Skip to Content

Best Places To Visit In Malindi, Kenya

Kipepeo Market

Kipepeo is a market area in Malindi, which markets butterflies, moth pupae, and other insects as well as honey and silk clothing prepared by the local community in Malindi. The insects and butterflies hatched here, are exported to many national parks in the country and worldwide. The market sells nature-based, organic products derived from the Arabuko Sokoke forests and the Kipepeo Butterfly Project ensures that the insects are butterflies that are bred, hatched, and sustainably raised on their farms. You can visit the place to know more about the project and also purchase some organic items and goodies.

Bio Ken Snake Park

The Bio-Ken Snake Park is primarily a research center that studies reptiles; with a key focus on snakes and snake bites. The park houses the most extensive known collection of snakes in East Africa. Located just 35 minutes drive outside Malindi, this is a trip worth making for those in the mood for an adventure.


Malindi Museum

Malindi Museum is a great place to learn about the culture and history of the town. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including traditional musical instruments, artwork, and clothing. You can also see how traditional methods of fishing and agriculture have changed over time. Best of all, the museum offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the people of Malindi. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and they are always happy to answer any questions. The museum is a great place to spend an afternoon, and it’s one of the most fun things to do in Malindi.

Vasco Da Gama Pillar

This is a very interesting tourist attraction site in Malindi. The Vasco da Gama’s Pillar is visited by a lot of people and it is quite famous among the tourists not only because of the tower erected but rather of what it symbolizes. This Tower was built by the Portuguese 600 years ago. It has seen better days, as you can see. It was built by a Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama; as a sign of appreciation to the Sultan of Malindi for all the provisions he had provided for him and his entourage when he visited the region.


The location that its situated was just at the front door of the Sultan’s palace. This just gives you the amazing opportunity to relive the moment again and be at the center of power in the whole coastal region since the administration of the Sultan was felt throughout the whole coast region of Kenya.

Watamu Beach

One of the best things to do is to visit Watamu Beach. The beach is well-known for its beautiful white sand and clear turquoise waters. You can enjoy plenty of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, and kayaking. There are also a number of restaurants and bars located on the beach, making it the perfect place to relax and take in stunning views. 


Whether you’re looking for a day of fun in the sun or a romantic sunset dinner, Watamu Beach is the perfect place to be.

Portuguese Church

This thatched-roofed church gets its name from the fact that a Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is said to have built it in the 15th century, and two of his crew are supposedly buried here. People from across the world visit the church when they’re in Malindi. Even St Francis Xavier visited it on his way to India. Go to the Vasco da Gama pillar first to get the key from the caretaker. Once you’re inside, you’ll be blown away by the stunning architecture and intricate details.

Arabuko Sokoke National Park

The Arabuko Sokoke National Park is located on the Kenyan coast. The national park is home to many different species of birds, butterflies, endemic birds, and many reptiles and mammals. The Arabuko Sokoke National Park is the largest dry coastal forest in the East African region and is very popular among people for bird and butterfly watching. The park is managed by Kenya Wildlife Services while the forest is under the management of Kenya Forest Service.


Malindi Marine National Park

Malindi Marine National Park is located right next to Malindi Beach and is filled with many exquisite marine resources. In the National Park, you can witness some prolific marine life including crabs, sea urchins, sea stars jellyfish, sea cucumbers, etc. It also includes many fringing reefs, coral gardens inside the lagoons as well as mangroves, seagrass beds, and mudflats. Marine mammals like turtles and shorebirds also dwell in this park. If you are looking for fun things to do in Malindi, you can also go for adventure activities like snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides here in the park. There are also opportunities for camping on Malindi Beach adjacent to the park

Sign in to leave a comment