This blog post uncovers 10 of the best places to visit in Malindi. In case you are planning on visiting Malindi soon, worry not, we got you covered.
Malindi is a coastal town in Kilifi county that is located 115 kilometers North of Mombasa. It is one of the most visited urban areas in Coast.
In no particular order, here is a list of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Malindi. Have fun later on!
Mambrui Desert
Mambrui Desert is one of the best deserts to visit in Kenya. It is located approximately 50 minutes or 13 kilometers from Malindi town. Upon my first visit to this hidden gem, I was surprised to see white sand dunes. I thought such dunes existed in Dubai only.
Visiting Mambrui Desert is fun because you get to see unusual landscapes, unique flora and fauna and witness a magical experience when the sun rises over dunes.
On my tour to Mambrui Desert, I was able to capture several scenic photos. Upon showing my friends when I was back to Nairobi, they all thought it was Dubai.
Point to Note: Mambrui Desert is also known as the Little Dubai.
Vasco Da Gama Pillar
Visiting Vasco Da Gama Pillar is also on our list of the best things to do in Malindi. This historical site was built by Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese sailor and explorer in between the years 1498 and 1499. It is considered as one of the earliest monuments to be built along the East African Coast.
Vasco Da Gama Pillar is a scenic place to visit in Malindi because it faces the ocean front. Locals and non-locals always visit this spot to take photos and view a historical building that has survived harsh climatic conditions for more than 500 years.
Entrance to Vasco Da Gama Pillar is not free. Citizen and Resident adults have to part with KES 100 while Citizen and Resident children pay KES 50. On the other hand, non resident adults pay KES 500 while non resident children pay KES 250.
Point to Note: The entrance fee you pay at Vasco Da Gama Pillar grants you access to 3 other places. They include Malindi Museum, The House of Columns and The Portuguese Chapel. Amazing, right?
Mayungu Public Beach
A tour to Malindi is incomplete without visiting the beach. At the moment, Mayungu Public Beach is the best place to visit in Malindi. Other beaches worth consideration include Mambrui Beach, Malindi Marine Park Beach, Silversands Beach, and Bridge Beach
Mayungu Public Beach is the best beach in Malindi because it has soft and fine sand that is comfortable underfoot. The surrounding scenery made up of palm trees and dunes also makes this beach beautiful.
Another amazing thing about Mayungu Public Beach is that the waters on this part of the ocean are blue and support a variety of water-based activities including sailing, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, and snorkeling, and sailing.
In case you are planning on visiting Mayungu Public Beach, ensure you carry a towel, sunscreen, a floater and swimming costumes.
Gedi Ruins
Gedi Ruins also makes it to our list of the best places to visit in Malindi town. At the moment, this place is considered to be a UNESCO World heritage site. It is what remains of an ancient Swahili town that existed during the 1500s.
As of today, people visit the Gedi ruins because they are the perfect demonstration of what Swahili architecture and town planning looks like. The indigenous forest surrounding Gedi Ruins is home to several types of monkeys and it is normally used by the locals to perform rituals and sacrifices.
In case you are looking for interesting things to do in Malindi, visiting Gedi ruins should be on your bucket list. Below are tables that shows the entrance fees to this historical site.
Citizens and Residents
| Citizen – Kenya | Charges |
| Adult | KES 100 |
| Below 16 years | KES 50 |
| Residents – East Africa | Charges |
| Adult | KES 400 |
| Below 16 years | KES 200 |
Non-Residents
| Non-Residents | Charges |
| Adult | KES 500 |
| Below 16 years | KES 250 |
Experience Malindi Night Life at Fermento Disco Bar
Malindi town offers one of the best nightlife experiences in Coast Kenya. In case you like to party and have some fun, I highly recommend you to try out Fermento Disco Bar. Based on the latest Google rankings, this entertainment spot has a Google rating of 4.0 after more than 450 Google reviews.
Having been to this spot several times, I can assure you that partying at Fermento Disco Bar is the best thing you can do in Malindi at night because you will be able to meet and socialize with a vibrant, and inclusive crowd of people. Also, this night spot offers affordable alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Another good thing about Fermento Disco Bar is that they have themed nights giving visitors a different experience every night they visit.
Fermento Disco Bar is located along Lamu Road in Galana Building.
Check out the Top 10 Clubs in Malindi in case you are looking for more options.
Hell’s Kitchen
Hell’s Kitchen also known as Marafa Hell’s Kitchen is a popular tourist destination in Malindi. At the moment, it has a Google rating of 4.6 stars after more than 700 Google Reviews.
Hell’s Kitchen is tucked away from Malindi town, approximately a one hour’s drive. It is considered to be the Kenyan Grand Canyon.
Generally, Hell’s Kitchen is among the best places to visit in Malindi because it comprises of cliffs that are made up of different colors. The color on these cliffs represent the compounds that make them. For instance, Calcium makes up the white color while Iron and Sulphur make up the red and yellow color respectively.
Point to Note: Entry to the Hell’s Kitchen in KES 200
Buntwani Water Front Park Malindi
Touring Buntwani Water Front Park Malindi is also one of the best things to do in Malindi. At the time of writing this post, this hidden gem has a Google rating of 4.5 stars after more than 80 Google reviews. The park is located along 7km stretch on Malindi beach between Vasco da Gama pillar and Sabaki river.
Generally, Buntwani Water Front Park is an amazing place to relax and unwind. It has a great atmosphere and ample space or children to play and enjoy a variety of sports such as swinging, driving small cars and skating.
In case you are looking for a free, nice place to relax with a waterfront scene, Buntwani Water Front Park Malindi should be on your bucket list.
Point to Note: There are no entrance charges or fees to this spot.
Osteria Beach Bar & Restaurant
Osteria is an Italian Beach Bar & Restaurant that is located just of Casuarina Road. At the moment, this eatery has a Google Rating of 4.3 stars after more than 700 Google reviews. It is one of the best places to visit in Malindi in case you want to enjoy Italian food.
One of the best things about Osteria Beach Bar & Restaurant is that they have waiters who will treat you right. They are extra quick with their feet and hands. The average time it takes to be served at this joint is about 10 minutes. I highly recommend this joint for the best seafood, pasta and pizza.
Another good thing about Osteria Beach Bar & Restaurant is that they offer romantic services including a candle-lit dinner. Amazing, right?
In case you are looking for a Malindi Beach Restaurant that has lovely people, lovely food and has beds on the beach all day, you should consider visiting Osteria Beach Bar & Restaurant.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Malindi Marine National Park
If you like to swim and watch marine animals, snorkeling and scuba diving should also be in your bucket list. The best to experience all these activities is at Malindi Marine National Park (The oldest marine park in Kenya)
Malindi Marine National Park was first established in the year 1968 and it covers an area of 213 sq. Km. It is best known for activities such as sun-bathing, camping, diving, snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides, water skiing and wind surfing.
Malindi Marine National Park is also known for its aquatic life. It is home to marine animals such as sea urchins, sea stars, jellyfish, and sea cucumbers. The best time to visit this gem is during the dry or short-rainy seasons.
Below is a table that shows the entrance fee or charges to Malindi Marine National Park.
| Citizen – Kenya | Charges |
| Adult | KES 130 |
| Child | KES 125 |
| Residents – East Africa | Charges |
| Adult | KES 130 |
| Child | KES 125 |
Non-Residents
| Non-Residents | Charges |
| Adult | USD 17 |
| Below 16 years | USD 13 |
Sample Swahili Dishes
Swahili Dishes are known to be very authentic and tasty. There are several restaurants in Malindi that offer Swahili street food. Good examples are Simba dishes, Zarafa and Tsavo Road Restaurant.
Upon my visit to Simba dishes, I was able to sample some great Swahili delicacies including Pilau, Biryani, Samosa, Coconut Rice, Mshikaki and Maharagwe ya Nazi. All these meals were finger-licking and worth every coin that I used.
I highly recommend Simba Dishes restaurant if you are looking for a clean and affordable eatery where you can have a taste of Swahili dishes.