Malindi and Watamu

Malindi and Watamu towns are approximately 20kms apart on the Kenyan coast. You will find some of the best Indian Ocean beaches in Kenya.

Malindi town at the mouth of Sabaki River is Kilifi County’s largest urban center. Malindi has beautiful beaches like Silversand Beach, Malindi Beach, and Malindi Marine Park Beach.

Watamu is a fishing village deriving its fame from the beautiful beaches and bays: Garoda, Jacaranda, Turtle Bay, Kanani Reef, and Ocean Breeze. Watamu lies on a headland between Watamu Bay and Blue Lagoon in Kilifi County.

What to Do in Malindi and Watamu

• Malindi and Watamu beaches have several rocks and caves suitable for walks over mudflats. Activities such as snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, walking, and jogging are all you need.
• Watamu Marine National Park is home to reptiles and birdlife. You enjoy white sandy beaches, windsurfing, water skiing, and glass-bottomed boat tours.
• Genge Ruins is a historical monument with mosques. It’s a palace with a unique ambiance.
• Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve near Watamu Marine Park is where several bird species and wild animals live. Migratory birds winter at the Mida Creek at the forest’s entrance.
• The Hanging Gardens of Malindi is Kenya’s only orchid nursery specifically for Spanish moss and orchids.
• The Malindi Museum Society preserves exhibits like Malindi Coelacanth. Falconry of Kenya, a small zoo in Malindi, is home to reptiles and birds. Children love it.
• Vasco da Gama Pillar stands in Malindi. The Portuguese explorer built a chapel in 1498. Find it at Silversand Road.

When to Visit Malindi and Watamu

April to June is a long rainy season, while the short rainy season is between November and December. January to mid-March and July to October are ideal times to visit Malindi and Watamu when it’s sunny and clear.

How to Get to Malindi and Watamu

• Air: Malindi Airport only receives local flights from Nairobi and Mombasa.
• Bus: There is a regular schedule of intercity coaches from Nairobi and Mombasa to Malindi.

You can get around by hiring a tuk-tuk or taxi.

What to Wear in Malindi and Watamu

Wear light clothes.

Accommodation in Malindi and Watamu

Malindi Area

Diamonds Dream of Africa

Kola Beach Resort

Tana Guest House

Sun Park Hotel

Watamu Area

Sun Palm Beach Resort

Watamu Treehouse

Lily Palm

Kobe Suite Resort