Diani Beach Kenya is the sparkling jewel on Kenya’s mesmerising Indian Ocean coast. Two hours south of the hectic port city of Mombasa, Diani Beach slumbers in summered perfection. The softest of white sand, waving palms, lazy seaside cafes. You would be forgiven for spending your time here doing nothing but gazing at the cerulean sea and chasing coconuts but despite its sleepy feel, it is one of the most popular spots on the Kenyan coast. Diani has five-star hotels, palatial villas, backpacker hostels, fine dining restaurants, laid-back beach bars, and a scattering of water sports centres. There is no end of things to do in Diani.
Weather in Diani beach
The weather in Diani Beach is always warm and welcoming. The best time to visit is during the cooler winter months of July & August, when the humidity drops, the wind picks up and you might just get to snuggle in a light sweater at night. During the rest of the year, Diani is hot, hot, hot and you want to make sure you have a beachfront house or at least a pool and good A/C. The rains fall in April – June and October – November, but it rarely rains the whole day.
What You can do in Diani beach
Hit The Indian Ocean
Diani Beach is sheltered from deep water by a reef that runs most of the length of the Kenyan coast. At low tide, the reef at Diani can easily be seen and small coral islands emerge, many of which are an easy swim to reach. My kids love spotting crabs, starfish, sea urchins, and gathering shells. Hire a kayak or SUP and explore the ocean waves, or, for an adrenaline rush, try kitesurfing or windsurfing. Head to the other side of the reef for scuba diving and discover all the pelagic and deep water adventures you could hope for.
Day Trip to Wasini Island
Wasini Island within the Kisite Marine Park is the dream Indian Ocean islet. The hidden beach paradise that is genuinely little known. You don’t get much more remote that this. This tiny island is famed for its amazing sea life. Take a boat out from Shimoni pier and you may see dolphins and whales. Dive beneath the surface to experience a giddying array of tropical fish in one of the best diving reefs on the Kenyan coast.
Sundowners on Diani Beach
The sun may set on the other side of the African continent, but you still get Kenya’s famed sunsets at Diani Beach. Grab some beers and swim in the tropical waters as the sun goes down or head to Sands at Nomads and sip the local Dawa cocktail. Diani Beach is made for burying your feet in the sand and watching the dhows make their leisurely way across the beach.You can also take a ride in a canoe boat at Kongo river for an eveing sunset view
Shimba Hills National Park
Diani Beach and safari may not go hand in hand but the magnificent Shimba Hills National Park is so close by and it would be a crime to miss it. The flora here is notably different to most other Kenyan safaris, it is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa. It is also home to one of the largest elephant populations in Kenya. Most of the usual suspects lurk in the tropical forests: leopard, lion, zebra, giraffe and the very rare Sable antelope.
Hotels in Diani
Hotels in Diani range from large Diani beach resorts to Diani backpackers and everything in between. A scattering of resorts and luxury boutique hotels are ranged across the whole 11km beach, most occupying prime beachfront spots. Villas and cottages are cheaper the further away from the beach you go and prices come down accordingly. You may spend less on a 2nd row or 3rd row house, but in summer you will end up paying in sweat. Sometimes the extra cash is worth the sea breeze. In the summer pools and even the ocean can get bathwater warm.
Villas will often have A/C, a pool, and a full complement of staff. Cheaper cottages where you will just have a ceiling fan. However, even the cheaper houses allow you to hire cooks and cleaners and often babysitters too.
Travel to Diani
Diani, Kenya, sits approximately 2 hours to the south of Mombasa which is Kenya’s second largest city and has the closest international airport. Diani Beach is approximately thre hours from Kilifi, and four hours from Watamu and Malindi. Diani is fortunate to have it’s own small airport. Ukunda Diani is just 10 minutes from Diani central and most of the Diani hotels and villas.
If you are travelling from Mombasa, then transport from Mombasa to Diani Beach is best taken by taxi, cost should be approx 40 dollars one way. Don’t be tempted by the far cheaper tuk-tuks, you will waste hours of your life bumping in slow motion towards your destination. A new bypass has recently opened which skirts around Mombasa city and the journey takes around an hour. If you are heading into Mombasa city its quicker to cross the Likoni ferry.
Matatu’s run between Mombasa and Diani, its a crowded, hot and sticky affair but vastly cheaper. There are also a couple of bus services. Check Kenyabus more information.
Nairobi to Diani
Direct flights to Ukunda are frequently available from several Kenyan destinations. Flights from Nairobi to Ukunda and vice versa run a few times a day, take an hour and are pretty cheap. (Approx 50 USD one way).
Jambojet and Fly540 operate Diani Ukunda to Nairobi and return flights throughout the year.
The SGR train runs a twice daily, very cheap, clean and comfortable service from Nairobi to Mombasa and makes a cheap, if lengthy, alternative way to travel to Diani Beach.
It is entirely possible to drive to Diani from Nairobi, and many people do. The journey takes between 8 – 10 hours on the well tarmacked but very busy Mombasa highway. You always have the option of stopping at Tsavo National Park en route.
