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Malindi town, located 120km north of Mombasa is one of the most popular tourist destinations along the East African coastline. Malindi has a 155km coastline that boasts idyllic beaches offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The extensive beaches are a paradise of sun and sand and are fringed with towering palm trees that sway tirelessly as if to portray the unending fun that abounds in the Kenyan coastal town.

Arab traders founded the town of Malindi in the 13th Century as their principal commercial centre along the Indian Ocean. At that time, fishing, agriculture, salt collection and hunting were the main economic activities. By the time Vasco da Gama arrived in Malindi in 1498, the town was already very wealthy and a kingdom in its own right. Arabs were the ruling class then, with Africans and a few Indians being the other residents. Due to the favorable monsoon winds, Malindi became the most important port town in East Africa. It was the base from which to reach other trade destinations in the Indian Ocean.

Malindi’s splendor was however overtaken by that of the neighbouring town of Mombasa in 1593 after the construction of the Portuguese Fort Jesus. Many traditional buildings survive in Malindi among them a mosque and a palace placed right on the beach that attracts numerous tourists.

Tourist attractions in Malindi mainly relate to the tropical water and beaches and the Watamu and Malindi Marine Park. These national parks were established in 1968 and are the first of their kind in Africa; offering an ideal day trip for divers and snorkellers alike. The coral gardens present in the Watamu and Marine parks abound in multi-coloured fishes that can be seen ducking in and out of the coral kingdoms.

The renowned Gede ruins, consisting of the remains of a small town that was abandoned in the 17th Century, are also a major tourist attraction. The ruins were declared a historic monument in 1927 and much excavation work was carried revealing the ancient town, pillar tombs, a palace and a great mosque.

Marafa depression, popularly known as Hell’s Kitchen, is a subject of many local myths in Malindi. This extensive area northwest of Malindi has a unique landscape consisting of huge gullies and sandstone valleys. It is also known as Nyari by the local community.

Malindi’s many hotels, restaurants and coffeehouses offer a wide range of local and international cuisine, making Malindi a gourmet’s haven. The population in Malindi consists of the local Swahili people and Italian investors. Together, the residents have made sure that Malindi remains one of the most welcoming and friendliest tourist destinations in the world. Over half of the Malindi population draw their livelihood directly or indirectly from tourism.

Weather at the East African Coast is generally hot and humid all the year round. In Malindi, the long rains fall from April to July, while October to November is the short rains season. Daily average temperatures range between 22 degrees and 30.5 degrees Celsius. For a tourist, the best time to go to Malindi is from December to April.

Getting to Malindi is quite easy both by road and air. Although some visitors fly directly to Malindi, the main gateway to the north coast is Mombasa. Malindi airport has daily scheduled flights to Mombasa, Nairobi and Lamu and it also serves Private Charters. There are regular buses and matatus along the North coast and most hotels and resorts in this area can arrange vehicle transfers.