Coast >> Malindi Watamu


Malindi is located North of Mombasa town; this small town is at the centre of a strip of heavenly tropical beaches offering the visitor a range of world class resorts and quiet relaxing hideaways. Further south just 125 kms. from Mombasa, the sleepy village of Watamu is fronted by wide white beaches. This tranquil haven is home to several well established resorts, and many private guesthouses scattered through the forest along the deserted shore.

Malindi has been at the center of East African history because of its relationship with various migrants like the Arabs and Portuguese; most of who took control of them and imposed their rule. Malindi's main cultural people are still the Swahili, who still exemplify the Afro-Arabic culture. Malindi was home, at least temporarily, too many. Vasco da Gama, a famous Portuguese explorer, stopped over on his route to India in 1498. Currently, Malindi has a large population of Italians and German nationals conducting business and residing there.

At Watamu a Marine National Park has been established, an ideal day trip for divers and snorkellers alike. Northwest of Malindi is the spectacular Marafa Depression, locally known as Nyari and popularly known as Hell's Kitchen. An extensive series of sandstone gorges and sheer gullies, this unique and otherworldly landscape has become part of local folklore.The thick jungles of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest reserve hide a world of wonders. In the cool of the forest winding paths will take you in search of rare endemic birds and mammals, and visiting herds of Elephant.

Around 12 miles before Malindi, the forest holds another secret, the lost town of Gedi, a deserted trading Swahili town hidden deep in the forests, whose winding passages and crumbling walls tell of a long and mysterious past. In fact, Gedi was allegedly an invisible town never mentioned in any manuscripts or writing. Swahili Muslims established a mosque, residencies and ran the town. The local museum curator approximates the town population to have been over 2000 in the early 16th Century but yet by 18th Century, it was deserted. The area now a historical museum, and is popularly known as Gedi Ruins. At Gedi, you will be able to see the king's palace, tombs of important personalities, a sunken court, and the artifacts display at the museum.

The Malindi area and the North Coast offer excellent opportunities for wildlife safaris. The beaches themselves are excellent birding country. The water of Mida Creek near Watamu is a paradise of waders and shore birds. One of the best destinations for game viewing is the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, south of Malindi near Gedi and Watamu.This is a wonderful reserve, full of rare and unique species. The forest is good for birding, with endemic species including the exceptionally rare Sokoke Scops Owl and Clarke's weaver. The reserve is occasionally visited by herds of elephant and the occasional leopard, but more common mammals include the Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose, Aders Duiker and the Golden Rumped Elephant Shrew. There are extensive walking trails and raised viewing platforms for visitors. There is also limited vehicle access.

The Gedi Forest station is a wealth of information, operating nature trails, guiding services and providing good advice on local wildlifeAt the Kipepeo Butterfly Farm at Gedi, a conservation project works with local people to produce butterflies for the international market. The farm is an interesting place to visit, with lots of good information on local conservation.Anyone with an interest in Snakes should definitely visit BioKen Snake Farm just outside Malindi. This farm produces snake venoms for antivenin purposes, and has a wide range of local species on display. The Farm is run by James Ashe, who has devoted his life to the study and protection of snakes, and has a wealth of local knowledge on the subject.

Malindi is the best spot on the Kenyan coast for surfing. The outer reefs here attract a large swell all year round, peaking in June through September when the seasonal monsoons bring some excellent breakers. Surfers should bring their own boards and wax. An ideal way to spend an afternoon in Watamu is to take an organized boat trip into the mangroves and estuaries of Mida Creek. This creek is home to a fantastic range of bird life, and there are countless winding channels and estuaries to explore. These trips can be locally arranged in Watamu.

Beneath the waves, there is another paradise to explore. There are several world class dive sites on the North Coast. Diving is generally good all year round, although visibility lessens during July and August due to silting and high seas. Some of the best sites are in the Watamu Marine National Park. These range from shallow coral gardens ideal for learners to spectacular outer reef walls. Sea life is always consistently abundant. There is excellent coral, including some impressive Brain coral.

Big game fishing is widely available on the North coast. There are many highly skilled local operators in Malindi. Hemingway's Hotel in Watamu is a fishing resort with an excellent international reputation. Excellent boats with state of the art equipment are available for full and half day charter. The main game fish include Sailfish and Marlin, Kingfish, Wahoo, Horse Mackerel and others. A tag and release program ensures eco-friendly fishing. Big game fishing can be arranged in season (December-March).