Malindi, Kilifi & Watamu

Overview

Malindi is a small ancient town, strategically located in the Kenyan coastline, with beautiful white sandy beaches, thick verdant indigenous forests and world-class resorts. It is one of the oldest towns in Kenya, alongside Lamu and Mombasa, dating back to the 13th century.

The town was also the first landing point of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. The explorer met Malindi authorities in 1498 to sign a trade agreement and hired a guide for the voyage to India, when he erected the Vasco da Gama Pillar, which exists till date.

Malindi is also known for its laid-back atmosphere, sunny weather, Swahili-inspired architecture, pristine beaches and fresh seafood.

Watamu, meaning “home of the sweet people” in Swahili, is a small village on the Kenyan coast. Watamu’s shoreline features pristine white sandy beaches, a splendid display of marine life, offshore coral formations arranged in different bays and sheltered by a reef.

The area is protected as part of the Watamu Marine National Park and is one of the best snorkeling areas in Kenya. The marine park is renowned worldwide for its natural beauty and diverse marine life, from visiting whale sharks and manta rays to three species of sea turtles.