Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve

Malindi Marine National Park & Reserve was the first Marine Protected Area to be established in Kenya in 1968 and was designated as a Biosphere Reserve under the Man & Biosphere programme of UNESCO in 1979. The Park is located South of Malindi town from the famous Vasco-Da-Gama Pillar and extending to Watamu.

The Park is well endowed with a variety of unique natural resources such as fringing reefs, coral gardens in the lagoons, sea-grass beds, mangroves, mudflats, and a high diversity of fish and marine mammals. These include; humpback dolphins, sea turtles, and shore birds. Among these bird species found in this marine park include; reef fish, sweetlips, surgeon fish, butterfly fish, damsels and parrotfish. Invertebrates include; sponges, marine worms, crustaceans - crabs, lobsters, crayfish and shrimps. Local fishermen benefit from artisanal fishing for their livelihoods.

Other natural and historical attractions around are the mangrove forest and the Vasco da Gama pillar. The Malindi nightlife is also a great puller of adventurers to the Coastal town.

On the leeward side of the north reef which has a low coral cover, large schools of Barracuda and the occasional reef shark are a common encounter as well as large Rays that feed on the bottom. Whether snorkeling or scuba diving, you are sure to marvel at the underwater beauty and may just bump into other regular visitors who include sea turtles feeding on the thalassic beds and dolphins feeding on shimmering schools of sardines.

Marine Life

Prolific marine life includes crabs, corals, sea urchins, jellyfish, sea stars, and sea cucumbers. Different varieties of coral species comprise of Acropora), Turbinaria and Porites

Climate

Temperatures range from 20-300 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm. Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December

What to take with you

Personal effects, clean drinking water, food, camping gear/ equipment if the visitor intends to stay overnight.

Also important are; Camera, binoculars, guide books, sunscreen, insect repellant, first aid kit, sunglasses and appropriate beach wear.

Park Size

213 sq. Km

When to go

All year round

Swimming in the crystal-clear warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Visitors can also enjoy and undertake recreation activities in this veritable paradise including glass bottom boat rides and tours, bird- watching, camping, scenic viewing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sun bathing, beach walking, reef walks, picnicking, island barbeques, weddings and filming in and around the coral gardens.

Various water sports that visitors can partake include; sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, kayaking and jet skiing. This beautiful slice of Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline provides the perfect getaway for relaxation.

Conferencing Facilities: - A resource center with a conference hall up to a capacity of 50 people with audio visual equipment.

There’s also an education facility that features informative posters on display for visitors’ free access.

Visit the coral garden to see tropical fish in their natural environment. A trip to the famous Sardinia Magical Island where you can have barbeque, fresh sea food for your lunch is a must.