| Malindi

On the coast of Kenya,
120 kilometers north of Mombasa, lies the unspoilt resort town of
Malindi.
Thriving on a curious blend of ancient Arab and African cultures known
as the Swahili culture, Malindi's origins can be traced back to the 13th
century Indian Ocean trade. Malindi probably become well known when
famous Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama made a landing there on his
way to India. The narrow lanes and fine Swahili architecture of
Malindi's old town present a marked contrast to the modern hotel facades
and curio shops. It is a bustling, typically African town with its
Swahili quarter and busy market and beaches extending to the north and
south.

Malindi is
also known for its superb uncrowded beaches, its azure blue sea which is
ideal for surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and boating.
Within easy reach is the famous mystic island of Lamu, with it donkey
caravans and fisherman's dhows as well as excursions to Kenya's world
famous Game Parks and wild life sanctuaries.
The Woburn Residence Club is situated in five acres of landscaped
tropical gardens, a few minutes drive north of Malindi town. A 10 minute
walk takes you to a lovely uncluttered beach and sea in which surfing is
possible at certain times of the year. Windsurfing, sailing, scuba
diving and deep sea fishing are also practiced on nearby beaches.

The airport is a 10 minute drive away and whilst Malindi remains a
blissfully unsophisticated and still a developing town, it retains much
of its Swahili charm and Arabic influences. It offers a variety of
hotels, restaurants, shops, banks, two casinos and a busy market.
There is much of interest in and around Malindi, internationally
renowned for its big game fishing and its 19 beautiful marine parks.
Nearby, horse-riding, sailing, wind-surfing, diving, snorkeling, golf
and tennis are available.

Mambrui, a charming Islamic village with its huge white sand beach and
dunes and excellent restaurant is a short drive away as are the
fascinating ruins of the 'Lost City of Gedi' which the inhabitants
inexplicably abandoned in the 17th or 18th centuries.
Watamu, a fishing and diving center with magnificent marine park and
white sandy beach, is approximately 20 minutes drive away.
 
The following activities are available in and around Malindi and we
shall be pleased to assist you where bookings are required :-
Tennis Courts - Malindi Country Club. Racket & ball hire at the
club.
Beaches - the
closest is about a ten minutes walk, un-commercialized with no sun beds
or umbrellas. Deep sea fishing, hire of glass bottom boats, snorkeling,
sailing, windsurfing and diving are available at the south end of
Malindi. There are a number of splendid long sandy beaches and coral
reefs along the entire coast.
Walks - there are a number of guided walks available throught the
old town or close by.
Golf - five minutes walk - Malindi Country Club.
Excursions, Road & Air Safaris - Kenya is world renowned for its
wildlife and National Parks. The nearest safari park is Tsavo Safari
National Park - one of the worlds largest and diverse. Please note, due
to distances, it is advisable to stay at suitable accommodation in the
park for a minimum of two nights.
Fishing - Malindi is world renowned for big game fishing, Ernest
Hemingway was a regular visitor of Malindi.
Birdwatching - a bird sanctuary is situated near Malindi.
Marine parks - Kenya coast has the most stunning coral reef in
the Indian Ocean.
Diving School - Lessons available on request.
Shops & Restaurants - It is a 2 minutes drive or 10 - 15 min.
walk to Malindi shopping center where there are variety of restaurants,
bars and shops. Italian, Indian and local restaurants available. Woburn
Residence Club is licensed and a selection of beers, wines and spirits
are available.
Casino - Roulette, Black Jack, Pontoon, etc., for those who wish
to try their luck. |