Diani Beach, at a glance
Diani Beach has been awarded the best beach destination in Africa for 5 years running, and it's easy to see why.
Located 30km south of Mombasa, this south coast beach is surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean, with countless beach resorts to accommodate you during your stay.
Diani Beach is everything that comes to mind when you think of a tropical paradise - rolling white sands perfect for sunbathing, crystal clear waters perfect for snorkelling, and an abundance of wildlife to discover.
Perfect for everyone from families to couples, visitors choose to head to Diani for a few days at the end of a safari in Kenya, but it's great as a standalone getaway too.
Stretches of white sand, as far as the eye can see
Include Diani Beach on these trips
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
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Things to do at Diani Beach
Diving, snorkelling & water sports
Marine parks have been established all along Diani Beach - these are areas of protected waters that conserve marine life and the ecosystem. They're well worth a visit, and a great place for snorkelling and diving.
Kenya is one of the few places in the world where reef sharks are seen frequently. These waters are also home to the endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles which can be seen whilst exploring under the surface. When visiting, remember to bring an underwater camera!
Diani Beach is one of the greatest water sports destinations in East Africa. Kayaking, jet-skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and scuba-diving are all possible - whatever your pace or skill level, you'll find something to experience at Diani.
Windsurfing over the cool waters of Diani Beach
Brilliant says
For shark spotting, visit between October and April when Whale shark sightings are the most common.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills National Reserve is a small rainforest park located just 15km from Diani Beach.
The 300km² protected sanctuary is home to numerous elephants, mongooses, monkeys, the endangered Sable Antelope, as well as countless bird species.
Be sure to visit Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary within the reserve. Suitable for all ages, it's an informative elephant haven, providing information on how they support animal welfare and local communities. The sanctuary was originally formed to create pathways for the herbivore giants to roam undisturbed amongst the entire nature reserve.
The sanctuary plays a vital role by reducing human-elephant conflict and ensuring balance in the threatened ecosystem, as well as protecting elephants from poachers.
Elephants are an icon of the continent
Kitsite-Mpunguti
Kitsite-Mpunguti Marine Park, just 50km from Diani beach, is a protected sanctuary of coral reefs and small islands inhabited by dolphins, turtles, birds and uncountable fish.
It's is a great hotspot for diving, snorkelling, and island bird watching, and it provides easy access to the Shimoni caves - ancient coral caves home to bats and the location of sacred worship by local communities.
This 39km² underwater sanctuary is located on the southern coast of Kenya, near the Tanzanian border. You can visit the marine park all year round. However, we recommend visiting between October to April when the waters are much clearer due to calmer seas.
Shimoni Caves - photo courtesy of Enzi Museum
Brilliant says
The park is only reachable by boat - we recommend catching a traditional African dhow to visit.
Other Activities
Sky Diving: Diani beach offers some of the finest scenery in the world and skydiving onto the beach has become a large attraction amongst tourists who want to see the landscape from a birds-eye view at 12,000 ft.
Deep-Sea Fishing: The availability of fish depends on the season, temperature and bait available. For most fish, the best months to take this trip is between September to April.
Glass Boat Tours: An incredible day out for those who prefer to stay dry but still want to experience the vast ecosystem. Sail on a glass-bottom boat and see schools of colourful fish swim beneath you. Learn from guides about marine life and the local myths of the Indian Ocean.
Where to Stay at Diani Beach
Waterlovers Beach Resort is a jewel on Diani beach. With the pool overlooking the ocean, it provides stunning panoramic views of the coast. The founders of WaterLovers Resort were so inspired by the atmosphere of the area, that they created this place from scratch. Its location means it has prime wind conditions and water temperatures for watersports.
Kinondo Kwetu Lodge is a postcard-perfect lodge situated on a private stretch of white sands south of the beautiful Diani Beach. A popular spot for some R&R after a safari in the mainland. This lodge isn't just perfect for honeymooners and couples, but Kinondo Kwetu is also a personal favourite of the King of Sweden.
The Sands at Nomad is a boutique resort and an ideal escape on Kenya's breathtaking Diani Beach - relax at the resorts luxury spa and indulge in their first-class dining one day, explore the untouched reefs whilst scuba diving the next. This option is perfect for families.
The Zubeida is another beautiful boutique resort - this getaway boasts stunning views over the ocean and offers an array of activities for all the family. Experiences everything from whale watching to luxury dining to indulgent spa days.
The stunning villas of WaterLovers Resort
Oceanside views all the time at WaterLovers Resort
A swim after dark at The Sands at Nomad
A Brilliant Story From Diani Beach
Read a diary extract from Brilliant's Lana Clark as she tells of her time at Kenya's Diani Beach, relaxing and exploring its hidden gems.
Had I really been intent on ‘just being’, I might have stayed at the southern end of the beach, amongst the bars and sun loungers. I would have already settled into my lodge, fruity cocktail in one hand, a book in the other.
Instead, I had made my way to the northern stretch of Diani Beach...
A hidden treasure of Diani Beach
Wildlife
There are five main species of primates living in the Diani area: yellow baboon, Angolan Colobus, vervet money, the Sykes monkey and bush-babies. These can be spotted all around the region.
The Angolan Colobus is a rare species in Kenya. More than 400 have been identified in the Diani area, one of the highest concentrations in the country.
The Colobus Conservation team have worked hard to ensure the protection of the species by providing food, a safe environment and protection from pouching.
Dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and whales are often spotted in the deep blues off the Kenyan coast.
A friendly visitor at WaterLovers Resort
When to visit Diani Beach
The best time to visit Diani Beach is between December to March and June to September.
Between these months the climate is perfect. There is little rain and lots of hot, sunny weather. April to May is mostly wet and humid, whilst October to November is sunny, yet very humid.
The Indian Ocean is very warm all year around, with the water temperature ranging between 26°C to 29°C.
How to get to Diani Beach
The best way to get to Diani beach is by flying from Nairobi Wilson Airport to the Ukunda Airstrip. It is a fast and cheap option.
There is also the option to fly from Nairobi’s International Airport to Mombasa, and then take a taxi journey to Diani Beach.
The perfect beach getaway
Our Most Popular Kenyan Adventures
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
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