Malindi a tropical town situated on a stretch of idyllic beaches with intriguing hideaways on the north coast of Kenya.

Malindi offers a wonderful mix of new and old – all along the palm fringed beaches are luxurious resorts ready to pamper to your every need. But not more than 20 Kms away are the Gede Ruins which was a town founded in the 12th century, which was prosperous and flourished until the 17th century when it became abandoned. Surrounding these ruins is the Arabuko – Sokoke Forest, which is the largest remaining coastal forest in Africa.

Then on the seafront road near the jetty is the Vasco Da Gama Pillar, which is one of the oldest remaining monuments in Africa to this Portuguese explorer. It was built in 1498 by Vasco Da Gama as a sign of appreciation for the welcome that he had received from the Sultan of Malindi. The cross on the pillar is the original cross and is made of Lisbon limestone.

Close to this is East Africa’s oldest Christian church, a small Portuguese chapel of St Francis Xavier, built in 1542, and surrounded by a small but very old cemetery.

Malindi Museum on the sea promenade near the jetty has some interesting exhibitions on the history of Malindi. There is also a modern day town centre, where you can find craft shops, restaurants, bars and a night club. Malindi and Watamu Marine Parks were established in 1968; were the first of their kind in Africa. The marine parks teem with diverse coral kingdoms and varied coloured fish species like Angel, Butterfly, Surgeon and Trigger fishes.

The marine department offers glass bottom rides for a fee for tourists to view the aquatic marvels. Boats can be hired privately for half day or full day excursions. You can also go scuba diving or snorkelling inside these colourful reserves.