Travel Guide Mammalius

Here is an idea for an original tour in an area not often visited by tourists. The charming little Arab-Swahili village of Mambrui is about 15 km north of Malindi, on the road to Lamu. There you will see a mosque and a beautiful pillar-tomb inlaid with Ming porcelain. The coast around Mambrui is very wild. If you have time, go further north to the villages of Ngomeni or Gongoni, both located at the bottom of a beautiful bay. Back in Mambrui, head inland to Marafa (the turnoff for Marafa is at the northern exit of the town). When you arrive in this locality, turn right onto the Mzijini track for a few kilometers. You will then discover, on your left, the strange site of Hell's Kitchen. It is a superb place, composed of gorges and large eroded rocky peaks tinted with ochre, white and orange. In the morning or at the end of the afternoon, the scenery is decorated with its most shimmering colors. The place is really worth the detour and looks like a mini-canyon, however the road is long, very long, and in poor condition to reach the place. If you do not wish to return to Malindi, you can join Tsavo East. To do this, at Marafa, head towards Baricho (25 km) and then continue for 10 km. You then join the main track that connects Malindi to Tsavo; take a right, and, 72 km later, you are at Sala Gate. This is a full day's drive, so be sure to bring fuel and check the condition of the tracks, especially during and after the rainy season.