3D / 2NFly from Nairobi
Malindi
3-Day Malindi Escape from Nairobi
Fly from Nairobi to Malindi for two nights of history, seafood and beach: Vasco da Gama Pillar, Old Town, a Mida Creek boat ride and daily breakfast.
- 3 days · 2 nights
- From Nairobi
- Fly from Nairobi
Overview
Malindi has its own easy rhythm, somewhere between a Swahili town and an Italian seaside resort. Its history is long: the town's sultan welcomed Vasco da Gama in 1498, and the coral-stone pillar the Portuguese left behind still stands on the headland. This three-day escape lets you see that story, eat very well and still spend plenty of time on the sand.
You fly from Nairobi in about an hour and land a short drive from your hotel. The second day is the busy one. In the morning, a Malindi city tour takes in the Vasco da Gama Pillar, the small Portuguese Chapel and the lanes of Malindi Old Town. In the afternoon you head south to Mida Creek, a tidal inlet fringed with mangroves near Watamu, for a boat ride among wading birds, kingfishers and, in season, flocks of migrant shorebirds.
Seafood and sea
The coast here is known for its fish, prawns, crab and lobster, and the package includes a seafood meal so you can taste it fresh. The rest of your time is free for the beach, the Malindi Marine National Park or a lazy afternoon at the hotel.
- Return flights Nairobi–Malindi
- 2 nights with daily breakfast
- Airport transfers
- City tour, Mida Creek boat ride and a seafood meal
- The Vasco da Gama Pillar, standing since 1498
- Guided walk in Malindi Old Town
- Mangroves and birdlife on a Mida Creek boat ride
- Fresh Swahili seafood
- About an hour's flight from Nairobi
Day by day
- Day 1
Nairobi → Malindi
Fly from Nairobi to Malindi, a flight of about an hour. Your driver meets you at Malindi Airport for the short transfer to your hotel. Check in and spend the afternoon on the beach or by the pool. As the day cools, walk along the shore or into town for an early evening drink and watch the fishing boats come in. Overnight in Malindi.
- Day 2
Malindi city tour and Mida Creek
After breakfast, start the city tour at the Vasco da Gama Pillar on the headland, then visit the Portuguese Chapel and walk through Malindi Old Town's lanes, mosques and markets. Enjoy a seafood lunch. In the afternoon, drive about forty minutes south to Mida Creek for a boat ride through the mangroves, timed with the tide, to look for herons, kingfishers and shorebirds. Return to your hotel by evening.
- Day 3
Malindi → Nairobi
A free morning to enjoy the beach, take a last swim or browse the curio and kikoi shops in town. Check out at the hotel's usual time; most hotels will hold your bags if your flight is later. Your driver collects you for the transfer to Malindi Airport in good time for your return flight, landing in Nairobi about an hour later.
What's included
Included
- Return flights Nairobi–Malindi
- Return airport transfers
- 2 nights' accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Malindi city tour (Vasco da Gama Pillar and Old Town)
- Mida Creek boat ride
- A seafood lunch during the tour
Not included
- Other lunches and dinners
- Malindi Marine National Park and other optional excursions
- Drinks, tips and personal expenses
- Excess baggage charges
Rates
| Option | Kenya resident (KES) | Non-resident (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 3-star B&B, Jan-Nov | 36,500 | 395 |
| 1-22 December | 44,000 | 460 |
| Festive (23 Dec-2 Jan) | 52,000 | 540 |
Per person sharing a double or twin room. 0-1: airline infant fee. 2-11: airline child fare + 50% of hotel sharing with two adults. Gede/Malindi Museum child KES 100. 12+ adult.
Good to know
- Mida Creek boat rides depend on the tide, so the afternoon schedule may move earlier or later on the day.
- Pack binoculars if you have them. Mida Creek is an important stop for migratory shorebirds, especially from about September to April.
- Malindi is conservative in the Old Town. Cover shoulders and knees away from the beach.
- Carry your national ID or passport for the domestic flight.
Questions about this trip
How far is Mida Creek from Malindi?
Mida Creek lies to the south of Malindi near Watamu, usually about a forty-minute drive depending on where your hotel is. The creek is a tidal inlet with mangrove forest and mudflats, so boat rides are timed around the tide. Gede Ruins are close by and can be added as an optional extra.
What is the Vasco da Gama Pillar?
It's a coral-stone pillar topped with a cross, erected by the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498 after the Sultan of Malindi welcomed his fleet and helped him find a pilot for the voyage to India. It stands on a headland overlooking the ocean and is one of the oldest European monuments in East Africa.
Is the seafood meal suitable if I don't eat shellfish?
Yes. Let us know about allergies or preferences when you book, and we'll ask for a fish, chicken or vegetarian option instead. Swahili coastal cooking uses a lot of coconut, tamarind and spices, so mention any other allergies too, and the kitchen can adjust the dish for you.
Can I add Watamu or the marine park?
Yes. Popular add-ons include a snorkelling trip in Malindi or Watamu Marine National Park, a visit to the Gede Ruins near Watamu, or an extra night or two. Tell us what interests you, and we'll build it into your quote with the relevant park fees and transfers.
3-Day Malindi Escape from Nairobi
Request to book
Tell us when and who's travelling. We check availability, then send a written quote with the total, the deposit and the due dates. Nothing to pay until you're happy with it.
You might also like
Similar trips
4D / 3NNo visa for Kenyans
2D / 1N