"Africa's Oldest Marine Park, Magic Islands, Zebra Fish"-Malindi Marine Park

“Africa’s Oldest Marine Park, Magic Islands, Zebra fish”-Malindi Marine Park

Malindi Marine Park and Reserve lie between Latitude. 3o and 4o south, about 118 km from Mombasa town. It is located to the south of Malindi town. The marine park is endowed with magnificent resources such as fringing reefs, coral gardens in the lagoons, sea grass beds, mangroves, mudflats, and high fish diversity, marine mammals (e.g. dolphins), turtles and various species of shorebirds.

Tewa Caves, near the mouth of the creek, are partly underwater – here Giant Groupers (up to 800lbs) live with many other exotic fish species. On land Giant Monitor Lizards, dik dik, mongoose and monkeys. The coral reefs are home to more than 140 species of hard and soft corals. Their symbiotic relationship with the chlorophyll generating animals give the corals their spectacular night-time phosphorescent colours. The reef plays a diverse role. As well as bio-diversity strongholds, they are breeding grounds for fish and other marine life, a vital barrier against the force of the sea, protecting marine organisms and tourist recreation, they keep out dangerous sharks common to the deeper waters, and their colour and the exotic coral fish they support provides a major attraction for tourists. Historic Gede Ruins and Lamu Islands offer exciting day trips.

With more organisms per square meter than any other types of ecosystems, coral reefs are among the richest, diverse and biologically productive ecosystems in the world. A total of more than 140 species of hard and soft corals have been recorded on the Kenya coast. These corals live in symbiosis with chlorophyll generating animals, which gives corals their spectacular colors. It is a park worth including in Kenya safaris itinerary.

There is currently no accommodation in the reserve. Visitors can stay in Malindi town which offers various accommodation options. There are lots of luxurious, comfortable and culturally rich hotels and lodges to choose from in close proximity to the Park like Turtle bay, Coral Key Beach Resort.

Activities in these parks includes snorkeling diving and fishing the many types of fish that thrives in these habitats.This part of the coast is also accessible through Malindi airport.