Malindi KenyaMalindi is the second largest coastal town of Kenya and has a population of about 145,000 people. Malindi has two townships namely Malindi which has a population of about 81,000 and Watamu ,with about 17,000 people. It is situated about 120 km north of Mombasa just a little south of the equator The and a coastline of 155 kilometres. The Malindi town was founded by the Arabs in the early thirteenth century. Before the arrival of Arabs from Arabia and the Persian Gulf in East Africa, the historians believe that the town most likely did not exist. During that time the economy depended on fishing, hunting, agriculture, collecting of salt and an extensive trade in the Indian Ocean. On the 15th April 1498 Vasco da Gama the great Portuguese explorer reached Malindi. 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 centre where commerce and business outside the tourist industry thrive. As a resort town, Malindi features the usual variety of hotels, restaurants, and discos. The beaches are excellent and snorkeling opportunities are abundant. Malindi has a number of attractions like the Malindi Marine National Park, a 213 sq Km reserve together with Watamu Marine National Park jointly have a protected biosphere reserve. Also as an Islamic stronghold, Malindi is home to twelve Mosques.The largest one is Juma’a Mosque which is in the heart of the old town. The town also features relics from its Portuguese inhabitants dating back to the 16th century.There is a tiny whitewashed chapel at the southern end of town which is thought to have been the first Christian church in East Africa. Also of interest is the original Vasco Da Gama Pillar cross which sits at the entrance to the bay. The pillar is one of the oldest remaining monuments in Africa and was built in 1498 by the Portuguese explorer as a sign of appreciation for the welcome he was given by the Sultan of Malindi. It also 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, Vestiges found indicate that it was once a trading port of some wealth. The Ruins include tombs (the pillar tombs located next to Juma Mosque, between the jetty and the town centre. The tombs are believed to have been built in the 15th century as burial grounds for renowned Portuguese), 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 is generally hot and humid throughout the year. The long rains falls between April to July and the short rains between October and November. The average rainfall ranges from 400 mm in the hinterland to over 1.200 mm along parts of the coastal belt. The coastal belt rainfall varies between 900 mm and 1.200 mm due to the effects of monsoon winds and the topography. The daily mean temperature is around 220 Celsius minimum and 30,50 Celsius maximum. Tourism is a thriving business in Malindi. The sunny beaches and marine parks Especially Watamu Park are a major tourist attraction. The Town is also the base for sport fishing and offers snorkelling, windsurfing and other water sports. The Malindi Marine Park has both snorkeling and scuba diving and the northern part of the reef is separated by a deep sea channel, allowing some pelagic fish not usually seen inside Kenya's reef systems to get in. Beach hotels and other luxury hotels speck the town of Malindi. Residential villas that house tourists and foreigners have also become a common feature. The road leading to the park also has a Snake Park, which might be worth a visit to those interested. Malindi also has some of the biggest waves which the protected Kenyan coast gets, making it the ideal place for body and board surfing.
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