It's called the “Summertides Festival” and it's one of Africa's top events, a music and entertainment festival that last summer, in August, brought more than 25,000 people to Diani, the location chosen to host it in 2025.
The news is that this year it will be held in Malindi, with the firm intention not only of continuing the work of relaunching the tourist destination, the results of which have already been visible for several months now, but also of attracting young tourists and others during what is now superficially referred to as the “low season.”
One of the main architects of this relaunch and the commercial and marketing efforts being made is Lost Beach. The trendy beach club on Malindi Bay has already warmed up the engines and spirits this year with special evenings that Malindi has rarely experienced in recent years: international DJs from South Africa and Great Britain, for example, endless evenings on multiple stages with thousands of people, including foreign and local tourists, a mix of cultures, and the appeal of always offering something unique.
It was only natural that the Summertides Festival decided to move to Lost from July 2 to 4, announcing it on its highly popular social media channels, so much so that in just over two hours it had already racked up almost 40,000 views. It will be an event for the whole of Malindi, but not only because, considering the boom in Diani last August, which led to flights, trains, and all accommodation facilities being sold out, there will not be enough accommodation, so Watamu and Malindi will also be called upon during an unusual period, in which businesses are advised to remain open, expecting reservations well in advance.
“Who says you can't have fun during the windy season? During the rainy season? Anything is possible with a change of perception,” say Lost, adding: “Don't close your hotels or businesses during the upcoming low season, as they predict that Malindi will be crowded a week before the festival starts.” And they launch the hashtag #saynotolowseason.

(photo: Summertides Festival social pages)