Things to do in Malindi
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KWS Office
Most people visit the marine park on a snorkelling or glass-bottomed boat trip, which can be arranged at the KWS office on the coast road south of town. Boats only go out at low tide, so it's a good idea to call in advance to check times. The going rate is around KSh3500 per boat (five to ten people) for a two-hour trip, and masks and snorkels are provided. Alternatively, you can take a tour with any of the agencies in town.
The use of fins (flippers) is discouraged as there has been lots of damage caused by inexperienced snorkellers. Walking atop the reef at low tide also does irreparable damage and should be avoided. The KWS compound sits on a lovely stretch of beach an…
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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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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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Kingfisher
As you might expect with all the Hemingway allusions, deep-sea fishing is popular in Malindi. Kingfisher is one of the best places on the coast to find a cheap, private deep-sea fishing charter. It has a large fleet of boats that can be rented for a 'short day' of around six hours (up to four anglers). You can also ask around the boatyard for cheaper local crews. Tag and release is recommended in all cases.
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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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Old Man and the Sea
Definitely the daddy of Malindi's restaurants, this old Moorish house on the seafront really has no competition in its class. The food's superb, service is attentive, you can get decent wine by the glass and the guestbook is effusive and entertaining reading - apparently Tupac Shakur returned from the grave to eat here. A 16% VAT charge is added to the bill.
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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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Blue Fin
With the marine park just offshore from Malindi, scuba diving is a popular activity, although the visibility is greatly reduced by silt between March and June. All the big hotels have dive centres, usually run in conjunction with local companies. One of the main operators is Blue Fin. It operates out of several resorts in Malindi.
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Malindi Handicrafts Cooperative
A good place to buy handicrafts is this community project on the outskirts of Malindi. It employs numerous local artisans, and the woodcarvings are of a high quality. To get there, turn off the main road to Mombasa near the BP petrol station; the centre is 2km along a dirt road, opposite the community clinic.
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Surahi Restaurant
What, no spaghetti? Break the habit with an Indian meal at this big restaurant, which has a variable menu and a particularly good range of naan and paratha (Indian flatbread). It's down a long, bumpy dirt track off Lamu Rd, and sadly seems to go to pieces slightly outside high season.
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Aqua Ventures
With the marine park just offshore from Malindi, scuba diving is a popular activity, although the visibility is greatly reduced by silt between March and June. All the big hotels have dive centres, usually run in conjunction with local companies. One of the main operators is Aqua Ventures.
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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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Fermento Piano Bar
'For those of the night' - Fermento has the town's hippest dance floor, apparently once frequented by Naomi Campbell. It's young, trendy and Italian, so wear your showiest outfit. Morgan's Bar, part of Fermento, is a ritzy cocktail joint with a very well-tended bar.
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Malindi Sea Fishing Club
A popular hang-out for the deep-sea fishing crowd. The walls feature some huge stuffed sharks and billfish in dramatic poses. The seafood is excellent. It's a great place for a sundown beer, but it closes early and you have to pay a temporary membership fee.
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Tusker Safaris
Numerous safari companies operate from Malindi to Tsavo East National Park, entering the park via the Sala Gate. Trips to the Malindi Marine National Park are also a standard option. Tusker Safaris can also organise transport to the Marafa Depression.
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Karen Blixen Restaurant
A fine (wait for it…) Italian terrace restaurant hinting at Art Deco style. The menu has all the usual and an added dose of Chinese, seafood and grill dishes, plus crocodile and warthog (!). It's also good for a morning cappuccino.
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Souvenir Shops
There are numerous posh souvenir shops and a curio market along Uhuru Rd and Mama Ngina Rd near the old town. Avoid the shell vendors around Uhuru Park - the shells on sale here are mostly plundered from the national park.
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New Palm Garden Restaurant
Many tourist bars on Lamu Rd can seem like they're just glorified pick-up joints for prostitutes; New Palm Garden Restaurant could be put in this category, though things may lighten up a little out of season.
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Lorenzo's
In the network of streets behind Lamu Rd is the very upmarket Italian restaurant, Lorenzo's. It is open in high season only, and serves set meals. Lorenzo's is part of the private Mwembe Resort, off Lamu Rd.
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Beer Garden PK
Many tourist bars on Lamu Rd can seem like they're just glorified pick-up joints for prostitutes; Beer Garden PK could be put in this category, though things may lighten up a little out of season.
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Baby Marrow
Everything about this place is quirkily stylish, from the thatched veranda and the plant-horse to the Italian-based menu and the tasty seafood. We're hoping the 'titramisu' is a misprint though.
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Bar Bar
A perennially popular high-season courtyard bar, restaurant and ice-cream parlour with nonstop Italian cable TV in the background. For a snack lunch, the panini and foccacia are recommended.
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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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Allamanda Safaris
Numerous safari companies operate from Malindi to Tsavo East National Park, entering the park via the Sala Gate. Trips to the Malindi Marine National Park are also a standard option.
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