Top 10 Tourist attractions In Malindi

Top 10 Tourist attractions In Malindi

Top 10 Tourist attractions In Malindi : Malindi is a popular tourist destination in Kenya located 120 kilometers Northeast of the town of Mombasa, Malindi as a coastal town was established in the 14^th century and in 1498 it served as a sanctuary to Vasco Da Gama the first European explorer to arrive to the Kenyan coastal area. During Vasco Da Gama’s stay in Malindi coastal town, he established friendship with the local people and as a testimony there are a popular Vasco Da Gama pillar and a church erected by the Portuguese explorer.

Malindi coastal has a number of tourist attractions you can visit during your safari in Malindi, these interesting attractions include Gedi Ruins, Kipepeo Market, Takwa Ruins, Bio Ken Snake Park, Vasco Da Gama Pillar, Portuguese chapel, Malindi Marine National Park, Mayungu Public Beach

1. Gedi Ruins

 Gendi Ruins are one of Kenya’s greatest mysteries located deep inside the lush green forests of Arabuko-Sokoke and near the Indian Ocean basin along Gede Watamu Road, these ruins are one of the greatest tourist attraction found in Malindi coastal town. Gendi ruins are a historical and archeological site, these ruins used to be a town founded in some period of the 13^th Century, this site is one of the many medieval Swahil Coastal settlements stretching from Mogadishu, Somalia to Zambezi River in Mozambique. Though scientists and researchers found no hardcore evidence of settlement in the ruins, the site retains a fascinating and unusual development of the medieval town and the sudden desertion of it makes it a more incredible site.

Gendi Ruins is one of the perfect destinations to visit while on a holiday in Malindi ideally for travelers with archeological interests.

2. Kipepeo Market

Kipepeo Market is found in the market area in Malindi marketing butterflies, moth pupae and other species of insects together with honey and silk clothing prepared by the local community of Malindi, the Kipepeo market also called Kipepeo butterfly market is tucked inside the ArabuKO Sokoke forest along the coast of Kenya.

Kipepeo Market sells nature-based, organic products derived from the Arabuko Sokoke forests under the Kipepeo Butterfly project which ensures that the butterflies are bred, hatched and raised in the farms in a sustainable manner.

Kipepeo Market can visit while in Malindi and on your visit you have an opportunity to learn more about the butterfly project and also purchase some organic items sold in the market

3. The Falconry Park

The Falconry Park is a bird destination in Malindi coastal town perfect for bird watching, the park houses a large population of bird species out in the open such as Eagles, Falcons, Owls, pecker birds and many more. The Falconry Park is located off Lamu road and is also a home to

A 200 year old ancient tortoise, there is also a snake chamber hosting a number of different snake species such as python, cobras and Green Mamba.

During your visit in the Falconry park you will get close up look of the birds, get an eagle perched on your arm with the help of local guides, feed the tortoise bananas and view various snake types.

4. Takwa Ruins

 Takwa Ruins are a Kenyan national Museum designated in 1982 found on the Malindi coastal town, these ruins are the remains of a thriving 15^th and 16^th century Swahili trading town before it was abandoned in the 7^th century.

Takwa Ruins are a well preserved site of great archeological importance, some of the notable features of the ruins include the Friday Mosque church with a large pillar of the church which is remains a top qibla wall. The Malindi locals believe the pillars are a symbol of the burial of Sheikh under the walls.

5. Bio Ken Snake Park

Bio-Ken Snake Park is a research centre and a nature park dealing in reptiles mot especially snakes and snake-bike, the park is located in Watamu, Malindi in less than 5 minutes drive from most hotels in Watamu.

Bio-Ken Snake Park houses the largest collection of Snakes in East Africa with about 127 different snake species in Kenya, of these snakes,

• 18 species cause human fatalities
• 6 can cause possible death to humans
• The remaining 93 species are neither venomous nor dangerous.

Bio-Ken Snake Park is open to the public and during your visit to this park you get to enjoy watching various species of snakes.

6. Vasco Da Gama Pillar

Vasco Da Gama Pillar is a very fascinating tourist attraction in Malindi and one of the most visited sites by travelers visiting Malindi, not because of the edifice erected but of what it symbolizes. The Vasco Da Gama Pillar is located on the sea front road along the beach, this pillar is a historical monument dating back in 14^th century and it was built by Vasco Da Gama one of the greatest Portuguese explorer in 1498.

Vasco Da Gama pillar was initially erected at the sheik’s house but later removed and re-erected in its current location, these structure including the pillar and the cross where made from original Portuguese limestone material.

While visiting Malindi you cannot miss visiting the pillar for a photo moment and while at the pillar you get splendid views of Indian Ocean.

7. Portuguese chapel

The Portuguese Chapel also known as The St Francis Xavier Chapel is a very monumental and historical site in the coastal town of Malindi erected by Vasco Da Gama in 1498, the church is estimated to be about 500 years old and presumably the oldest church in East Africa. The Portuguese Church is located near the seafront of the Malindi along Silversand Road, the establishment of this church was established by Vasco Da Gama only his way to the Indian Ocean. This church has gone through little renovations throughout the years by the locals.

8. Malindi Marine National Park

Malindi Marine National Park is a marine park situated in Malindi next to the Malind Beach along Casuarina Road, the marine park is a home various marine creatures such as crabs, urchins, sea stars, jelly fish, sea cucumbers, fringing reefs, coral gardens inside the lagoons, mangroves, sea grass beds and mudflats.

Other mammals found Malindi Marine national park include turtles and shorebirds. The park offers many adventurous marine activities such as snorkeling, riding in a glass bottom boats and camping.

9. Arabuko Sokoke National Park

Arabuko Sokoke national park is a beautiful national park located in the Kenyan coast in Malindi along Mombasa-Malindi highway, the park is a home to various species of birds including endemic species, reptiles, mammals and butterflies.

Arabuko Sokoke national park is the largest dry coastal forest in the East African region and is a very popular destination for bird and butterfly watching.

10. Mayungu Public Beach

Mayungu Public Beach is a beautiful beach and one of the most scenic stretches of the Kenyan coastline characterized of crystal clear waters with a cluster of huts and sun beds scattered along the beach. Mayungu Public Beach is located 8 kilometers south Malindi Coastal town and is a perfect site to relax and unwind while watching low tides, while at the beach you can take a hike up to the banks of sands, have a nice bath in the water and have walks along the picturesque stretch of the crystalline white sands.

 While on your holiday in Malindi coastal town the above mentioned sites are the must visit sites.