- Region
- The Coast
- Best months
- Oct to MarBest Season
- Where to stay
- 6 properties
What is Malindi known for?
North Coast · Kilifi County · 120km north of Mombasa · Kenya's oldest resort town
Malindi is Kenya's oldest coastal resort town, in Kilifi County about 120 km north of Mombasa. Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498, and the pillar he erected still stands on the seafront; the 12th-century Gede Ruins lie nearby. October to March is the best season, with game fishing for sailfish and marlin peaking from November.
Malindi is Kenya's oldest coastal resort destination and one of East Africa's most historically significant towns, a place where Swahili, Portuguese, Arab, Italian, and modern Kenyan cultures have layered themselves over centuries into something genuinely unique on the African coast.
The town's history runs deep. Vasco da Gama landed here in 1498 and erected a pillar that still stands on the seafront, one of the oldest Portuguese monuments in Africa. The Malindi Museum, the Old Town mosques, and the ruins of the ancient Malindi Swahili trading city tell a story of Indian Ocean commerce stretching back to the 9th century. The nearby Gede Ruins, a 12th-century Swahili city in coastal forest, are among the most evocative archaeological sites in East Africa.
Since the 1960s, Malindi has attracted a significant Italian community whose influence is woven into the town's character, excellent Italian restaurants, gelaterias, and a sophisticated social scene. The town is renowned for its game fishing, marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna, and the Malindi Sea Fishing Club hosts prestigious annual tournaments.
Malindi is a natural gateway to the remote and spectacular Lamu Archipelago to the north.
Malindi in pictures
When is the best time to visit Malindi?
- January: Best Season
- February: Best Season
- March: Best Season
- April: Avoid
- May: Avoid
- June: no season named
- July: no season named
- August: no season named
- September: no season named
- October: Best Season
- November: Best Season (this month)
- December: Best Season
- Best Season
- Avoid
- This month
Best Season
Oct to Mar
Warm, sunny weather. Best diving and snorkelling visibility. Game fishing peaks Nov–Mar for billfish. Italian social season in full swing.
Game Fishing
Nov to Mar
Malindi Sea Fishing Club competitions. Sailfish and marlin most prolific Nov–Mar.
Kite Surfing
Jan to Mar, Jul to Sep
Good winds at Malindi beach.
Avoid
Apr to May
Long rains. Rough seas affect fishing and water sports.
How much are Malindi park fees?
| Marine park / Activity | Non-resident | EA citizen | EA resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malindi Marine National Park, Adult | USD 25 / visit | KES 500 / visit | KES 675 / visit |
| Malindi Marine National Park, Child | USD 15 / visit | KES 250 / visit | KES 350 / visit |
Charged per visit at the gate, and only for boat, snorkelling and diving trips into the marine park: there is no fee for using the beach. Under 5 free. Ages 5–17 pay the child rate. East African citizen and resident rates are charged in Kenyan shillings.
Park fees are not included in accommodation rates and are added at quotation stage. Effective October 2025, reverified annually.
Where to stay in Malindi
Luxury, 3 properties
LuxuryBed and breakfast
Billionaire Resort & Retreat
Ultra-Luxury Boutique Resort · 12 villas
Malindi, Silversands Beach
An ultra-luxury boutique property on Malindi's finest beach, 12 villas with personalised service at the highest standard and amenities that justify the property's ambitious name. Known for extraordinary discretion and personalised guest management. The scale keeps it exclusive and genuinely private. A choice for ultra-high-net-worth travellers who require complete privacy and maximum comfort alongside Malindi's historic and marine attractions.
LuxuryBed and breakfast
Diamonds Malindi
Italian-Managed Luxury Resort · 94 rooms
Malindi, Silversands Beach
The finest resort in Malindi, 94 rooms on Silversands Beach managed by the Italian Diamonds Resorts group with a distinctly European luxury standard. Known for exceptional cuisine, immaculate maintenance, and a service culture that reflects Italy's deep attachment to the Malindi coast. The property's marine centre provides excellent access to Malindi Marine National Park, and the game fishing off Malindi is the best in Kenya outside of Watamu. A consistent choice for discerning Italian, European, and international visitors to the coast.
LuxuryBed and breakfast
Scorpio Villas
Luxury Self-Catering Villas · 20 villas
Malindi, Casuarina Road, beachfront
A long-established and deeply loved Malindi institution, private villa accommodation on Casuarina Beach that has served as the coast retreat of Nairobi's professional class for decades. 20 villas of varying sizes with full kitchens, private gardens, and direct beach access. Known for the quality of the fish brought to order from local fishermen each morning, a Malindi tradition. The combination of privacy, cooking facilities, and beach-house atmosphere makes Scorpio Villas an ideal choice for families and groups who want to live the Malindi coast rather than stay in a hotel.
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LuxuryBed and breakfast
Scorpio Villas
Luxury Self-Catering Villas · 20 villas
Malindi, Casuarina Road, beachfront
A long-established and deeply loved Malindi institution, private villa accommodation on Casuarina Beach that has served as the coast retreat of Nairobi's professional class for decades. 20 villas of varying sizes with full kitchens, private gardens, and direct beach access. Known for the quality of the fish brought to order from local fishermen each morning, a Malindi tradition. The combination of privacy, cooking facilities, and beach-house atmosphere makes Scorpio Villas an ideal choice for families and groups who want to live the Malindi coast rather than stay in a hotel.
Mid-range, 3 properties
Mid-rangeBed and breakfast
Driftwood Club
Beach Club Hotel · 30 rooms
Malindi, Casuarina Beach, historic
A Malindi institution, one of the oldest beach clubs on the Kenya coast, with a history that stretches back to the pioneering days of tourism in the region. 30 rooms in a relaxed, characterful setting on Casuarina Beach with a social atmosphere, good food, and the authentic Malindi patina of a place that has been genuinely loved for many decades. Known for excellent game fishing coordination and a bar that has served as the social centre of the Malindi expatriate and visitor community for generations.
Mid-rangeBed and breakfast
Eden Roc Hotel
Resort Hotel · 62 rooms
Malindi, Casuarina Beach
A well-established midrange resort on Casuarina Beach, 62 rooms in a property known for reliable quality, good facilities, and a comfortable beach-holiday atmosphere. Popular with both Italian visitors (who have long discovered Malindi's charms) and international travellers. Known for consistent food quality and a warm service team. A solid, dependable midrange choice for travellers who want a proper hotel experience in Malindi.
Mid-rangeBed and breakfast
Lawfords Hotel Malindi
Historic Beach Hotel · 60 rooms
Malindi, town centre beachfront, historic
One of Malindi's oldest hotels with a history connected to the town's earliest tourism, 60 rooms on the beachfront in a property that carries the authentic atmosphere of colonial-era Kenya coastal hospitality. Known for its historic character, good location within walking distance of the Old Town and the Portuguese pillar, and an honest price point. A choice for travellers who appreciate history and genuine local character over designed-for-tourism polish.
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Mid-rangeBed and breakfast
Lawfords Hotel Malindi
Historic Beach Hotel · 60 rooms
Malindi, town centre beachfront, historic
One of Malindi's oldest hotels with a history connected to the town's earliest tourism, 60 rooms on the beachfront in a property that carries the authentic atmosphere of colonial-era Kenya coastal hospitality. Known for its historic character, good location within walking distance of the Old Town and the Portuguese pillar, and an honest price point. A choice for travellers who appreciate history and genuine local character over designed-for-tourism polish.
What to pair with Malindi
Places to pair with Malindi on the same trip.
Frequently asked questions
Anything not answered here, a consultant answers directly. More planning questions are on the FAQ page, and before you fly, read Kenya eTA and entry requirements.
Warm, sunny weather. Best diving and snorkelling visibility. Game fishing peaks Nov–Mar for billfish. Italian social season in full swing.
No. Park fees are not included in accommodation rates and are added at quotation stage. Charged per visit at the gate, and only for boat, snorkelling and diving trips into the marine park: there is no fee for using the beach. Under 5 free. Ages 5–17 pay the child rate. East African citizen and resident rates are charged in Kenyan shillings.
Malindi is Kenya's oldest coastal resort destination and one of East Africa's most historically significant towns, a place where Swahili, Portuguese, Arab, Italian, and modern Kenyan cultures have layered themselves over centuries into something genuinely unique on the African coast.
Plan your days in Malindi
Start here and add the regions around it, or let us suggest a route. A consultant takes it from there.