Kenya · The Coast
Malindi
Photo: Lebu Ayiga / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Properties
- 6
- Luxury
- 3
- Mid-range
- 3
Overview
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.
When to go
Best SeasonOct to Mar
Game FishingNov to Mar
Kite SurfingJan to Mar, Jul to Sep
AvoidApr to May
- This month
- Best Season
- Warm, sunny weather. Best diving and snorkelling visibility. Game fishing peaks Nov–Mar for billfish. Italian social season in full swing.
- Game Fishing
- Malindi Sea Fishing Club competitions. Sailfish and marlin most prolific Nov–Mar.
- Kite Surfing
- Good winds at Malindi beach.
- Avoid
- Long rains. Rough seas affect fishing and water sports.
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.
Malindi in pictures
Where you'll stay
Luxury · 3
- Photos to come
Billionaire Resort & Retreat
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.
Bed and breakfastUltra-Luxury Boutique Resort
Luxury - Photos to come
Diamonds Malindi
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.
Bed and breakfastItalian-Managed Luxury Resort
Luxury - Photos to come
Scorpio Villas
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.
Bed and breakfastLuxury Self-Catering Villas
Luxury
Show all 3 luxury staysShow fewer
- Photos to come
Scorpio Villas
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.
Bed and breakfastLuxury Self-Catering Villas
Luxury
Mid-range · 3
- Photos to come
Driftwood Club
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.
Bed and breakfastBeach Club Hotel
Mid-range - Photos to come
Eden Roc Hotel
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.
Bed and breakfastResort Hotel
Mid-range - Photos to come
Lawfords Hotel Malindi
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.
Bed and breakfastHistoric Beach Hotel
Mid-range
Show all 3 mid-range staysShow fewer
- Photos to come
Lawfords Hotel Malindi
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.
Bed and breakfastHistoric Beach Hotel
Mid-range
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Frequently asked questions
Anything not answered here, a consultant answers directly. More planning questions are on the FAQ page.
Warm, sunny weather. Best diving and snorkelling visibility. Game fishing peaks Nov–Mar for billfish. Italian social season in full swing.
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.