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KENYAN COAST
MALINDI BEACH HOLIDAYS
Malindi
Malindi has remained an important Swahili settlement since the
14th century and once rivaled Mombasa for dominance in this
part of East Africa. Malindi has traditionally been a friendly
port city for foreign powers. In 1414, the King of Melinda
initiated diplomatic relations with China during the voyages
of the explorer Zheng He. The great Portuguese explorer, Vasco
da Gama, was welcomed by Malindi authorities in 1498. The
following year East Africa’s doors to Europe opened officially
as the Portuguese established a trading post.
Today Malindi is in the midst of a tourist boom primarily due
to its spectacular beaches. Although tourism is an important
industry, Malindi enjoys a strong African center where
commerce and business outside the tourist industry thrive. As
a resort town, Malindi features the usual array of hotels,
restaurants, and discos. The beaches are excellent (and
relatively free from seaweed) and snorkeling opportunities are
abundant. The Malindi Marine National Park, a 213 sq km
reserve, together with the Watumu Park jointly comprise a
protected biosphere reserve. |
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Glass bottom boats can be hired at most hotels for the trip
out to the coral reefs. The sights are spectacular although
tourist wear and tear is taking its toll as errant flippers
and zealous shell collectors have left their mark on the
natural beauty. During the rainy season, silt washes in from
the Galana River limiting visibility severely. Malindi also
serves as one of Kenya’s primary centers for deep-sea fishing
with trips organized through most resorts. |
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| As an Islamic stronghold, Malindi is home to twelve mosques,
the largest of which is Juma’a Mosque in the heart of the old
town. Malindi also features relics from its Portuguese
inhabitants dating back to the 16th century. A tiny
whitewashed chapel can be found at the southern end of town
which is thought to have been the first Christian church in
East Africa. The original Vasco Da Gama cross sits at the
entrance to the bay and commemorates the explorer’s visit to
Malindi. The ruins at Gedi also highlight the rich cultural
history that characterizes the northern coastal region. Gedi
was a thriving city state from the 13th to the early 17th
centuries, although the exact history of the region is
somewhat sketchy. Relics found indicate that it was once a
trading port of some wealth. Ruins include tombs, a mosque,
numerous houses, and remains of a palace. The site is
particularly well preserved and is recognized as a primary
historical monument in the coastal region. |
Malindi conjures up visions of a great historic town that has
journeyed through ages.
The culture, economy and general setup of any given place
changes with time, and Malindi has journeyed through these
eras with much pomp and flair from the time of the early
Chinese and Arab traders to the Portuguese sailors and later
on to European settlers who alongside other investors have
transformed Malindi into a reputable destination of tourism
importance. Yet there is still much warmth and hospitality of
the people of Kenya experience here in Malindi. |
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Their friendliness and welcoming attitude among others is a
charm that cannot be rivaled in any other tourist destination
the world over. Malindi is known for its culinary prowess with
its restaurants, hotels, coffeehouses and other eating places
offering a wide range of cuisines ranging from local flavors
to international cuisines. The revival of the architectural
industry and carpentry specializing in local wood artifacts is
something to be savored by all visitors.
Malindi has got various woodcarvers who can make very unique
furniture and also the famous Lamu beds. There are also local
tour guides to take you around to exotic places you have never
seen before!
Given that Malindi is a seaside resort, do not forget to go
out swimming in the warm waters, go deep sea fishing or visit
the marine park alongside sunbathing and other beach sports in
this lovely aquatic paradise. Various activities, religious,
cultural and other activities which involve the whole of
Malindi community do take place and tourists are invited to
attend such functions and have a feeling of being part of the
community, for example, participation in beach cleaning, tree
planting and religious festivals.
To book
this safari or inquire more info,Kindly complete our online Enquiry
Form indicating the safari code/reference OR email us . |
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AFRICAN SERVALCAT SAFARIS & TOURS