Historically, Malindi was one of the landing points of Vasco da Gama, where a pillar topped by a cross, the Vasco da Gama Pilar, was erected, located at the far end of the coast and currently a symbol of the Kenyan city.
The journey to discover Malindi can begin with the historic center (around the bus station) and with the Arab citadel of Shela, characterized by alleys and narrow streets, houses with courtyards, and mosques.
Alongside the Vasco da Gama Pilar, you can admire the so-called silversand, that is, the beach with wonderful silvery sand scattered with beach resorts, tourist villages, hotels, and restaurants. Continuing further south, you find yourself in the residential area of Casuarina, which is characterized by lively vegetation: coral soil, green palm trees, large baobabs, and flourishing bougainvillea.
In the city of Malindi, there is a harmonious coexistence of two different architectural styles: one Arab, the other dating back to the Portuguese domination. Equally balanced and peaceful is the coexistence between the Christian and Islamic religions. In Malindi, in fact, there are numerous mosques as well as various churches of Catholic and Protestant Christian worship. The tourist fortune of Malindi is mainly due to the postcard beach, with green palms and white sand, and the fantastic ocean, where one can delight in scuba diving to discover the coral reef.
The truly sensational spectacle can be admired in the Malindi Marine Park: wonderful crystal-clear waters, with fantastic hues ranging from blue to azure and a colorful population. Not to be missed is the so-called blue safari which offers tourists an extraordinary view of the ichthyic and coral world of the Park, as well as a good lobster barbecue to enjoy on site.
If one is interested in the history of Malindi, the city museum located in an ancient Portuguese building on Vasco da Gama Road can be visited any day. If one is instead looking for the more commercial aspect of Malindi, one can go to the northern side of the city where there are banks, shopping centers, supermarkets, shops, discos, bars, pizzerias, and the casino.
The spectacle continues also a few kilometers from Malindi in the splendid Mida Creek lagoon, in the sensational Marafa canyon (called Hell’s Kitchen or, by locals, Nyari) and in the mysterious lost city of Gedi.
