Vasco da Gama Pillar
The pillar stands on a rocky headland above the sea, topped with a cross made of stone from Lisbon. Vasco da Gama put it up in 1498 after the Sultan of Malindi gave him a warm welcome and helped him find a pilot for the voyage to India. The viewpoint looks over the ocean and Golden Beach.
Portuguese Chapel
This small thatched chapel was built before 1542, when St Francis Xavier visited Malindi. Two sailors are buried in the grounds, and each year on 3 December worshippers gather here for the feast day of St Francis Xavier.
House of Columns
The House of Columns is a century-old building with a wide verandah. It has served as a hospital, a museum and a library.
Malindi Museum Heritage Complex
The museum shows how Malindi grew into a trading port on the Indian Ocean. It displays Swahili household objects, items from the sea trade and a coelacanth, a fish that scientists once thought had died out millions of years ago. Your guide explains the exhibits.
Old Town Stroll
The tour ends with a walk through the old town streets. You see the local shops, the fish market area and the buildings that show the mix of Swahili, Arab and Portuguese history.
Malindi City Tour Itinerary
Times are a guide. We confirm your pick-up time when you book.
- 9:00 am: Pick-up from your hotel in Malindi. Watamu guests are collected earlier.
- 9:30 am: Malindi Museum Heritage Complex and the House of Columns.
- 10:30 am: Portuguese Chapel and the story of St Francis Xavier.
- 11:00 am: Vasco da Gama Pillar, sea views and photos.
- 11:30 am: Walk through the old town and market streets.
- 12:00 pm: Drop-off at your hotel, or at a restaurant if you want lunch in town.
What Is Included
- Private vehicle with hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Driver-guide
- Entrance ticket covering the Vasco da Gama Pillar, the Portuguese Chapel, the House of Columns
- and the Malindi Museum
- Drinking water
What Is Not Included
- Lunch and drinks
- Tips for the guides
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases
Good to Know
- One ticket, four sites: The museum ticket covers the pillar, the chapel, the House of Columns and the museum, so there are no separate fees at each stop.
- Why a guide helps: Some of the sites have limited information boards. A guide brings the history to life and answers your questions.
- Best time: Morning is cooler and the light is better for photos.
- What to wear: Light clothes and comfortable shoes. In the old town, cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for local custom.
- Walking: The tour is mostly flat and short, and suits all ages.
- Busy days: The Portuguese Chapel gets crowded on 3 December for the St Francis Xavier feast day.
- Combine it: Gedi Ruins is about 16 km away, so the two pair well as a full day. Ask us to join our Gedi Ruins tour with this one.
- Lunch stop: Ask us to add lunch at a Swahili restaurant in the old town.
