Malindi, Kenya

Beach in Malindi, Kenya
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boats_malindi.jpg
Author: Ruud Zwart
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Malindi is the second largest city on the Swahili coast of Kenya after Mombasa. The capital of Malindi district, it has a population of 120,000 (2011 estimate). A port city located at the mouth of the Sabaki River, it serves as the gateway to Watamu National Park and Malindi Marine National Park.

Malindi is one of the oldest towns on the Swahili coast. It was established in the 14th century. It was visited by the fleet of Admiral Zheng He during the 15th century. The local ruler even sent an envoy to China with a giraffe as gift to the emperor. During the 16th century, Malindi teamed up with the Portuguese against the town of Mombasa. The Portuguese influence in Malindi can still be seen in the many landmarks they left behind.

Today Malindi is becoming a beach resort popular with both domestic and international tourists.

Downtown Malindi
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malindi_-_Markt_in_Stadtzentrum.jpg
Author: F. Fritzsche, Malindi-info
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Vasco da Gama Cross, Malindi
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Malindi_-_Vasco_da_Gama_Kreuz_%28Denkmal%29_bei_Ebbe.jpg
Author: F. Fritzsche, Malindi-info
photo licensing

Visiting Malindi

You can fly to Malindi from Nairobi. Alternatively, you can also fly to Moi International Airport in Mombasa and then take a bus from there.

Places of Interest in Malindi

Falconry of Kenya
A rehabilitation center for injured and orphaned raptors - and often does not have a single falcon in residence. It also has a small reptile park with a collection of snakes from the black mamba to crocodiles and tortoises.
Friday Mosque
Most of the towns along the Swahili coast of Kenya is predominantly Muslim, and Malindi is no exception. However it has fewer Muslim monuments compared to Lamu and Mombasa as it suffered a number of fires that destroyed its older buildings. The Friday Mosque faces the sea. Next to it is a Muslim cemetery with towering grave stones, some as high as 5 m (16 ft).
Malindi Museum
Museum occupying the 3-storey House of Columns, the 19th century building that began as a trading house. It has served different purposes in its long history, including as a hospital, as headquarters of the wildlife department and finally as a museum since 2004. It displays items related to local history, and includes a stuffed 77-kg (170 lb) coelacanth. The top floor of the museum is occupied by the Webb Memorial Library, which has an invaluable collection of old books on East Africa.
Malindi Tourist Market
This is a cluster of souvenir shops next to the Friday Market. YOu can find a wide range of locally produced handicrafts from textile to beaded jewelry and carvings.
Portuguese Chapel
A small chapel built in 1542 when St Francis Xavier visited Malindi. It was in a state of ruin until the 1890s, when it was finally restored.
Uhuru Gardens
A small city park created to commemorate the independence of Kenya. There are a number of historic sights in its vicinity, including the District Office, today a national monument.
Vasco da Gama Cross
Cross on a bell-shaped pedestal at the northern end of Malindi erected by Vasco da Gama in 1499 to commemorate his landing there.

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