MALINDI & WATAMU, Along the east coast of Kenya The beach town of Watamu is in the middle, 65 miles north of Mombasa. Malindi is 65 miles north of Mombasa.

Size

Watamu is about 90 square miles and Malindi is 242 square miles.

History

Because the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama found and landed in Malindi, it used to be a busy trade post. When, in the late 1600s, the trade posts were moved to Mombasa. When Sultan Majid of Zanzibar took over Malindi in the late 1800s, the town lost some of its importance. Before the end of the 1800s, when Britain took over, it was a center for the slave trade. After that, slavery ended. The Gedes Ruins are close to Watamu. They are a great example of early Swahili architecture and the site of a once-bustling town.

How to Get There

By Road

To get to Malindi from Mombasa, you can drive 70 miles north. The trip takes about two and a half hours. People who want to spend time at Watamu beach can drive there from Mombasa in about 61 miles. The beach is just south of Malindi and is a beautiful place to be.

By Air

Nairobi, the city of Kenya, is 264 miles away from Malindi. The flight takes about an hour. Watamu is a small town with beautiful beaches that is 9 miles south of Malindi. This means that tourists would still need to fly into Malindi Airport and then take a taxi to get to Watamu.

By Train

The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) runs from Nairobi to Mombasa and covers 472 kilometers (293 miles). It takes about 6 hours to get there. On the way to the coastal gems of Malindi and Watamu, you can enjoy a variety of landscapes. The Mombasa SGR station is 18.7 km from Malindi, and you have to take a bus to get to Malindi.

Best Time to Visit

Climate and weather

From May to October is the best time to visit Malindi and Watamu. It’s nice and warm outside, in the high 80s. Even in August, which is the coolest month, it only gets down to about 80F. Make the most of the nice, dry winter weather.

Staying away from crowds

People who go between late October and early May will be able to escape the crowds on the beaches of Malindi and Watamu.

Good Value for Money

It’s a good idea to spend some time in Malindi because it’s close to Mombasa and some of Kenya’s best tourist spots, and there are many places to stay. Take a break at the beach on Watamu’s white sands. The beach is close to Mombasa, and there are places to stay near Malindi. A lovely vacation spot on the beach that doesn’t cost as much as a private island.

Marine life & Landscape

Common Sightings of Marine Life

When swimming or diving off the coast of Malindi, keep an eye out for the interesting parrot fish and enjoy the cute starfish and strange crabs. If you go to Watamu Marine National Park, keep an eye out for the different kinds of turtles that live there.

The Waterside Scenery

The coral life in the waves around Malindi is beautiful. Find the stone-like Turbinaria coral or the Porites coral with its finger-like shape. The ocean floor is filled with colorful plants and animals. With bright coral and clear water, Watamu’s underwater scenery is a stunning sight of color and natural beauty.

Marine Experiences

People who want to have fun will find white sand beaches and an ocean full of water sports like kayaking, scuba diving, and swimming. You could go to nearby places like the Gedes Ruins or spend time at the Turtle Watch.

Lodges & Camps

Malindi is a coastal getaway with a wide range of places to stay, from bed and breakfasts to cute boutique guest houses and classic beach motels. People who come to Watamu will stay in or near Malindi.

HOUSE IN MALINDI

There are many types of places to stay, from simple bed and breakfasts to fancy resorts. There is something for every tourist.