Malindi/Watamu Beach Safari

Another historically popular trek is the 2 Day/1 Night trip to Malindi, Kenya which includes snorkeling at Watamu Marine National Park coupled with a visit to Marafa Hells Kitchen which is considered the “grand canyon of Kenya”.

Located on the coast of the Indian Ocean and at the mouth of the Galana River is Malindi, Kenya, a very popular tourist destination. South of the city is a marine protected area the Malindi Marine National Park and The Watamu Marine National Park, one of the oldest in Kenya. Nearby the city is the archeological gem of Gede. An ancient city built completely in stone which dates to the 12th century. Much of it was rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries and was a wealthy town in the 15th century as a stopover for people immigrating to Mombasa, Malindi and other coastal cities. When you visit, you can see a mosque, palace, and smaller houses surrounded by 45 acres of primeval forest. The town was abandoned and left to nature in the 17th century. Today, it is an ancient monument and run by the National Museums of Kenya.

Marafa-Hell’s Kitchen is a natural wonder that can be reached on an interesting ride through the Kenyan countryside. It is a large area of rock formations and canyons that is still undeveloped for tourism, so you can see it without malls and fast-food restaurants. It’s a great place if you like to collect minerals as the beautiful colors of the rocks are red iron, white chalk, and yellow ocher. It is called Hell’s Kitchen because the weather is very hot at midday and visiting at sunrise or sunset will give you the best experience.

As already mentioned, the Watamu Marine National Park is one of the first in Kenya. It has gorgeous coral reefs that are just 980 feet from the shore where you can see about 600 species of colorful tropical fish and much more marine life including whale sharks, barracuda, and manta rays. It is a biosphere reserve and a great place to spend a day snorkeling or diving. Green and hawksbill turtles use the beaches for nesting and leatherback turtles can be seen passing by.

There are several programs in place to protect the nesting and other turtles in the area. The local fishermen are paid by the government to release any turtles they catch. The park is the home of the Watamu Turtle Watch (WTW), which is informed when turtles are released or are in the area. The volunteers study and tag the animals and operate a facility to care for and then release sick turtles. People are welcome to support its efforts by adopting a turtle.

Highlights
Beach Safari at Watamu Marine Park
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Snorkeling in Indian Ocean 
Guided Tour of Gede Ruins
Malindi Souvenir Market Visit
Marafa-Hell's Kitchen Sunset Tour

Itinerary

Day 1

Watamu Marine Park and Gede Ruins

Watamu Marine Park

Arrive at Watamu Marine Park.
IMA will facilitate the hiring of a glass-bottomed boat & pay all park fees for the Blue Safari.
The activities during this trek will include snorkeling (gear rental included), the services of a professional guide, a tour of the Creek and Mangrove with the beautiful scenery of bird watching
Lunch will be served at the Suudi Island within the Indian Ocean

Gede Ruins Tour

Depart Watamu for Gede Ruins
Arrive at Gede Ruins, a historic site, for a two-hour tour led by a professional guide

Check-In at Eden House Cottages and Dinner

Dinner at Osteria Beach Restaurant is included in the fees at this fascinating location in an English colonial house restaurant on the banks of the Indian Ocean, in the middle of the renowned beach of Silversand.
Cuisine includes: Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean – Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, and Gluten-Free Options are available.

Day 2

Vasco da Gama and Marafa Depression Tour

After breakfast, you will drive to the Vasco da Gama Pillar with a combined tour of the first Catholic Church in Malindi and the Malindi Museum. This bell-shaped architecture stands majestically on a cliff and is one of the oldest European monuments built at the East African coast in 1498 amidst Muslim resistance. It was built by the Portuguese to give direction for those who were following the sea route to India.

Malindi Souvenir Market

You will have a brief stop at the souvenir market, where you may purchase paintings or other artifacts available at the market, and your guide will give you a tour of the market.

Lunch at Mnarani Beach Resort

Lunch is included in the fees at this charming location on the cliffs of Kilifi Creek, just where the creek meets and merges with the Indian Ocean. Cuisine includes: Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean – Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, and Gluten-Free Options are available.

Marafa Depression: Hell’s Kitchen Sunset Tour

The Marafa Depression, also known as Hell’s Kitchen, is an odd sandstone canyon outside of Malindi, Kenya. Known locally as Nyari – “the place broken by itself” – it was once a great sandstone ridge worn by wind, rain, and floods into a series of jagged gorges. After lunch, you will set on a 45 minutes drive to Marafa Village, where one of the locals will give you a guided tour and history of the natural canyon, including all the myths by the locals about the occurrence of the depressions. After the walk, you will accede to the “terrace” ready to wait, with cameras, for a marvelous sunset with the typical colors of Africa.

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