Malindi, Kenya 🇰🇪
#382
-3.216598, 40.116593
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Malindi is a coastal town located on the eastern shore of Kenya along the Indian Ocean, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 120,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is 25 Mbps, with faster options available in upscale accommodations. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Kenyan Shilling (KES); 1 USD ≈ 140 KES |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Safaricom and Airtel are popular providers; affordable prepaid plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Commonly accepted: Visa, Mastercard; local banking options include Equity Bank, KCB. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury resorts to budget hostels available on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payment options like M-Pesa are widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include Malindi Backpackers and Eden House. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Malindi Digital Nomad Hub - offers a conducive environment for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Pizzeria Del Lago - offers free Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups for digital nomads organized by local expat groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular community events and beach bonfires; check Facebook groups for current happenings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available; local taxis can be negotiated. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available through local shops, particularly along the beachfront. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Malindi Beach, known for its beautiful white sand and clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Kenya Airways operates flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways fly into Nairobi, then connect to Malindi. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Malindi is accessible via the B8 road from Mombasa. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Mombasa Railway Station is the nearest major transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local matatus (shared minivans) are the primary public transport; no formal pass system. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Matatus and buses available to nearby towns like Watamu and Mombasa. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Malindi District Hospital - provides essential medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Alba Hospital Wellness Center offers various yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Club Malindi provides basic fitness amenities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and services available, with some guesthouses offering laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Jumia Food offers delivery from various local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Swahili seafood dishes; try the 'Samaki wa Kupaka' (grilled fish with coconut sauce). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Options available at restaurants like The Italian Garden. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gelateria Malindi for delicious ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Malindi Town Market for fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jumia Kenya offers a range of products available for delivery. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | QuickMart and Naivas offer some delivery services within Malindi. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Restaurants and bars along the Malindi beachfront offer vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | White Cap Beer is a popular local brand. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Tides Restaurant offers a selection of wines and cocktails. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various vendors offer samosas, kebabs, and fresh coconut, particularly at the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza, Italian, and Indian restaurants are popular among expats. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Malindi Aquarium and the Vasco da Gama Pillar. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Malindi Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of Gedi are a significant attraction nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Malindi Cathedral and the Old Port's ancient ruins. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Malindi Festival takes place every December, highlighting local culture and arts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town of Malindi showcases traditional Swahili architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Under the Stars offers open-air screenings and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Malindi Town Market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events often held at beachfront venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals and local art displayed throughout town, particularly in the Old Town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Malindi Cookery Classes offer courses in local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries showcase Kenyan artists, particularly along the waterfront. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Malindi's historic Swahili houses and the Old Port area. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The region's heritage reflects a blend of African, Arab, and European influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Watamu National Marine Park offers beautiful coral reefs and marine biodiversity. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Arabuko Sokoke Forest is a short drive away, known for its bird watching. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The beach promenade is perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Climb to the viewpoint at the Mida Creek for stunning views of the coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Mida Creek is known for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local delivery services operate in Malindi. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer mobile and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Indoor sports facilities at local community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Swahili Language School offers courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Malindi Public Library offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Malindi Community Centre hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming lounges are available, particularly in town centers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Some resorts have small gaming areas for guests. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $45,000 for a studio (35 m²) in the city center. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $30,000 for a studio (35 m²) outside the city. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $70,000 for a 1-bedroom (60 m²) in the city center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $50,000 for a 1-bedroom (60 m²) outside the city. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $90,000 for a 2-bedroom (80 m²) in the city center. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $70,000 for a 2-bedroom (80 m²) outside the city. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% under certain conditions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 30% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable under certain circumstances. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on estimated property value; approximately 1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 4% during property purchases. |