Nickname: "Little Europe"

​

Malindi is a town on Malindi Bay at the mouth of the Galana River, lying on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. It is a beach resort popular with European visitors, especially Italian tourists. Thanks to its rich trading history, it too is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and also sports a split personality. Part historic old town, part modern tourist hub, Malindi is where travelers come to sun on the white sands of Watamu Beach, dive the coral reefs of the Malindi and Watamu Marine National Parks, and soak up a dose of Swahili history in the historic town, dating from the 12th century. Here tourists can visit the Jami Mosque, two pillar tombs from the 14th century, and the Church of St Francis Xavier, one of East Africa's oldest churches. On the promontory, the Vasco De Gama Cross is one of the oldest standing monuments in Africa. In the former home of an Indian trader, the Malindi Museum has displays on Vasco de Gama and also doubles as an information center. Another popular tourist attraction is the Falconry of Kenya, a rehabilitation center for sick and injured birds. About 30 km northeast of Malindi, the Marafa Depression, also called Hell's Kitchen or Nyari, is a set of sandstone gorges sculpted by the wind and rain.

​

The small town of Malindi is at the centre of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches offering the visitor a range of world class resorts and quiet relaxing hideaways. Further south, the sleepy village of Watamu is fronted by wide white beaches. This tranquil haven is home to several well established resorts, and many private guesthouses scattered through the forest along the deserted shore. At Watamu a Marine National Park has been established, an ideal day trip for divers and snorkellers alike. Northwest of Malindi is the spectacular Marafa Depression, locally known as Nyari and popularly known as Hell’s Kitchen. An extensive series of sandstone gorges and sheer gullies, this unique and otherworldly landscape has become part of local folklore. The thick jungles of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest reserve hide a world of wonders. In the cool of the forest winding paths will take you in search of rare endemic birds and mammals, and visiting herds of Elephant.

​

The forest holds another secret, the lost town of Gedi, a deserted trading Swahili town hidden deep in the forests, whose winding passages and crumbling walls tell of a long and mysterious past. Walk through the Forest, explore the mangroves by boat, dive on the reef or try your hand at big game fishing. At the North coast you have all these choices and more, with the space and freedom to relax, unwind, and soak up the atmosphere. The gateway to the North Coast is Mombasa, although some visitors fly directly to Malindi. The Coastal highway runs north of Mombasa all the way to Kenya’s northern frontier and driving as far as Malindi is very easy. If you prefer flying, Malindi airport has daily scheduled flights to Mombasa, Nairobi and Lamu. The airport also serves Private Charters. 

 

No matter your budget, contact us and we will help you decide on the destination of your choice and design an affordable and memorable safari experience that fulfills your safari desires, dreams and expectations. Contact us today and Unleash Your Spirit of Adventure with The Big Five Adventure Safaris!

​

KEY FEATURES

​

Location: Kilifi County, Coast Province, Kenya.

​

Distance:​

​

It is 120 kilometers northeast of Mombasa.

​

Birds:​

​

There are over 270 species of birds recorded in the forest including several rare and endemic species. The Clarke’s Weaver is only found in Arabuko-Sokoke and another area 30 kms further north of Arabuko - Sokoke in the whole world.

​

Wildlife:​

 

The Malindi area and the North Coast offer excellent opportunities for wildlife safaris. One of the best destinations for game viewing is the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. The forest has 40 recorded mammal species including African Elephant, African Buffalo, African Civet, Caracal, Syke’s Monkeys, Yellow Baboons and Lesser Galago (or bushbaby). Some of Kenya’s rarest mammals are found here, including the Golden-rumped Elephant-shrew, Sokoke Bushy-tailed Mongoose and Ader’s Duiker.

​

Marine Life:

​

Africa's first marine park and one of the world's last great natural marine reserves, Malindi Marine National Park and its sister water-world, Watamu Marine National Reserve offer protection to one of the world's most famous coral reefs. Glowing with coral gardens and teeming with vividly fantastic fish, the parks provide a haven for divers, and a window on to the wonders of the deep for snorkelers, swimmers and rock pool dabblers alike.

 

Activities:

 

Bird watching. Camping. Diving. Glass bottom boat rides. Scenic. Snorkeling. Sunbathing. Walking. Water skiing. Wind surfing. Game viewing. Photography.

 

When to go:

 

Malindi is accessible to tourists for most time of the year since the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the various activities it has to offer. You can visit the Malindi during summer and spring seasons as they are mild or you can choose to visit the Malindi during winter. However, the best time to spend a fulfilling holiday in Malindi is during the winter time. At this time of the year, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the various activities Malindi has to offer. During the winter time, you can enjoy the outdoor activities without getting dehydrated or feeling the pangs of heat.