The historical town of Malindi is said to have been in existence since the 5th Century.
According to historians, Malindi developed as a Swahili town between the 5th and 10th Century. At the time, the Swahili engaged in trade with the Arabs before the arrival of Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama in 1498.
On arrival in Malindi, Vasco Da Gama built a pillar on the shores of the Indian Ocean. The pillar is a historical monument named after the explorer. It is one of the key tourist attraction sites in Malindi.
The pillar is under the conservation of the National Museums of Kenya at the Malindi Marine Park.
Apart from Malindi Marine Park and Vasco Da Gama Pillar, Malindi town has many beautiful sites where local and foreign tourists can visit.
The Portuguese Chapel in Malindi, also known as St Francis Xavier Chapel, is located about 100 metres from the seafront in Shella.
The 523-year-0ld church was built in 1499 by Vasco Da Gama before St Francis Xavier visited Malindi in 1542.
Two sailors, who were with St Francis Xavier, died while in Malindi and were buried at the chapel in 1542.
The church is thatched with makuti and has a cross on top.
Other interesting areas to visit include the Malindi Museum, the Malindi Beachfront, Sabaki Estuary to watch hippos and flamingoes and the Marafa Hell’s Kitchen.
Mambrui Sand dunes give you a sense of being in Dubai and the Gede Ruins take you back to the historical Swahili settlement of before the 10th Century.
Watamu Marine National park and Mida Creek are some of the getaway places in Malindi.
