What are the best things to do in Malindi?
Top picks in Malindi include Malindi Museum Society, Portuguese chapel, The Hanging Gardens of Malindi, Turtle bay beach. See the full list and itinerary on this Malindi travel guide.
Photo: Mgiganteus · CC BY-SA 3.0
Why visit Malindi
Travel guide for Malindi, Kenya — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Malindi is a stop in Kenya, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Malindi Museum Society, Portuguese chapel, The Hanging Gardens of Malindi instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 40–120 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: The dry season for the most comfortable travel. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
The dry season for the most comfortable travel
Weather
Largely warm year-round with distinct wet and dry seasons
Experiences
Things to do in Malindi
1
Malindi Museum Society
2
Portuguese chapel
3
The Hanging Gardens of Malindi
4
Turtle bay beach
5
Mapango Beach
6
Garoda Beach
Budget travel
Free things to do in Malindi
The Hanging Gardens of Malindi
Turtle bay beach
Mapango Beach
Garoda Beach
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Malindi itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Malindi Museum Society
- Visit Portuguese chapel
- Visit The Hanging Gardens of Malindi
- Eat at I Love Pizza
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Turtle bay beach
- Visit Mapango Beach
- Visit Garoda Beach
- Eat at Driftwood Beach Club
Budget
Malindi trip cost
Budget
USD 20–40
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 40–120
per person / day
Luxury
USD 140–230+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Malindi, Kenya. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Malindi
Estimated total (USD)
$2,040
≈ $1,020 per person · $291 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $80/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Malindi mid-range ground costs (budget 20–40 · mid 40–120 · luxury 140–230+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
I Love Pizza
Driftwood Beach Club
Osteria
La Rosada
Papa Remo
Safina Beach Bar & Grill
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Kola Beach Resort
Kilili Baharini Resort & Spa
Sun Park Hotel
Ajab Delta Hotel
Young Safari Hotel
Shopping
- Oasis Mall
- Equity Bank
- I & M Bank
- Barclays Bank & Standard Chartared bank
- Al-Hashimiyah Spermarket
Nightlife
- Club 28
- Pata Pata Beach Club
- Uk Lounge
- Fermento Disco Bar
- Come Back Club
- Club Kalahari
Museums & culture
- Malindi Museum Society
In pictures
Malindi gallery
Photos: Mgiganteus, United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, Luca Boldrini, Unknown authorUnknown author, Xiaojun Deng, Mtl1969 — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Malindi travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Malindi?
The dry season for the most comfortable travel.
How many days do I need in Malindi?
Plan at least 2 days in Malindi for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Malindi?
Popular stays in Malindi include Kola Beach Resort, Kilili Baharini Resort & Spa, Sun Park Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Malindi cost?
On the ground in Malindi (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 20–40 per person per day, mid-range about 40–120, and luxury about 140–230+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Malindi, Kenya. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
