6 Fun Places to Visit in Malindi

Here is a list of 6 Fun Places to Visit in Malindi organized by Zunguka Safaris.

Its time for you to go for a beach vacation and create unforgettable memories!

Malindi is one of the oldest towns in Kenya. It is famous because of it’s sandy beaches, the Vasco da Gama Pillar and proximity to nature reserves such as the Sabaki river estuary and the Arabuko Sokoke forest.

Every now and then, Zunguka Safaris organizes trips to this magical destination for unbelievable rates.

In case you are wondering what are some of the Things You Can do in Malindi for fun, we got you covered.

In no particular order, here is a list of 6 Fun Places to Visit in Malindi. Enjoy Yourself!

1. Vasco da Gama Pillar

Vasco da Gama Pillar is arguably one of the most popular Malindi Tourist Attractions. It is located about 2 Kilometres from Malindi Town along Silversand Road.

According to the most recent Google ratings, this gem has a Google rating of 4.3 stars after more than 1800 Google reviews.

Having been to this spot several times, I would say it is worth visiting because you get to understand the history of the Portuguese and the role they played in influencing this coastal town.

Asides from that, Vasco da Gama Pillar also offers a perfect backdrop to take memorable pictures. The pillar is built on a coral reef facing the Indian Ocean. In case you are looking for a cool and relaxing Place to visit in Malindi as you reflect back on life, this is the perfect spot.

Below is a table showing the entrance fees to Vasco da Gama Pillar.

The ticket purchased also guarantees you access to the Malindi Museum, The Portuguese Chapel, and The House of Columns

2. Mambrui Desert

The Mambrui Desert is another hidden gem to visit in Malindi. It is located about 29 Kilometres from Malindi town and it is the only desert in Kenya covered with white sand.

The dunes that cover Mambrui Desert resemble the ones in the Dubai Deserts. As a result of this, Mambrui Desert has been nicknamed as the ‘Little Dubai’

Some of the activities you can do here include building sand castles, taking pictures, picknicking and sunbathing during the morning hours before the sun gets hot.

The entry charges to the Mambrui Desert are KES 200. In case you would like a tour guide, you will have to pay an extra KES 500.

There is no better way to experience ‘Little Dubai’ than by visiting the Mambrui Desert.

3. Gedi Ruins

The Gedi Ruins is another popular tourist attraction that makes it to our list of the Best Places to Visit in Malindi.

It is located about 17 Kilometres from Malindi Town and has a Google rating of 4.5 stars after more than 1,300 Google reviews.

Asides from being a UNESCO Heritage site, Gedi Ruins is a good place to visit because it offers tourists the chance to see primates such as the Syke’s Monkeys and learn more about their behavior and how they impact the human population.

Visiting Gedi Ruins is also one of the Best Things to do in Malindi because tourists get an opportunity to learn more about the Swahili and Arab civilization that flourished during early 12th and 13th centuries.

With the help of one of our tour guides, tourists will be able to learn more about the rich Swahili and Arab architecture, and their cultural heritage.

Below are the charges or entrance fees to access Gedi Ruins.

4. Arabuko Sokoke National Park

The Arabuko Sokoke National Park is another hidden gem to visit in this coastal town.

It is located 29.4 Kilometres from Malindi town and has a Google rating of 4.3 Google stars after more than 650 Google reviews.

Having been to the Arabuko Sokoke National Park several times, I can gurantee you that this is the Best Place to Visit in Kilifi County where you will be able to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

Some of the animals you can expect to see while at Arabuko Sokoke National Park include;

• The African Elephant
• The African Buffalo
• The Caracal
• Lesser Galago
• Syke’s Monkey
• Sokoke Bushy-Tailed Mongoose
• Yellow Baboons

Arabuko Sokoke National Park is also home to more than 49 Reptiles, 25 Amphibians, and over 250 Bird Species.

Asides from viewing animals and bird-watching, other activities that can be done at Arabuko Sokoke National Park include;

• Picnicking
• Cycling
• Game-Viewing
• Running
• Cycling
• Butterfly Watching
• Forest Drives

Below is a table showing the Entrance Fees or Charges to Arabuko Sokoke National Park

5. Mayungu Public Beach

A visit to Malindi is incomplete without visiting the Mayungu Public Beach. This beach has a Google rating of 4.3 stars after several Google Reviews. At the moment, this is one of the best public beaches to enjoy a warm swim and sunbathe in Malindi.

Asides from swimmable waters, Mayungu Public Beach is among the Best Places to Visit in Malindi because it offers tourists an opportunity to engage in water sport activities such as diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling and playing beach volleyball.

To get the best beach experience at Mayungu, the best time to visit the beach is between 10:00 am when the tides are low and 3:00 pm when the tides start to rise.

Point to Note: Entry to Mayungu Public Beach is free!

6. Malindi Marine National Park

In case you have already visited the attractions mentioned above and are still wondering What to do in Malindi, visiting Malindi Marine National Park is another fun thing to do.

Some of the activities you can expect to engage in here include;

• Diving
• Water Skiing
• Reef Walking
• Wind – Surfing
• Glass – Bottom Rides
• Camping
• Bird Watching
• Island barbeques

During the Glass – Bottom Rides, you will be able to see animals such as the famous Humpback Dolphins, Shore Birds and Sea Turtles.

Other Fun Malindi Tourist Attractions

• Malindi Museum
• Takwa Ruins
• Mida Creek
• Marafa Hell’s Kitchen
• Bio Ken Snake Park

Zunguka Safaris Malindi Package (August Departure)

As mentioned earlier on, Zunguka Safaris organizes trips to Malindi every now and then.

Below are the inclusions and exclusions for our August 3 Days & 2 Nights Malindi excursion.

Charges

The Charges for the Zunguka Safaris Malindi Package (August Departure) is KES 20,000 Per Adult Sharing

Inclusions

• Return SGR Economy Tickets
• Return SGR Transfers from Miritini
• Accomodation in Villas (2 Pax Per Room)
• Meal on Half Board Basis
• Gedi Ruins Visit
• Mambrui Sand Dunes Visit
• Vasco da Gama Pillar Visit
• Beach Experience
• Unlimited Professional Photography

Exclusions

• Anything Not Mentioned Above

Zunguka Safaris Malindi Package Itinerary

This is an Itinerary for our 3 Days & 2 Nights Beach Vacation to Malindi.

Amusez-Vous! (Enjoy Yourself) 😊

Day 1: Culture & Coastline

• Morning: Visit the Vasco da Gama Pillar and the Portuguese Chapel – iconic historical
  sites with ocean views.
• Afternoon: Walk through Malindi town, grab Swahili lunch at a local spot like Old Man
  and the Sea or Baby Marrow.
• Evening: Relax at Silversands Beach or enjoy sunset views at the Malindi Pier.
  Day 2: Marine & Nature Exploration
• Morning: Go snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tour in Malindi Marine Park.
• Afternoon: Visit Falconry of Kenya (see birds of prey and hold an eagle!).
• Evening: Dine beachside at Osteria Beach Restaurant.
  Day 3: Day Trip & Local Art
• Morning: Half-day trip to the Gede Ruins – mysterious 13th-century Swahili town.
• Afternoon: Stop by Ndoro Sculpture Garden or shop for souvenirs at local craft markets.
• Evening: Chill and watch the stars at your hotel or catch a local beach bonfire (some
  resorts host them)

Day 2: Marine & Nature Exploration

• Morning: Go snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tour in Malindi Marine Park.
• Afternoon: Visit Falconry of Kenya (see birds of prey and hold an eagle!).
• Evening: Dine beachside at Osteria Beach Restaurant.
  Day 3: Day Trip & Local Art
• Morning: Half-day trip to the Gede Ruins – mysterious 13th-century Swahili town.
• Afternoon: Stop by Ndoro Sculpture Garden or shop for souvenirs at local craft markets.
• Evening: Chill and watch the stars at your hotel or catch a local beach bonfire (some
  resorts host them)

Day 3: Day Trip & Local Art

• Morning: Half-day trip to the Gede Ruins – mysterious 13th-century Swahili town.
• Afternoon: Stop by Ndoro Sculpture Garden or shop for souvenirs at local craft markets.
• Evening: Chill and watch the stars at your hotel or catch a local beach bonfire (some
  resorts host them)

Book a Beach Vacation to Malindi?

Ask Anything!

Make an Inquiry

Book Here! Twende Malindi 😊

Other Packages to Explore

1. 5 Fun Things to do in Diani
2. 8 Fun Things to do in Mombasa
3. Wildebeest Migration
4. Tsavo National Park