Malindi

As of June 2026, Malindi, Watamu have 818 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 3% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Malindi generates KES1.1M per year. High-performing properties earn KES4.5M/year, while low-performing properties earn KES300K/year. This massive variance indicates a market bifurcated between professionalized operations and legacy listings struggling to capture traveler interest amid a broader 13% revenue contraction.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Malindi. Average annual revenue is KES1.1M with 18% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to KES4.5M/year. The performance gap suggests that top-tier assets successfully insulate themselves from the market's current 13% revenue decline, maintaining viability despite low overall occupancy levels.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Malindi is 18%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of KES18K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of KES3K per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Malindi, with annual revenue of KES2.1M. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Malindi market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Malindi area. I don't have reliable, current data on short-term rental regulations or enforcement reality for Malindi and Watamu, Kenya. These coastal resort towns likely have tourism accommodation regulations at the county level (Kilifi County), but I cannot confirm specific STR licensing requirements, occupancy rules, density limits, or actual enforcement practices without access to verified local sources. I recommend contacting Kilifi County government or local tourism authorities directly for accurate information. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Malindi Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 3% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 13%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized contraction in both inventory and earnings suggests a quiet market correction where marginal operators are exiting without sparking intense competitive pressure.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -26% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (July-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Malindi listings include: Kitchen (98%), Pool (92%), Air Conditioning (73%), Balcony (62%), Tv (61%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Bbq, Pool, Washing Machine, with Bbq properties earning approximately 77% more (KES4.7M/year vs KES2.7M/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Malindi over the last 12 months: May: KES39K, June: KES41K, July: KES59K, August: KES81K, September: KES58K, October: KES75K, November: KES75K, December: KES137K, January: KES101K, February: KES82K, March: KES76K, April: KES88K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Malindi is KES18K, up 14% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average KES9K/night, 2-bedroom properties average KES15K/night, 3-bedroom properties average KES24K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average KES43K/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Malindi book an average of 27 days in advance, down 24% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 22 days, 2-bedroom: 28 days, 3-bedroom: 32 days, 4+ bedroom: 37 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Malindi Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 3%, revenue per listing decreased 13%, occupancy fell 13%, average nightly rates increased 14%, and lead time decreased 24%. These shifts suggest that hosts are attempting to offset lower demand with higher pricing, leading to more impulsive, last-minute booking patterns.

In Malindi, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 11% higher occupancy than weekdays.