About This Tour
Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Malindi with Malindi Tours and Travel, your trusted travel company located in the heart of Malindi, Kenya. This guided package takes you on a fascinating journey to some of the town’s most iconic landmarks. Visit the Vasco da Gama Pillar, one of the oldest European monuments in Africa, and learn about the legacy of Vasco da Gama in Malindi. Discover the Vasco da Gama Museum, where centuries of maritime history come alive. Enjoy a stop at the Falconry of Kenya, a unique sanctuary where you can see and interact with majestic birds of prey and other animals.
This experience offers the perfect mix of history, culture, and adventure, ideal for couples, families, and history lovers looking to immerse themselves in Malindi’s timeless charm.
Quick Facts
Day-by-Day Itinerary
08:30
Malindi Falconry Trust (Falconry of Kenya Ltd) is an excellent place to start your day. It’s best to visit in the morning when the birds of prey (falcons, owls, eagles) and other resident animals (crocodiles, snakes, giant tortoises) are most active. You'll often have the opportunity to get close-up photos or even hold a bird on a gloved hand under supervision.
10:30
Take a taxi or tuk-tuk from the Falconry (off Lamu Road) into Malindi town to the seafront area where the historical sites are located.
11:00
A single ticket grants you access to these three key historical sites managed by the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), which are all within walking distance of each other:
Malindi Museum. Start here. Housed in the historic "House of Columns," the museum offers a rich collection on coastal history, Swahili
culture, and maritime trade.
Portuguese Chapel. Visit the nearby small chapel, which is considered one of the oldest Christian churches in East Africa.
Vasco Da Gama Pillar. Conclude the historical tour at this iconic monument. Standing on a coral bluff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the pillar was erected by the Portuguese explorer in 1498 and is one of the oldest European monuments in Africa.
13:30
Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes along the seafront or in Malindi town. You can find places offering local Swahili cuisine or international options.
14:30
Visit the local shops for coastal souvenirs, including intricate wood carvings and kikoy fabric.
Explore the narrow streets of Malindi Old Town, known for its carved doors, Swahili architecture, and local markets.
16:30
Head back to the area near the Vasco Da Gama Pillar. The late afternoon light is often cited as the best for photography, and the pillar area is a popular spot to relax and watch the golden sunset over the Indian Ocean.