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Country Info
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The Kenyan Coastline
 Malindi - History and
Leisure in one
With the holidays round the corner let's explore
some coastal resorts- not the usual north and south coast getaways,
but further afield where leisure is nicely mixed in with a touch of
history dating as far back as the 15th century.
To get to Malindi, follow the tarmac road from
Mombasa across Nyali bridge and past the north coast Bamburi hotel
strip. Onwards across the Mtwapa bridge and town, to Kilifi and
Kikambala where there are good hotels to stop over for a break or
just to look around for future holiday reference. Vipingo has more
sisal and company houses than stopovers. 2 hours drive from Mombasa
you'll arrive in sunny Malindi.
If driving is too much of a hustle for you take a
flight to Malindi airport. Malindi is well equipped with business
centres and infrastructure, plus plenty of public transport like
'tuktuks' that you can hire for the day. Malindi is not visited much
by Kenyans who would much rather holiday near the more popular bars
and social hangouts of the north coast. As such Malindi is the ideal
destination for those who wish to not see the usual faces from back
home in the social venues.
For accommodation choose between the hotels or
numerous cottages both either next to the beach or a couple of
minutes walk from it. These plus other leisure facilities are
available in both high price and low price ranges. If you're lucky
you'll get room in a nice reasonably priced cottage like Paradise
Inn Village that has a pool in addition to its Bed & Breakfast
offer. Hotels include Coral Key Beach Resort, situated in an
easy-to-reach location within town, and with conference facilities
to boost.
 
Malindi's attractions
Once settled down it's time to set out and explore
Malindi town. This is a place that is full of history dating back to
the 15th Century when the Portuguese visited our shores, choosing
this as a prime trading post. As such the National Museums of Kenya
have designed a tourist circuit through which guests may visit the
most important of these attractions. Start off at the Malindi Museum
, otherwise known as the 'House of columns'. Its main exhibit is a
strange fish that was caught off the Kenyan coast in 2001. What's
strange about it is that it is believed to have existed about 400
million years ago, before man's and even the dinosaur's existence!
Other characteristics that clearly distinguish it from other fish
include its 8 fins instead of the normal 6, plus the presence of a
backbone made from cartilage and not bone.
Its entire story since discovery is on display, and
all presented in an interesting way that will also fascinate the
kids. For instance, 'spin the wheel' and whatever category you land
on, play a question and answer game. Or select any of the cupboards
that have alphabetical listings related to the coelacanth's features
for some quick facts, or place your hands in darkened boxes and
guess what feature of its body and habitat you're touching.
Another section of the museum contains traditional
artifacts and headstones from local coastal communities on display.
Funnily enough the male's headstone was always larger than the
woman's, regardless of her status in society. And finally on the
topmost floor is the entire story of Vasco da Gama's expedition to
Africa , printed on large boards. Nextdoor is a library that looks
out over the beach and ocean, offering the kind of peace and
tranquility you'd desire should you want to sit and read this
fascinating literature that is rare to find anywhere else in Kenya .
That's that for the museum. Next on the circuit is
the Portuguese Chapel, situated just a little further down the road.
It's a tiny building that was used by the Portuguese Christian
faithfuls in the 15th century, and is actually still used today fro
mass. It is surrounded by a graveyard where Saint Francis Xavier
buried two of his sailors during his journey to India in 1542. Once
the Portuguese left in 1593 it was deserted until the British came
in 1893. Do note that any information you require may be provided by
a National Museums guide.
Last but certainly not least on the circuit is the
Vasco da Gama pillar, the best known monument left by the
Portuguese. It's not far from the museum and chapel, so visit all
three attractions if you want to get the entire story around the
Portuguese and Arab occupation here.
An entry fee gains you access to this coral wall
that has been protected by the National Museums for the past one
year, so that unlike a few years back when anybody would lurk around
the cliffs it is now perfectly safe to walk alone. Plaques have been
erected with summary information on the pillar. Of interest to note
is that it wasn't always located on the cliff edge. Originally it
was within town during the years Malindi was under Arab occupation,
but due to the clash of faiths it was brought down, and eventually
erected on this cliff outside the town walls. A wonderful breeze
blows past, and their are benches to sit on as you look out upon the
vast panorama of the Indian ocean , its colours a wonderful blend of
bright greens and blues stretching out to meet the clear blue sky.
In the foreground jahazis bob up and down on the waves, their owners
lazily posing in the sun as they wait for right time to go fishing.
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Malindi historical facts
• Vasco da Gama pillar is one of the
oldest European monuments remaining in tropical Africa
• The Portuguese chapel was the first
Christian church in East Africa
• Malindi museum is home to the 400
million year old coelacanth fish
• Visit the 15th century Arab town in
Mambrui
• Explore Malindi's old town heritage
from the 15th to 21st century
• All the above attractions now
available for one ticket price courtesy of the National
Museums of Kenya |
Malindi has lots of Italians living there, and of
worthy note is the fact that they have brought their traditional
expertise in ice cream making to the town. So as you lazily walk
around, spare some time to lick a delicious flavoured cone or scoop
from a huge bowl of creamy delights with crunchy biscuits. Forget
the calories, you're on holiday aren't you so dig in!
And to end the day, visit any of the nightclubs
that are in plenty within town. Disco-hop courtesy of your friendly
tuktuk to these great melting pots of different races and cultures
that thoroughly spice up the evening.
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The Kenyan coastline:-
Copyright 2007. All rights
reserved. Exotic Expeditions
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