Swahili Architecture, Both were the first Marine Parks Established in Kenya
USD from 100 to USD 325 Per Person Sharing Per Night
Outstanding Beaches, Delicious Seafood
Jun - Oct
May - Oct
Location: Located along Kenya’s east coast Malindi is 65 miles north of Mombasa, with the coastal haven of Watamu nestled in between the two.
Size: Malindi is 242 square miles while Watamu is around 90 square miles
History: Malindi was once a thriving trading post thanks to the exploration and landing of Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama. When the trading posts were moved to Mombasa in the late 16th century. The town saw a decline in stature in the late 1800s, when Sultan Majid of Zanzibar conquered Malindi. It then served as a hub for the slave trade until the end of the 19th century, when under then British Rule, slavery was abolished. Nearby Watamu is the site of the Gedes Ruins, an exemplary example of early Swahili architecture and a once-thriving community.
Entrance Fees & Permits: N/A
Hours of Operation: N/A
By Road: 70 miles by road, Malindi lies north of Mombasa with the drive an easy two and a half hours. For visitors looking to spend some time on Watamu beach, the drive from Mombasa is around 61 miles, the idyllic location situated just south of Malindi.
By Air: A flight from Kenya’s capital, Nairobi to Malindi is 264 miles, flying time of around one hour. The small town and amazing beaches of Watamu are located a 9 mile drive south of Malindi, so visitors would still fly into Malindi Airport then transfer by road.
By Train: Discover Kenya’s stunning landscapes on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), spanning 472 kilometers (293 miles) from Nairobi to Mombasa in around 6 hours. Enjoy diverse scenery while journeying to coastal gems of Malindi and Watamu. Mombasa SGR is Located a distance of 18.7 km from Malindi and one has to get to Malindi with a transfer from Mombasa SGR.
Weather & Climate: May to October present the best months to spend time in Malindi and Watamu. The weather is in the high 80s and simply inviting. In August, the coolest month, the temperature only drops to around 80F. Take advantage of wonderful and dry winter weather.
Avoiding Crowds: If visitors travel around late October or early May, they will be able to avoid the crowds that can be found on the beaches of Malindi and Watamu.
Value for Money: There are a variety of accommodation options and with close proximity to Mombasa and some of Kenya’s key safari destinations, spending time in Malindi is definitely value for money. Enjoy a beach-break on the white sands of Watamu and enjoy the proximity to Mombasa as well as the accommodations on offer near Malindi. An idyllic beach escape that costs a lot less than staying on a private island.
Popular Marine Life Sightings : Look out for the fascinating parrot fish and admire cute starfish and quirky crabs when snorkeling or diving off Malindi’s coast. When you spend time in the Watamu Marine National Park, keep an eye out for the variety of turtles that call Watamu home.
The Aquatic Landscape: Coral life is wonderful in the waters surrounding Malindi. Discover the stoney Turbinaria coral or the finger-like morphology of the Porites coral. The ocean floor is alive with a vibrant underwater landscape. The underwater landscape of Watamu is a breathtaking sight of color and topographical charm with vibrant coral in pristine water.
White sandy beaches and an ocean full of water activities from kayaking to scuba diving and snorkeling will keep those looking for adventure, entertained. Consider visiting nearby sites such as the Gedes Ruins or spend time at the Turtle Watch.
From bed and breakfasts to quaint boutique guest houses and classic beach resorts, Malindi is a coastal escape offering accommodation at various levels and sizes. Visitors to Watamu will stay in or around nearby Malindi
Malindi Lodging: Options range from humble bed and breakfasts to guest houses and resort-style accommodation. Something to suit every visitor.
| Lodge or Hotel | Distance to Mombasa |
| The Kasa Malindi | 73 Miles from Mombasa |
| Sandies Tropical Village | 75 Miles from Mombasa |
| Diamond Dream of Africa | 74 Miles from Mombasa |
| Billionaire Resort and Retreat | 74 Miles from Mombasa |
| Sandies Malindi dream garden | 74 Miles from Mombasa |
| Ocean Beach Resort & Spa Malindi | 74 Miles from Mombasa |
| Turtle Bay Beach Club – Watamu | 74 Miles from Mombasa |
| Kilili Baharini Resort | 74 Miles from Mombasa |
Watamu Beach: Discover the palm-tree lined beaches at Watamu, pristine white sandy beaches lie 14 miles south of Malindi, a wonderful excursion from Malindi.
Gedes Ruins: Visit the ruins at Gedes, a preserved historical Swahili town, architectural wonder and national monument. The ruins are fascinating and open visitors up to a wonder of intriguing cultural significance.
The best time to visit Malindi and Watamu is between July and October. The temperatures are around 80 F and the dry weather is perfect to enjoy the pleasures of time on the beach and in the warm Indian Ocean waters.
Accommodation costs range from USD100 to USD325 per person sharing per night.
It is best to fly into Mombasa then do the 70 mile drive to Malindi or stop off beforehand at Watamu Beach, located around 9 miles south of Malindi.
Malindi offers an incredible beach experience offering white sandy beaches, incredible seafood and prime examples of authentic Swahili architecture. Being able to travel a short distance to experience the uncluttered and pristine beach haven of Watamu is a treat.
A variety of fish live among pristine coral beds in the waters just off the Malindi coast, with jellyfish, parrot fish and sea cucumber popular sightings.
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It is advisable to pre book your stay in Malindi as it is a great option to combine with a Kenyan safari and space may be limited.
Visitors should either fly or drive into Mombasa and then transfer by road north to Malindi. Spending time at hotels and resorts in the area with set excursions is the best way to experience Malindi. Driving to Watamu Beach for the day makes for a great outing and escape.
Silver Rock and Leopard Rock are wonderful examples of comfortable yet luxurious stays in Malindi. The Lion’s Luxury Eco-Lodge is a high-end experience offering comfort and luxury on Kenya’s east coast.
Malindi Bay and Osteria Beach are two examples of laid back yet quality restaurant experiences in Malindi.
Gedes Ruins: Take time to wander the Gedes Ruins and learn about the archeological and historical significance of this site, located close to Malindi.
Thailand is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit generally falls between November and March, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds or get better deals, the shoulder seasons (April to June and September to October) are also great times to visit.
Thailand is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit generally falls between November and March, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds or get better deals, the shoulder seasons (April to June and September to October) are also great times to visit.
Thailand is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit generally falls between November and March, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds or get better deals, the shoulder seasons (April to June and September to October) are also great times to visit.
