried no-shell crabs.
The owner produces his own fresh no-shell crabs in bassins where crabs are watched constantly until they shed their shell. Very interesting! You eat the whole crab! No need to fight with the shell!
5. Falconry of Kenya
Overall Ratings
4 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By Peter K - Nairobi, Kenya
Off Lamu road, near the Moriema cottage is a beautiful destination for bird enthusiasts. The bird varieties I saw included Eagles, Owls, Hawks, Falcons and Pecker birds, and others. The all-wise Pauline, the owl and some that seem to perform a jive are a treat.
My adventurous friend, Jack opted to carry an eagle birds helped by a guide. He assured me it was an amazing experience. The talons were menacing to put me off!
The "teenage" 200 tortoise (must be from Seychelles) however looked less dangerous. It accepted bananas from excited visitors. I never feed an animal, it is wrong, even if it is to get my money's worth.
I got to my favourite animal, the python, at the snake chamber. I've never come to terms with green mambas and cobras. Python always seems to read my mind. I really respect this animal, especially when I nightmare about them trying to fit me into their expansible mouths.
The Falconry of Kenya is really a treat especially with the snakes and other reptiles (crocodiles, geckos, etc) as an added bonus to the birds.
Come in the afternoon when everything is lethargic and just lazy.
Locals pay about 200 bob. You can have a drink in the pub at the entrance, eat some well prepared matumbo (tripes - the first and second divisions of the stomach of a ruminant, especially oxen, sheep, or goats, used as food) or maini (liver) and ugali.
Do not miss this excursion on your trip to Malindi, just 30 or so minutes of your time, longer if you like it.
6. Sawa Sawa Dhow Excursions
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
Sawa Sawa is an authentic East African Dhow based in Malindi.It 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.
Reviewed By Tuamotus - Nice, France
We spend a wonderful day on the boat,first sailing slowly along the coast and putting some lines to fish ;then we enjoy snorkelling and diving in front of a marvellous beach of white sand.
During we play in the water the staff cooks delicious fish grilled,fresh bread,salads .
Great moment to have lunch on the shade in this beautiful place!
Sawa-Sawa is so comfortable and beautiful!
Hope coming back soon!!!:)
7. Portuguese Church
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By DinmeherBunshah - Mumbai, India
Our guide Gilbert took us here and told us about the tiny chapel, about St. Xavier. The Vasco Da Gama Pillar. Portuguese Church Museum and the Falconry all can be done within half a day.
8. Malindi Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By highlander666 - Larvik, Norway
A very large indoor market along the main shopping road in Malindi. Its almost opposite the 7 to 7 shop(buy your crisps and wine here).
Malindi market is owned by some very nice Indian people who are very hospitable. You will get a good price for your souvenirs and they are good quality.(most of them).
Dont buy from the beach sellers they are expensive. Its also a good place to buy your Safari clothing.
