Malindi is a coastal city in Kenya and the capital of the district. Bathed by the Indian Ocean, it is not far from the mouth of the Galana River, about 120 kilometers northeast of Mombasa. Malindi is mentioned in the ancient travel chronicles written by the Chinese admiral Zheng He, who arrived with his fleet in Malindi in 1414. The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama visited the city in 1498 and during 1541, the famous Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier lived in the city for a few months. The city's economy is primarily based on tourism and is a favourite destination for Italian visitors. Malindi is famous for its white sandy beaches, protected in part by an impressive coral reef, and for its mild climate.
In addition to the famous National Parks of Tsavo East and Tsavo West, the list of must visit places includes Marafa ("the devil's kitchen"), the beaches of Watamu, Watamu Marine Park, the ruins of Gedi and the golden beach named "Che Shale."