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Car hire in Malindi - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Malindi

Malindi

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Malindi

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Malindi

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Malindi

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.

Why Hire a Car in Malindi?

Malindi, a coastal town in Kenya, offers a unique blend of pristine beaches, historical sites, and vibrant culture. While local transportation options are available, hiring a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore this diverse region at your own pace.

Explore Hidden Gems: With a hire car, you can easily venture beyond the main tourist areas to discover secluded beaches, local markets, and authentic Swahili villages.

Visit Historical Sites: Drive to historical landmarks such as the Gede Ruins, an ancient Swahili settlement, or the Vasco da Gama Pillar, a testament to Malindi's rich maritime history.

Enjoy Water Activities: Having a car allows you to transport your gear conveniently to various water sports locations, whether it's snorkelling at the Malindi Marine National Park or deep-sea fishing excursions.

Hire Terms and Conditions in Malindi

Before booking a hire car in Malindi, be aware of the following terms and conditions. Ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, possess a valid driving licence, and understand the specifics of insurance, deposits, mileage, and fuel policies.

Area

Approximately 6.4 square kilometres (2.5 square miles)

Population

Approximately 120,000 residents

Time Zone

EAT (UTC+3)

Ideal for

Short-term hire

Rush Hours

Expect moderate traffic 8 AM – 10 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM

Rating

4.0/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car hire companies in Malindi require drivers to be at least 23 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.

2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driving licence is essential, and visitors should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English or Swahili. A passport may also be required.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard hire agreements include basic insurance, but supplemental coverage options, such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection, are available. A security deposit is usually held on a credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with a full tank to avoid refuelling charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS navigation systems and child seats.

Car Hire Prices in Malindi – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45 per day

Electric:

from £20 / $25 / €23 per day

Classic:

from £10 / $12 / €11 per day

Executive:

from £30 / $38 / €35 per day

7 Seater:

from £35 / $44 / €40 per day

Automatic:

from £20 / $25 / €23 per day

SUV:

from £12 / $15 / €14 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (December to February): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high tourist demand.

Low season (May to June): Often offers discounts and lower rates for car rentals.

*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.

How to Book a Car in Malindi?

Booking a car in Malindi is simple when you follow these steps. Compare prices, select a car that fits your needs, review the hire terms, book early, and have your documents ready when you pick up the vehicle.

1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals based on your dates and vehicle needs.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your plans, whether it’s an economy car for city travel or an SUV for exploring off-road locations.

3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.

4. Book in Advance - Secure better prices and vehicle options by booking early, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driving licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Malindi

Malindi is a coastal town that offers a mix of beautiful beaches and historical sites. Hiring a car is ideal for exploring beyond the town centre, but awareness of traffic rules and parking is essential.

Malindi, a popular tourist destination on the Kenyan coast, provides visitors with a range of attractions, from pristine beaches to cultural landmarks. While local transportation options are available, hiring a car allows for convenient travel to destinations outside the immediate city centre. Before you set off, familiarising yourself with local traffic laws, fuel availability, and parking regulations is important.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Malindi Marine National Park

    A protected area teeming with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

  • Gede Ruins

    An ancient Swahili settlement offering insights into the region’s rich history.

  • Vasco da Gama Pillar

    A historical landmark that commemorates the Portuguese explorer's visit to Malindi.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Secure parking options are available, particularly in central areas.

  • On-Street Parking

    Pay-and-display bays can be found, but these may be time-limited, especially in busy areas.

  • Hotel Parking

    Many hotels provide parking for guests.

Gas Stations in Malindi

  • Availability in the Town Centre

    Several fuel stations are located in and around the town centre.

  • Major Brands

    Look for major brands like Total, Shell, and KenolKobil along main roads.

  • Navigation Apps

    Tools such as Google Maps can help you locate the nearest stations in real-time.

Useful Tips for Visiting Malindi

  • Use Local Currency

    Have Kenyan Shillings available for payment at smaller establishments.

  • Stay Alert on the Roads

    Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in crowded areas.

  • Plan for Traffic

    Avoid driving during peak hours to minimise delays.

  • Respect Local Customs

    Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be mindful of local traditions.

Key Transportation Hubs in Malindi

Bus Stations

Malindi Bus Station

The main bus terminal for local and regional transportation.

Airports

Malindi Airport (MYD)

Serves domestic flights and some international charters.

What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Malindi?

Hiring a car in Malindi requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth hire process.

  • If you're a resident, your local licence is sufficient. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.

  • A valid card is required for the security deposit. Some companies may prefer or require a credit card.

  • A passport or another form of identification may be requested.

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Malindi as

4.1

To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.

Malindi was amazing! Exploring the coastline with our rental car was so freeing. The beaches were stunning, but the local market felt a little overwhelming, honestly. Still, I'd highly recommend it.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 03.04.2025

Pretty chill, actually.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 15.12.2024

Honestly, Malindi exceeded expectations! Having a car was a game-changer. The local markets were a bit overwhelming, though. Still, a fantastic trip.

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 10.06.2025

Relaxing, pretty chill.

EB

Ethan Brown

Reviewed: 29.10.2024

Pretty laid-back, really.

LO

Liam O'Connell

Reviewed: 26.12.2024

So glad I returned to Malindi after all these years! Getting around was easy, and the beaches were stunning.

OS

Oliver Smith

Reviewed: 14.11.2024

Malindi in the summer was fantastic! Having a car made exploring easy. The local restaurants, however, were a bit inconsistent.

AG

Ava Garcia

Reviewed: 29.09.2024

Malindi was fun, though the heat was intense. Exploring independently was easy with our own transport.

MR

Maya Rodriguez

Reviewed: 06.06.2025

Wonderful trip! Getting around was easy, beaches were stunning.

IW

Isabelle Wilson

Reviewed: 31.08.2024

Pretty good, actually.

NT

Noah Thompson

Reviewed: 11.03.2025

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