Malindi City Guide

Must-try local dishes include Swahili cuisine like pilau, biryani, and fresh seafood. International variety is available, particularly Italian cuisine due to the large Italian community.

Nightlife exists, primarily centered around beach bars, hotel discos, and a few local clubs. Quality varies, with some venues offering live music and dancing.

Quality of coffee scene is developing; local coffee is available, but specialty coffee shops are not widespread. Unique local coffee culture is more about traditional Kenyan coffee consumption.

Local tipping expectations are moderate; tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. Restaurants: 10% is common for good service, or rounding up the bill. Taxis: Round up the fare or a small amount for good service.

SIM cards can be purchased on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or at official Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom stores in Malindi.

Street cleanliness varies; main tourist areas are generally cleaner than local residential areas. Waste pickup and recycling infrastructure are developing but can be inconsistent.

Late pharmacies are rare; most close by evening. After-hours food is mostly found in hotel restaurants or specific late-night bars.

International products are available in larger supermarkets like Naivas and Quickmart. Fresh markets offer local produce, fish, and spices.

Card acceptance is common in larger hotels, supermarkets, and established restaurants. M-Pesa (mobile money) is widely used for almost all transactions, from small vendors to larger businesses. Cash is essential for local markets, small shops, and public transport.

ATMs are available from major banks like Equity Bank, KCB, and Standard Chartered. Common fees include withdrawal charges by local banks and potential international transaction fees from your home bank.

Notable local schools include Malindi High School. International schools are limited, but there might be smaller private schools catering to expatriates.

The digital nomad community in Malindi is emerging but not as established as in larger hubs. Nomad meetups and co-living spaces are not widely advertised.

Major parks are not a prominent feature within the town center itself. The primary green space is the coastal area and the Malindi Marine National Park.

Popular running routes include the beach (especially at low tide) and quieter roads outside the town center. Safety for runners can be a concern on main roads due to traffic and lack of sidewalks; early mornings are best.

Gyms are available, often attached to hotels or private clubs.

Tennis courts are available at some larger hotels and private clubs. Booking systems are typically through the hotel reception or club management.

Padel is not widely available or common in Malindi.

Yoga studios are limited but some resorts or private instructors may offer classes. Spa culture is present, mainly within higher-end hotels.

Dojos and training facilities are limited but some local clubs might exist for disciplines like boxing or karate. Drop-in policies and English-speaking instructors would need direct inquiry.

No, skiing is not available in Kenya.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing opportunities are available, often offered by beachfront hotels and tour operators. Windsurfing can be found, especially during windy seasons.

Availability of surfing spots is limited directly in Malindi. Some spots might be found further south towards Watamu or Kilifi, but Kenya is not a primary surfing destination.

Dive sites are available, primarily within Malindi Marine National Park and nearby Watamu Marine National Park. Water visibility is generally good, especially during the dry season.

Malindi Sub-County Hospital is a public facility. Private clinics like Tawfiq Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital may have English-speaking staff. Private healthcare generally offers better quality and shorter wait times than public facilities.

Tap water is generally not safe for drinking and should be boiled or filtered. Bottled water is widely available and recommended for consumption.

Playgrounds can be found in some public parks or private resorts. Attractions include Malindi Marine National Park, Vasco da Gama Pillar, and Falconry of Kenya.

Kenya has laws against same-sex relations, and societal acceptance is low. Safe spaces and pride events are not publicly visible.

Pet policies vary widely for accommodations; it's essential to check in advance. Veterinary services are available in Malindi.