Malindi, North Coast Kenya - A Choice Honeymoon Destination

Are you wondering where to go on your honeymoon? Our travel destination choice for this month is Malindi, a small town in Northern Kenya, just 120 kilometers from Mombasa.

Malindi, once referred to as Melinde, lies at the mouth of the Galana River, in the centre of a strip of idyllic tropical beaches on Malindi Bay. The town was founded by the Arabs in the early part of the thirteenth century. Under the Sultan of Zanzibar’s rule, the Kingdom grew in wealth and stature, becoming an important trading port in the Indian Ocean.

Early inhabitants consisted of local African tribes who mixed with the Arab rulers. Their livelihoods were supported by agricultural activities which consisted of growing and trade in lemons, oranges, coconuts, mixed vegetables and cattle. Slaves and ivory were also major trading commodities.

In 1498, Vasco da Gama, the great Portuguese explorer, was welcomed into the town by the Sultan. This marked the establishment of Malindi as a Portuguese trading post, opening up trade with the European continent.

However, the construction of Fort Jesus as a Portuguese stronghold in Mombasa in 1593 brought about the decline of Malindi as a trading post. Portuguese administration and custom houses were transferred to Mombasa, which remains a major port on the Indian Ocean to this day.

1861 saw the re-foundation of Malindi, when the Sultan of Zanzibar appointed Arab Governors, supported by Baluchi troops, to oversee the administration of the port. 1873 saw the abolishment of slavery. Arabs were unwilling to pay African workers a wage and this led to the start of the decline of Malindi’s economy. Malindi was then leased to the British East Africa Company.

During the Second World War, there was little trading and the economy in Malindi continued to stagnate. After the war, life returned to normal and holidaymakers started exploring the northern Kenyan coast.

After Kenya gained independence, mass tourism started with charted planes landing in Mombasa, also putting Malindi on the world map.

Places to Visit in Malindi

Watamu and The Malindi Marine National Park

South of Malindi lies the sleepy village of Watamu. This idyllic trading centre is fronted by white sandy beaches and if you have always wanted to swim with dolphins at dawn, you are at the right place!

The Malindi Marine National Park, managed by Kenya Wildlife Services, is endowed with fringing coral reefs and gardens, sea grass beds, mangroves and mudflats. In addition to swimming with dolphins at dawn, at this natural reserve you will get to see a large variety of endangered fish species, turtles and shorebirds during diving and snorkeling expeditions.

Marafa Depression (Nyari)

Located Northwest of Malindi, visit spectacular Nyari, also popularly referred to as Hell’s Kitchen. The Marafu Depression is an extensive series of sandstone gorges and sheer gullies, presenting an otherworldly landscape that has become part of local folklore.

The Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

Walk along the winding paths of this thick jungle and explore the wonders that lie hidden within. From rare endemic bird species, mammals and possible collusions with visiting herds of Elephants, you will become one of the enchanted visitors!

The lost town of Gedi, a deserted trading Swahili town whose crumbling walls tell of a mysterious past, will capture any couples fancy. Later during your honeymoon you can take a boat ride and explore the mangrove swamps that surround the island.

Other Sites to Visit

Vasco da Gama’s Pillar; Kipepeo Butterfly Farm; Juma’a Mosque; The Portuguese Chapel; Malindi’s New Market and a walk on The Coral Reef when the tide is out.

How to Get to Malindi

From Nairobi

You can fly directly to Malindi. Alternatively, you can land in Mombasa and travel to Malindi by road. If you have a car, you can drive via Mombasa.

You can also book your own cabin on the train and travel overnight. Don’t forget to book blankets and sheets to make your journey memorable. Also, pack food (sandwiches, tea or coffee) to eat along the journey.

From Mombasa to Malindi

You can hire a car and drive north to Malindi or hire a taxi at an agreed fare. Major hotels and resorts have Mombasa Shuttles and transfers can be arranged when you make your accommodation bookings.

Regular buses and matatus also ply this route. You will find booking offices in Mombasa.