Diani beach in Kenya
Introduction
Diani Beach is a major beach on the Indian ocean coast of Kenya in eastern Africa, located 30 kilometres south of Mombasa in Kwale county and it has been voted Africa’s leading beach destination for the fifth time running since 2015.
The beach is about 17 kilometres long from the Kongo river to north and Galu beach to the southern point of reference is an old Baobab tree and it is one of the most prominent tourism resort areas of Kenya with indigenous people of the area called the Digo, one of the nine ethnic communities known as the Mijikenda. A small airstrip Ukunda airport is located between the beach area and the Mombasa Lunga road and the water remains shallow near the shore with some underwater sandbars near the surface which allow wading with a clear view of the sandy bottom. Inland from the beach, there is extensive vegetation including numerous palm trees which cover the coastal areas, unlike the dry acacia trees of the mountainous Kenyan highlands.
Diani Beach has restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and several shopping centres and also popular for kitesurfing, jet skiing and snorkeling location. It has a magnificent background of forests with the sounds of various animals serenading tourists that they will really make a perfect destination
The 16th century Kongo Mosque is located at the Northern tip of Diani Beach where the Kongo river flows into the ocean separating the beach from Tiwi and it is the last remaining ancient Swahili structure in Diani.
What to do in Diani beach.
Diani Beach has been awarded as the best beach in Africa for 5 years in a row. The beach is the epitome of a paradise postcard with miles of snow-white sand, the pristine waters of the warm Indian Ocean, a paintbox of jewel colours seen in the flicker of fish, butterflies, flowers and monkeys. Although it is the biggest tourist beach in Kenya, Diani still works on Kenyan time, With no high-rise hotels, flashy shopping malls or supercars. Diani thatched huts, Swahili inspired boutique hotels, palm trees, cocktails, and days spent out on the water. Below are the activities that can be done on Diani beach.
Diving in Diani
Kenya is known for the world class dive sites all along its coastline and There are several dive schools in Diani Beach like diving the crab at Nomads, Diani marine and ocean tribe with and all of them will take experienced divers out beyond the reef to dive with 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 and November to February is the season for whales and whale sharks in Diani.
Colobus Conservation
Visit Diani beach colobus conservation center for a guided tour through the forest where a troop of Colobus Monkeys live. These black and white monkeys with their long bushy tails and you will 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, you will be pleased to spot, vervet, Sykes and baboons within the grounds.
Ride a Camel
A trip to Diani will not be complete without a camel ride along the beach and the kids love it. You will see many terrified adults cling on as the camel lowers them precariously toward the ground. Pay 500 bob / 5 USD for 15 minutes and you will find the camel guy all along the beach as he walks the entire length throughout the day.
Kitesurfing
When the wind picks up, tourists 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 that relies heavily on the two winds the Kusi which blows from the south in April to September and the Kaskazi which blows over from India in December to April.
Horse ridings
In the same way that the camel guy walks along the beach, you will here also find the beach boys trying to offer beach rides like riding with horses that are well cared for and loved and then head to Kinondo Kwetu and you can have a lesson in the paddock, ride along the beach or venture into the sacred Kaya Forest and here you should go early because the sun can be hotter than Hades but this is wonderful thing to do in Diani beach.
Visit the Kongo Estuary and Kongo Mosque
The Kongo Estuary flows in the Indian Ocean where Diani borders Tiwi and the flat waters of the estuary are stunningly beautiful with little sandbars and shallow pools. It is a calm place and the best place for 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 known attraction to visit in Diani, but worth the trip.
Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
kaya Kinondo forest is one of several sacred forests in the area and the name Kaya means sacred and this ancient forest belongs to the local Digo tribe. It is mentioned that before entering the forest you must wear a black sarong, promise not to kiss anyone, or to take any vegetation not even a leaf. The forest feels ancient and 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 place including the many medicinal trees.
Where to stay at Diani beach.
Diani beach is surrounded with different best hotels that provide the best services in Kenya that will help you experience the best safari in Kenya leaving you with an unforgettable experience in Kenya. Below are some of the hotels around Diani beach.
Maji beach boutique hotel
The hotel is situated along the sandy Diani Beach, just 5 km from Ukunda Airstrip and 35 km from Mombasa, Moi International Airport is 50 km away and the hotel features an outdoor and indoor pool, restaurant and poolside bar, a fitness centre and massage services. The air-conditioned rooms come with elegant décor, a balcony with Indian Ocean views and a seating area with satellite TV, and some rooms feature a private pool. The bathrooms include a bathrobe, slipper and free toiletries. There is also a shared lounge area, library and souvenir shop and the restaurant serves a range of Swahili, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Ocean village club
The club is found on the Indian Ocean along the white sandy Diani Beach, offering guests a tranquil haven, featuring tropical decor with teak furniture and all rooms come with a veranda and air-conditioning. The Deluxe Rooms have sea views through the tropical forest including a seating area with flat-screen TV and a small fridge. The club is a 10-minute drive from Ukunda village. Mombasa is located 40 km away and Moi International Airport is 50 km away. Selection of meals and dishes are offered from breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as pizzas and cocktails can be enjoyed in the Sails restaurant with drinks which are served at the poolside bar.
The sands at nomad
The sands at nomad is nnestled into 26 Acres of pristine coastal forest steping away from the traditional block hotel concept, into an atmosphere of space, freedom and personal care. The beach offers an ultimate beach gate away which is a combination of discretion, tranquil and warmth with a contemporary mix of nature, Swahili architecture, Italian interior deco, Arabic antique furniture making your stay warmly unique and memorable.
The accommodations are individually designed and combined mahogany furniture with Swahili design, and each room is fitted with a mini-bar and air conditioner featuring a shower, private bathrooms and also with a hairdryer and towels. However, some of the rooms have a spa bath and an array of activities can be enjoyed on site and in the surroundings, which include; windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving and snorkelling with an 18-hole golf course located 2km from the hotel.
Swahili beach
Swahili Beach is situated in Diani Beach, 200 metres from Nakumatt Diani and a 11-minutes’ walk from Diani Beach Shopping Centre and guests can enjoy sea views in their rooms and access to a sauna. The resort features an outdoor swimming pool and evening entertainment and all units in the resort are equipped with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom with free toiletries, air conditioning and a desk. The accommodation has a restaurant serving local and seafood cuisine, Vegan, vegetarian and halal options can also be requested.
The villa luxury suites hotel
The Villa is found in Diani Beach in the Coastal Region 700 metres from The Diani Beach Shopping Centre. Each suite in the villa features stylish interior combined with Swahili elements and it is equipped with air conditioning, fan, flat-screen TV while looking out at the pool or garden. The suites have a private bathroom with a shower with bath robes provided and a free toiletry. Colobus Conservation is 5 km from the Villa while Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest is 15 minutes’ drive away. The nearest airport Ukunda airport is 2.5km from the property while Moi Airport is 42km to the beach.
Leopard Beach Resort & Spa
The resort is nestled amidst the lush tropical gardens which is a popular choice to travellers seeking a blend of luxury and natural beauty. The resort offers spacious rooms and suites and each is elegantly appointed and offering modern amenities with a multiple dining options which include a beachfront restaurant where guests can indulge in a variety of culinary delights. The resort features a large swimming pool, and a range of water sports activities.
Water Lovers Beach Resort
WaterLovers Beach Resort is an environmentally conscious lodge located on the shores of Diani Beach, offering spacious suites and villas, and each designed with a focus on sustainability and comfort. Guests enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean from their private verandas or have a dip in the infinity pool overlooking the beach. WaterLovers Beach Resort offers guests the opportunity to engage in educational activities and participate in eco-friendly initiatives.
How to reach Diani beach
Diani Beach is located approximately 20 miles south of the city Mombasa in Kwale County and around 300 miles southeast of Nairobi. Travelers have an option to fly directly into Mombasa off international flights from destinations in Europe and other parts of Africa on airlines like KLM, Lufthansa or Ethiopian Airlines.
Travelers may arrive off a short flight from Nairobi off domestic airlines like Safari link or Jambo jet. Domestic airlines can connect visitors from the bustling hub of the country’s capital or from one of the key safari destinations in Kenya like the famous Masai Mara and the flights usually take an hour and depart mostly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport landing at either Mombasa airport or the Ukunda Airstrip where travelers are met and transferred to Diani Beach resort to begin their adventure in paradise. It is rare that visitors will drive the extremely long distance from Nairobi to Diani Beach due to its longer hours (8hours).
When guests reach Mombasa, they will be approached by one of the representatives and begin the one-hour south drive to the Diani area.
When to visit Diani beach
When you are thinking about this beach, it is always important to first think about the best time when you should visit the best beach in Kenya, that’s when you will get an opportunity to enjoy the various and the best safari activities that are done at the beach which include; snorkelling, scuba diving, kitesurfing, swimming and among many others under the crystal-clear waters. Diani beach is perfect for every age group who come to explore the destination that is from the families to couple.
The best time to visit Diani beach is December to march and June to September giving you a perfect climate which is hot and dry giving you a perfect time to participate in the water activities and the beach activities at large on the sand beach. Other months like April to may are wet and humid with October to November which is sunny but also very humid which may temper in your safari in Kenya.