Where to Stay in Malindi: Beach Hotels, Resorts and Town Guesthouses

Malindi sits on the Kenya north coast 120km from Mombasa, where the Indian Ocean meets the Sabaki River mouth and an offshore reef creates calm, relatively clear water for most of the year. The town has two distinct personalities: the working fishing town and market on the landward side, and the beach resort strip along the Silversands and Casuarina Beach areas. Malindi’s unusual Italian-Kenyan cultural blend (a large Italian community has been established here since the 1980s) gives it a different flavour from Watamu to the south or the purely package-holiday feel of Mombasa’s north coast.

Malindi’s Accommodation Zones

Malindi Town — The centre has budget guesthouses, local restaurants, the fish market, the Vasco da Gama Pillar (a Portuguese landmark from 1498), and the main bus and matatu stands. It functions as a practical base rather than a leisure destination.

Silversands Beach — The main resort area, 2-3km north of the town centre, with the highest concentration of beach hotels and villas. The beach here is wide and maintained, with the reef providing reasonably calm water. Italian-run restaurants and pizzerias are scattered along this stretch.

Casuarina Beach — A slightly quieter section south of the main resort strip, named for the casuarina trees. Properties here tend to be smaller and more private.

Near the Marine National Park — The southern approach to Malindi, closer to Watamu, has a handful of properties aimed at marine park visitors and snorkellers.

Budget Accommodation: From Approximately USD 25-75 Per Night

Driftwood Beach Hotel (Silversands) — A long-established budget-to-mid property on the beach with a loyal following among backpackers, overlanders, and repeat visitors. The bar and restaurant are local institutions. Rooms are simple and slightly dated but the location is hard to beat. From approximately USD 55-90 per night as of 2026.

Eden Roc Hotel (Silversands area) — A mid-size property popular with Italian visitors and independent travellers. Pool, restaurant, and a short walk to the beach. From approximately USD 45-80 per night as of 2026.

Palm House Malindi (town area) — A clean, simple guesthouse in a central location, useful for those needing easy access to the bus stand and market. From approximately USD 30-55 per night as of 2026.

Stars and Garters (near Silversands) — A small guesthouse with a loyal following and a modest garden. Rooms are basic but well-maintained. From approximately USD 35-65 per night as of 2026.

Mid-Range Hotels: From Approximately USD 80-200 Per Night

Blue Marlin Hotel (Silversands) — A well-run property on a good stretch of beach, with a diving centre on site, several pools, and a restaurant specialising in fresh seafood. A reliable choice in the mid-range bracket. From approximately USD 85-155 per night as of 2026.

Sandies Tropical Village (Silversands) — A larger resort property with extensive grounds, multiple pools, water sports facilities, and a good snorkelling reef directly off the beach. Italian-influenced menus, consistent service. From approximately USD 110-200 per night as of 2026.

African Dream Cottages (Casuarina Beach) — Separate self-catering cottages set in a garden, suited to families or couples wanting kitchen access and privacy without full hotel formality. From approximately USD 100-180 per night as of 2026.

I Love Malindi Residence (Silversands) — A boutique property with characterful rooms, a pool, and a well-regarded Italian-Kenyan restaurant. Popular with European independent travellers. From approximately USD 120-200 per night as of 2026.

Luxury Villas and Hotels: From Approximately USD 200-600 Per Night

Diamonds Dream of Africa (Casuarina Beach) — A well-regarded luxury property with a private beach section, pool villas, and one of the north coast’s best restaurant operations. From approximately USD 280-520 per night as of 2026, including breakfast.

Lawfords Hotel (Silversands) — A historic property that dates to the early tourism era in Malindi, renovated and maintained as one of the area’s more atmospheric options. Multiple dining options and a pool. From approximately USD 160-310 per night as of 2026.

Che Shale (Casuarina Beach) — A boutique lodge with a strong environmental and community focus. Seven tented cottages, a pool overlooking the ocean, and good access to the marine park. From approximately USD 300-550 per night as of 2026.

Private Villa Rentals — Malindi has a well-developed private villa market, mostly concentrated on Casuarina Beach. Villas sleep 4-12 guests, come with full staff, and often include private pools and beach access. Nightly rates for staffed villas start from approximately USD 250-400 and rise to USD 800+ for larger properties as of 2026.

Marine Activities and Practical Tips

Malindi Marine National Park (a short boat ride from the beach) offers snorkelling over coral gardens, with visibility best from January to March and July to October. Glass-bottom boat trips are available from the beach for approximately USD 15-30 per person as of 2026.

The Gede Ruins — a remarkably intact Swahili town abandoned in the 17th century — are 12km south of Malindi near Watamu, and easily combined as a half-day excursion. Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve (East Africa’s largest coastal forest) begins at the Gede junction and is excellent for birding.

Malindi gets windy from June to August (kaskazi monsoon), which slightly roughens the sea but makes kite surfing excellent on designated stretches. Prices and availability at local kite schools vary; enquire on arrival.

For boat trips, snorkelling excursions, and guided tours from Malindi, browse Mombasa and coast tours. For the full Malindi guide including what to see and eat, see our Malindi city hub.