Malindi

Description:

Historic Swahili-Italian coastal town on Kenya's north coast.

Best Time to Visit:

December-March & July-October

Extended Description:

Malindi is one of Kenya's oldest coastal towns, a Swahili trading port that welcomed Vasco da Gama in 1498 and later drew a large Italian community that shapes its restaurants and buzz today. It pairs genuine history - the Vasco da Gama Pillar, Portuguese Chapel, Gede Ruins - with a marine national park, hippo-filled Sabaki estuary, and the surreal red sandstone canyon of Marafa (Hell's Kitchen). Livelier and more urban than neighbouring Watamu.

Add Malindi to your Kenya itinerary

Plan this trip

We handle the logistics — flights, camps, game drives, and everything in between.

Start planning

Activities & Attractions with Prices:

Malindi Old Town Walking Tour

Walk the old town's markets, mosques, and Swahili streets learning the port's Arab and Portuguese history.

2-3 hours

$20-35 per person

Malindi Marine Park Boat and Snorkel Tour

Boat tour and snorkel over coral gardens, reef fish, and green turtles in Kenya's oldest marine park.

2-3 hours

$25-45 per person

Deep-sea Fishing Charter

Charter for marlin, sailfish, and tuna - Malindi has a long big-game fishing tradition.

Half/Full Day

$400-800 per boat

Sunset Dhow Cruise

Sail a traditional wooden dhow along the coast at sunset with drinks and Swahili hospitality.

2-3 hours

$40-70 per person

Marafa (Hell's Kitchen) Canyon Tour

Explore a surreal red-and-orange sandstone gorge carved by erosion - spectacular at sunset, ~30km from town.

Half/Full Day

$40-80 per person

Sabaki River Estuary Hippo and Bird Walk

Guided visit to the Sabaki estuary to spot hippos, flamingos, and abundant birdlife with local villagers.

Half Day

$25-50 per person

Reviews

Leave a review

Your feedback helps other travelers plan confidently.

Your name

Rating (1-5)

Testimonial

Trip title (optional)

Trip date (optional)

Reviews

No reviews yet.