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Vasco Da Gama Pillar:
The pillar is situated on the seafront road near the jetty. It
is accessed from Scorpio Villas or alternatively from the
Silversands area. The pillar is one of the oldest remaining
monuments in Africa and was built in 1498 by the great Portuguese
explorer, Vasco da Gama as a sign of appreciation for the welcome
he was given by the Sultan of Malindi.
Pillar Tombs: The pillar tombs are located next to Juma Mosque, between the
jetty and the town centre. The tombs are believed to have been
built in the 15th century as burial grounds for renowned
Portuguese
Portuguese Chapel:
The chapel is located along seafront road near the Gossip
Hotel and was built in the 16th century to mark the burial ground
of two Portuguese sailors.
Arabuko Sokoke Forest
:
The Arabuko-Sokoke forest occupies both Malindi and Kilifi
district and is composed of a vast tract of one of the largest
remaining indigenous coastal forests in East Africa. The forest
covers an area of 420 km2 . It is a dry coastal forest with more
than a half of it being composed of dense thicket dominated by
Cynometria and Brachystegia woodlands, although some areas are of mixed forest. The Sokoke forest is
home to a wide diversity of both flora and fauna attractions.
Both small and large mammals can be found here including rare and
unique birds like the East Sokoke Akalat, Amani Sunbird and the
Spotted Groundthrush and Clarke Weaver, not forgetting the Sokoke
Sops Owl. Rare mammals include the Sokoke Bush-tailed Mongoose,
the Golden Rumped Elephant shrew, the Golden Cat and the Brown
Hyena. Large mammals like the buffalo, the Suni, Sykes Monkey,
Yellow Baboon and occasionally the elephant can also be found.
Over 260 species of butterflies have also been recorded. Access
to the forest is through the visitors centre that is located 2
kilometres form the Gede junction. Hiking, picnicking and
ornithological tours can also be arranged through the offices of
the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Forest Department.
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