Malindi Marine National Reserve, Kenya
Malindi Marine National Reserve kenya is one of the best recognized marine national parks in Kenya located along the coast of Indian Ocean in Malindi about 118 kilometers north of Mombasa, the reserve is situated along the Northern coast of Kenya.
Malindi Marine national Reserve and Watamu national park is joint incorporation established as one park, the reserve was established in 1968 making it one of the one of Kenya’s first-ever marine park.
Malindi Marine national reserve is a mystical Marine paradise comprised of sandy beaches, lagoons, coral reefs, coral gardens, coral cliffs and the Mida Creek Mangrove Forest.
Malindi Marine national reserve is not one of Kenya wildlife Safari destinations to visit if you are looking for big game, however if you are interested in Marine life and water sports then add the reserve on your list.
The Mida Creek Forest is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve situated adjacent to Malindi Marine national reserve and is an highlight in the area, this area attracts a variety of birdlife recorded to be over 100 species such as Black Kite, Speckled Mousebird, Yellow Canary and the Lizard Buzzard among others.
The most amazing creature to look out for during your Kenya tour visit to the Watamu area is the huge population of turtles, Watamu Marine national reserve runs a monitored turtle watch program that helps in ensuring that the main beach remains a nesting site for the sea turtles which are endangered species. Turtle species nesting at Malindi Marine national Reserve and the coast include Green turtle, the Hawksbill, the Leatherback, and the rare Olive Ridley among others.
The coral gardens at Malindi Watamu are one of the highlight attractions in the region, these coral garden begin bust 300 meters from the shore of Indian Ocean. The coral reefs are a home to over 150 species of both hard and soft coral including corals, fan corals and sponges which are sources of fuel to sea creatures found in Malindi Marine national reserve and other neighboring areas. The corals also host over 600 species of fish, crustaceans and mollusks.
Malindi Marine national reserve is a home to approximately 1000 fish species, whale sharks, octopus and barracuda. These creatures are best seen during a snorkeling and diving experience on the reef, in the afternoon vibrant colors, sights and sounds are experienced.
Note: snorkelers and divers are advised not to disturb any marine life.
Highlights of Malindi Marine National Reserve
The highlights in Malindi Marine national reserve are the huge populations of the green turtles, the exotic green gardens perfect for those who wish to dive in and explore beneath the surface of the water.
Activities at Malindi Marine National Reserve
Malindi Marine national reserve is a thrilling Kenya safari destination for travelers in love with marine life and water, the reserve offers various water sports such as windsurfing, snorkeling, water skiing, snorkeling, water skiing and diving. For tourists who prefer staying dry, they can take a glass-bottom boat ride for spectacular views of the corals and the marine creatures.
Activities on offer at Malindi/Watamu include fun water sports you wouldn’t necessarily associate with a safari break, like windsurfing, snorkeling, water skiing, and diving. Those who prefer to stay dry can take a glass-bottom boat ride for spectacular views of the coral and its inhabitants.
Scuba diving
Scuba diving is one of the thrilling activities to do during your visit to Malindi Marine national park, the reserve’s scuba diving points are situated 15 minutes off the shore of the Indian Ocean. Scuba diving offers an opportunity to explore the floor of the Indian Ocean, enjoy seeing various unique plant species, marine wildlife such as star fish, octopus, dolphins, jelly fish, zebra fish among others.
Visiting the magical islands
During your Kenya safari tour visit to Malindi Marine national reserve you will have an opportunity to visit and explore the fantastically scenic hidden islands of the Indian ocean, as you visit the islands you will do a guided nature walk experience as you explore.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is another thrilling safari activity to do in Malindi Marine national park, this activity offers ample time and an opportunity to explore the under waters of Indian ocean and see various marine creatures inhabiting at the base of the sea.
As you are going on a snorkeling experience, you will have to dress up in the right gears, take a boat ride to the point where you will dive into the waters.
Water sports
There is a range of water sports you can do during your visit to Malindi Marine national park, these activities are perfect and a thrill to water lovers. These activities include boat ride in a mirror boat, jet skiing among others.
GETTING TO MALINDI MARINE NATIONAL RESERVE
Malindi Marine National Reserve is situated in Malindi Wantumu which is situated about 120 kilometers north of Mombasa and about 28 kilometers south of Malindi, one can use road and air transport to get to the reserve.
By road, one can access the park driving along the main Mombasa-Malindi road, then turn towards the Indian Ocean and the park is about 11 kilometers from the main road.
Using air transport, domestic flights are offered Wilson airstrip in Nairobi to an Malindi airport situated in Malindi Town, Malindi is the nearest town to Malindi Marine national reserve and is a seaside town set along a strip of tropical beaches which are popular and perfect for tourists on a beach holiday
Malindi Marine National Reserve cost
Entry to the park is $15 for adults and $10 for children and students.
| Citizen | Resident | Non-Resident | |||||
| Adults
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Child
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Adult
KSH |
Child
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Adult
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Child
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| 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 15 | 10 | ||
WHEN TO GO TO MALINDI MARINE NATIONAL RESERVE
Malindi Marine national reserve is pleasant all year round meaning you can visit at any time of the year, the reserve experiences an average temperature of between 22 – 34 degrees. However the best time to visit the reserve is during the dry season which is June-September and January – March.
Malindi national reserve experiences rainy season between April – June and October – December.
Where to stay at Malindi Marine National Reserve
unfortunately, there are limited accommodations in Malindi Marine national Reserve within park, the available accommodations ranges from Budget, Midrange to Luxury resorts.
Accommodations in Malindi Marine national reserve include
- Temple Point
- Medina palms
- Garoda
- A Rocha Eco-Lodge and Conservation Centre
- Villas Watamu
- Lily Palm Resort
- Turtle Bay Beach Club
- Ocean Sports Resort
- Watamu Solana Apartments
- Hotel Crystal Bay Resort among others
