Sights in Malindi
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A
Malindi Marine National Park
Immediately offshore from Malindi and extending south as far as Watamu, this important marine park covers 213 sq km and protects some impressive coral reefs, although the piles of seashells on sale in Malindi may make you wonder just how much that protection is worth.
Despite the extensive damage there is still some amazing marine life here, and there's always a chance you may see megafauna such as whale sharks and mako sharks. Note that underwater visibility is severely reduced by silt from the Galana River between March and June.
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B
Vasco da Gama Pillar
Malindi's most famous monument, although it isn't particularly impressive, is the bell-shaped Vasco da Gama Pillar , erected by the Portuguese explorer as a navigational aid in 1498. The coral pillar is topped by a cross made of Lisbon stone, which almost certainly dates from da Gama's time, and stands on the rocks at the northern end of Casuarina Beach. From the rocks there are good views along the coast. To get here, follow the signs from the alley beside Scorpio Villas.
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C
Malindi Crocodile Farm & Snake Park
This commercial crocodile farm is just off the main road leading to the marine park (offshore from Malindi), and the crocs obligingly engage in a feeding frenzy at 16:00 every Wednesday and Friday. Kids are more likely than adults to enjoy the spectacle without making the link between the smiling reptiles in the pens and the belts and wallets on sale in the foyer…
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Malindi Museum
The House of Columns contains the new Malindi museum, a fairly haphazard collection of pictures, objects and exhibits covering Malindi's past and present. So far it hasn't made the most of the space, but the poster displays on Vasco da Gama and Islam are interesting, there's a multilingual reference library and the curators will doubtless grow into their role.
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D
Portuguese Church
The tiny thatched Portuguese church is so called because Vasco da Gama is reputed to have erected it, and two of his crew are supposedly buried here. This may or may not be the case, but it's certainly true that St Francis Xavier visited on his way to India. The rest of the compound is taken up by the graves of Catholic missionaries.
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E
Jumaa Mosque and Palace
Opposite the boat jetty on the seafront is the town's principal mosque, and the remains of the ancient Jumaa Mosque and Palace. Within the compound is a large pillar tomb; non-Muslims are not allowed to enter, but you may be able to catch a glimpse when approaching from the north.
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F
Falconry
Malindi's falconry, near the town centre, has a number of caged birds of prey and a late-opening bar-restaurant. The displays can be dramatic, but the drab atmosphere's a bit depressing.
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G
House of Columns
One of a handful of traditional Swahili houses left in Malindi is the recently restored House of Columns.
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