Explore Kenya’s best-loved beach. Find out what to do, where to eat, where to sleep, and the best day trips to take from one of the most beautiful beaches in Africa.
Diani Beach has been awarded the best beach in Africa for 5 years in a row. It’s easy to see why. The beach is the epitome of a paradise postcard. Diani Beach has miles of snow white sand, the pristine waters of the warm Indian Ocean, and a paintbox of jewel colours seen in the flicker of fish, of butterflies and flowers and monkeys. Although it is the biggest tourist beach in Kenya, Diani still works on Kenyan time. There are no high-rise hotels, flashy shopping malls or supercars. Diani is thatched huts, Swahili inspired boutique hotels, palm trees, cocktails, and days spent out on the water, but despite its laid back feel, there are still plenty of things to do in Diani Beach.
Scuba Diving in Diani
Kenya has world-class dive sites all along its fabulous coastline, with diverse marine life like the whale shark, dolphins, turtles, rays and even humpback whale depending on the time of year.
Inexperienced divers can choose from taster sessions or a range of formal PADI qualifications. Many dive shops close during the rainy season which is April to June. November to February is the season for whales and whale sharks in Diani.
Colobus Conservation
Visit Diani Beach Colobus Conservation Centre for a guided tour through the forest where a troop of Colobus Monkeys live. I love these black and white monkeys with their long, bushy tails. Learn all about the threatened primates and the work that the Colobus Conservation does to keep them safe from road accidents and poaching. If you are a monkey lover, then you will be pleased to spot, vervet, sykes and baboons within the grounds.
Ride a Camel
A trip to Diani isn’t complete without a camel ride along the beach. The kids love it and I’ve seen many terrified adults cling on as the camel lowers them precariously toward the ground. Pay 500 bob / 5 USD for 15 minutes – you’ll find the camel guy all along the beach as he walks the entire length throughout the day.
Go Kitesurfing
When the wind picks up, you will see kite surfers all along the Diani Beach coastline. With shallow waters and consistent winds, Diani is one of the best places to kitesurf and learn to kitesurf in Kenya. Kenya is famed for its ancient shipping routes and relies heavily on the two winds, the Kusi which blows up from the south from April to September and the Kaskazi which blows over from India from December to April.
Go Horse Riding
In the same way that the camel guy walks along the beach, you will find the ‘beach boys’ trying to offer beach rides, but for safe riding with horses that are well cared for and loved, then head to Kinondo Kwetu. You can have a lesson in the paddock, ride along the beach, or venture into the sacred Kaya Forest. Go early – the sun can be hotter than Hades – but this is a wonderful thing to do in Diani Beach.
Visit the Kongo Estuary and Kongo Mosque
The Kongo Estuary flows into the Indian Ocean where Diani borders Tiwi. The flat still waters of the estuary are stunningly beautiful, with little sandbars and shallow pools. This is a calm place and the best place to SUP (stand up paddleboard) in town. The 16th century Kongo Mosque is the last remaining ancient Swahili structure in Diani and is one of the less well-known things to do in Diani, but worth the trip.
Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
Kaya Kinondo is one of several sacred forests in the area. Kaya means sacred, and this ancient forest belongs to the local Digo tribe. It is said that before entering you must wear a black sarong, promise not to kiss anyone, or to take any vegetation-not even a leaf. The forest feels ancient, many trees are up to 600 years old with one palm reputed to be over 1000. Go with a guide and learn about the history of this revered place, including the many medicinal trees.
Shopping in Diani Beach
Food and drink: Heading to the supermarket may not top your list of things to do in Diani, but we all gotta eat. Carrefour and Chandarana are the best places to shop for food and drink in Diani. Both supermarkets are big name brands in Kenya and stock many familiar brands from abroad.
Souveniers: Visit the Bombolulu Workshop at Diani Beach Shopping Centre. The cultural centre is a programme of the Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya, and all profits go to help the charity.
Kazuri Beads sells handmade beads that are made into jewellery. You can pick up baskets, clothes, jewellery and crafts at the stalls along Diani Beach Road.
Clothes: Bikinis, swimming costumes, sarongs, dresses and shirts can be found at the boutique shops at Sands at Nomads and Kenyaways. Check out the stalls along Diani Beach road which sell kaftans, trousers, t-shirts and kikoys at cheap prices. There are similar stalls along the beach – the biggest is outside Nomads.
Pharmacies: The best are at the Diani Beach Shopping Centre or Goodlife Pharmacy next to Carrefour.
