With the bright blue Indian Ocean lapping at its shores, and located a short distance from numerous sanctuaries and forests, Malindi has been a hidden gem in Kenya for years. Situated on the northern coast of the country, the town itself can be rather sleepy, apart from a few thumping nightclubs and luxury hotels. However, the diverse cross section of wildlife surrounding this town makes it an excellent jumping-off point for safari and nature trips in Kenya.
Thirty minutes southwest of Malindi lies the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve. One of the largest coastal reserves in the nation, it is home to a vast array of wildlife, some of which are endemic to this forest. Bird watchers come to spot some of the more than 250 species here, including the Sokoke Pipit and Amani Sunbird. Herds of elephants are known to frequent this reserve, along with an array of wildlife, including leopards, the African civet, caracal and waterbuck. Butterfly and birding tours, hikes and cycling are an educational and active way to enjoy the park, but game drives are also available.
For a traditional African safari, Tsavo East National Park is a few hours' drive west of Malindi. Infamous for its fierce lions and stunning natural landscape, it provides traditional game drives and picnic opportunities. Among the herds of red-dust elephants, solitary rhinos, crocodiles and hippo pods are more than 500 species of birds. The park's emerald green Galena River transitions into Lugard's Falls, where jagged rocks carve out frothing pools with impressive rapids and even more impressive pools of waiting crocodiles. You can arrange day trips to Tsavo East through most hotels and tour operators in Malindi.
A 20-minute ride south of Malindi takes visitors to the Watamu Turtle Watch. Here, locals work in tandem with conservation programs to ensure baby sea turtles, hatched on the shores of the Indian Ocean, make it safely to the water. Vacationers are encouraged to get up and close with the local turtle populations by collecting eggs and delivering them to secure incubation rooms. When the hatchlings emerge, volunteers can help carry them gently to the sea.
With a wealth of marine life and clear, warm water, it's no wonder why Malindi Marine National Reserve is a favorite with divers and snorkelers. Just a few minutes out of town, groups are delivered daily to the coral gardens in glass-bottom boats. Sea turtles, dolphins, sea stars and a myriad of tropical fish inhabit these waters. For those who'd rather stay dry, plenty of boat excursions are available, as are nature and bird-watching trips along the beach.
