If you are planning to visit Malindi, we’ll take the guesswork out of the equation. Good thing about Malindi is that you can engage in so many free or low cost activities and enjoy every aspect of your vacation. Do visit Malindi during the off-season if you want to enjoy low prices and fewer crowds.
There’s so much to see and do you’ll want to stay a little longer. Choose any of the places we’ve mentioned below and you’ll have an amazing holiday.
Attend the cultural festival at the Malindi Museum
The Malindi Museum hosts the cultural festival every year, to show case the town’s multiculturalism. The festival usually occurs during the Easter holidays in late March/April. Make your way to the Malindi Museum situated just a few meters from the jetty and fish market. The museum has a library as well as a few exhibitions with beautiful photographs and objects that reflect the history of Malindi. The building was constructed in the 19th century and was once a hospital until Sir Richard Leakey handed it over to the government and it was converted to a museum in 1999.
Enjoy snorkeling at Malindi Marine Park
Malindi Marine Park is one of the top underworld destinations in East Africa for diving and snorkeling. The park is known for its clear water and diverse underwater life. The Marine Park is home to more than 600 fish species including sea turtles, loggerheads and hawksbill. The beautiful coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass give the park a breathtaking view. You may also enjoy deep sea fishing, windsurfing, kitesurfing or a picnic at the beachfront with your friends and family.
Visit the Vasco da Gama pillar
The Vasco da Gama pillar is one of the oldest and most iconic monuments in Malindi. It’s the place where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama sailed across the Indian Ocean on his way to India in 1498. The pillar is said to have been constructed by the explorer as a symbol of appreciation for the Sultan of Malindi.
Visit the Ruins of Gedi
10 miles South of Malindi, lies beautiful ancient ruins and the Arab-African town of Gedi. The town was once an abandoned city that was covered in tropical forest. This archeological site has lots of monkeys, a rich species of trees and birds. There’s even a museum on the site. Carry your camera because you’ll want to take lots of pictures in the amazing vegetation.