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Municipality in Kilifi County, Kenya
Photo: Xiaojun Deng, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Malindi and Watamu villages are known for their wonderful Indian Ocean beaches, which are among the best and most picturesque in Kenya.
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After being turned away from Mombasa, it was here where the explorer Vasco de Gama landed. The pillar stands at the point where he came ashore. There is an entrance fee to see the pillar.
The two-room museum features temporary exhibits including famous Malindi Coelacanth. It is housed in a two-storey building dating from 1891 also known as House of Columns.
Built by Vasco de Gama in 1498 during his first exploration trip to India, it is the oldest Portuguese sanctuary in East Africa.
Small zoo especially with birds and reptiles. Ambience a bit grubby but especially for children an interesting visit! With bar and restaurant ", but rather lower level. Birds of prey, owls, young crocodiles, monitor lizards, snakes, turtles and the famous bush baby, a primate species, can also be seen.
Watamu is not a city but a fishing village known for its scenic beaches (Jacaranda, Garoda, Turtle Bay). It has many pretty Italian style restaurants, but also local cuisine in two clubs. The beaches are of special beauty with many coves and rocks and which are also good for walks across the mudflats. It's a centre of tourism and safe to walk around even at night.
The Hanging Gardens of Malindi are the only orchid nursery in Kenya. Specializing in orchids and tillandsands (Spanish moss).
There are plenty of places to hire kit, join a group or get instruction in the beach hotels.
best place is near Jacaranda Beach Resort. Tours start by boat from Watamu Beach.
The huge, magnificent white beach north of the pier is perfect.
Anywhere north of the Eden Roc from May to October.
There's a school north of the town.
A beautiful bay with fine light sand runs parallel to the coast road reachable through either one of the hotel resorts or one of several narrow entrances between the resorts.
The small bay impresses with its turquoise blue water and snow-white sand.
A picturesque, fine sandy beach. Sometimes with strong winds and strong current
North of Malindi.
South of Malindi.
South of Malindi.
Reasonably priced pizzas, seafood and meat dishes. One of the longest running restaurants in Malindi.
Restaurant open daily, and has snack menu during the day. Popular curry lunch every Sunday overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Italian, seafood, Mediterranean.
Pizza, Italian, seafood.
Italian, seafood, Mediterranean.
African, seafood.
Seafood.
One of the most beautiful Malindi nightclubs. Very large and live music.
One of the best night clubs of Malindi.
Very nice place with African and European music managed by an Italian.
One of the best clubs in Watamu.
One of the best hotels in Malindi, with 3 swimming pools, 17 villas (where the rooms of the resort are) surrounded by a tropical garden of palms and bougainvillea, conference room, one reception, the Gold 55 Restaurant on the beach and a self catering villas area with 4-bedroom villas, kitchen, living room, 4 bathrooms, veranda and balcony (for sale and for rent).
Single/double rooms outside bathroom.
Fan single double rooms with private bathroom. Free breakfast. Free Wi-fi. Has a restaurant.
Clean fan single double rooms with own bathroom TV and free breakfast.
Single double rooms with own bathroom. Free Wi-Fi.
Single double rooms with own bathroom. Balcony, free Wi-Fi.
Since 1975, this budget hotel is run by a very friendly lady. The interior is old, but clean and very appropriate. Rooms have fans and (mostly) shower and toilet. Breakfast included.
Nice and quiet but a bit isolated.
Nice beach, good hotel with partly English-style food.
Very luxurious, one of the best in the area.
Good food, nice rooms with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean and panoramic views of the surrounding forest area.
Art hotel with few walls and lots of coloured glass and very special design. Absolutely worth to visit even only for viewing.
Many stores and a large supermarket.
Has a Mastercard ATM.
Has a no-fee Mastercard ATM.
Both banks' ATMs have a Ksh 399 fee for all overseas cards.
By bus
Malindi is connected by intercity coaches from Mombasa and Nairobi on a regular schedule.
Hire a tuk-tuk (three-wheeled taxi): most journeys cost Ksh 200 (shillings) or motorbike taxi at Ksh 100.
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Malindi · Regional · MYD
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