Diani Beach is a famous tropical beach on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. It is located in Kwale County, close to Mombasa, and is known for its clear waters and peaceful environment. Diani is one of the most popular beaches in Kenya, both locally and internationally.
Since 2015, Diani Beach has been voted the leading African beach five times in a row. Stretching for 27 kilometers, it offers beautiful scenery, calm blue waters, and lovely sunrises and sunsets. The Mwachema River flows into Diani, adding to its charm.
Diani is part of the Mombasa metropolitan area, with around 100,000 residents. It provides a perfect getaway for travelers who have spent time exploring Kenya’s wildlife parks.
The beach has a mix of cultures because of its long history, with influences from nine local tribes, Arabs, Portuguese, Indians, British, and Chinese traders who once lived and traded here.
Park Entry Fee
There is no entry fee to access Diani Beach, but visitors must pay for activities. Prices vary depending on what you choose to do.
History
The history of Diani Beach dates back to the 8th century AD. Indians and Arabs started arriving in the 9th century to trade, followed by the Portuguese in the 15th century, who later lost control of the coast to the Oman Arabs. In the 19th century, Diani became part of the British protectorate.
An old 16th-century Kongo Mosque, also called the Diani Persian Mosque, stands on the northern end of the beach. It was named by early Arab traders and remains one of the last Swahili structures along the coast.
Wildlife
Although Diani Beach is not a wildlife park, its coastal forests are home to animals such as black and white colobus monkeys.
The nearby coral reefs provide shelter for marine life including reef sharks, green turtles, hawksbill turtles, yellowfin tuna, black marlin, blue marlin, giant trevally, sailfish, tigerfish, wahoo, and dorado.
Things to Do at Diani Beach
- Skydiving: Skydiving is one of the most exciting activities at Diani Beach. It allows you to enjoy spectacular views of the coast from 12,000 feet above the ground.
- Water Sports: Visitors can enjoy many water activities such as kite surfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, boat cruises, camel rides, kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding.
- Snorkeling: Snorkeling is a great way to explore marine life beneath the Indian Ocean. The coral reefs around Diani are colorful and full of fish. You can book a snorkeling trip through any local tour company.
- Sunbathing: Diani Beach offers perfect weather for sunbathing almost all year. It is a great place for families, couples, and groups to relax by the sea.
- Scuba Diving: The warm, clear waters make Diani one of the best spots for scuba diving in Kenya. You can bring your own equipment or rent gear from dive centers along the beach.
- Biking: Diani Eco Bike Rides organizes guided biking tours through local areas, including Kaya Kinondo Forest, the beach, and nearby villages. You can book directly with Diani Bikes after arrival.
- Fishing: Fishing is allowed in designated areas. The best fishing season runs from September to April, depending on weather and water temperatures. You can rent fishing gear at the beach or bring your own. In many cases, you can cook or release your catch.
- Cultural Encounters: Diani is mainly inhabited by the Digo people, one of the nine Mijikenda tribes. Visitors can meet the locals, experience traditional dances, and learn about coastal culture. Many people from other parts of Kenya and the world also live here because of the strong tourism economy.
- Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: If you prefer not to swim or dive, glass-bottom boat tours offer a great way to see marine life through the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Local guides will help you spot colorful fish and coral reefs while explaining the marine ecosystem.
- Visit Diani Art Gallery: The Diani Art Gallery is one of the best on the Kenyan coast. It showcases works from local and international artists. Visitors can buy souvenirs or take part in art workshops while at the gallery.
What to See and Do – Diani Beach Attractions
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills National Reserve is located about 15 kilometers from Diani Beach. A visit here adds a wildlife experience to your beach holiday. The reserve is known for its scenic hills, green forests, and rich wildlife, including elephants, sable antelopes, and various bird species. Combining your Diani Beach trip with a visit to Shimba Hills makes your safari more memorable.
Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary
The Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary was created to provide a safe corridor for elephants moving between Shimba Hills Reserve and Mwalunganje Forest Reserve. Covering 60,000 acres, the sanctuary helps reduce human-wildlife conflict and serves as a major water catchment area for elephants and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and learn about elephant conservation efforts.
Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park, located near Diani Beach, covers an area of 11 square kilometers. It is one of the best marine parks in Kenya and a haven for bird watchers and marine life enthusiasts. The park is home to colorful coral reefs, dolphins, turtles, and many tropical fish species, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Shimoni Slave Caves
The Shimoni Slave Caves, found in the coastal village of Shimoni, hold deep historical significance. During the slave trade, more than one million people from the mainland were held here before being shipped to Zanzibar’s slave market. Up to a thousand slaves were often packed into dhows under poor conditions, and many died during the journey, their bodies thrown into the ocean. Visiting the caves gives insight into this dark chapter of human history.
Kaya Kinondo Forest
Nature lovers should not miss a visit to Kaya Kinondo Forest, located near Diani Beach. The forest is home to 48 bird species, 45 butterfly species, and 187 plant species, representing about 5% of Kenya’s butterfly species. It is also a sacred site for the Digo people, used for cultural rituals and traditional ceremonies. Visitors can take guided walks to learn about its natural and cultural importance.
Colobus Trust
The Colobus Conservation Trust, located in Diani, is a non-profit organization that works to protect the endangered Angolan colobus monkeys. Visitors can tour the center, learn about monkey rescue programs, and see how the team promotes coexistence between wildlife and local communities.
Chale Island
Chale Island, located in Msambweni Bay, is considered a sacred kaya (a traditional worship site). Surrounded by mangroves and soft white sand, the island is peaceful and private, making it perfect for travelers seeking relaxation away from the crowds. The area is rich in marine and primate life and offers a truly serene coastal experience.
East African Whale Shark Trust
The East African Whale Shark Trust (EAWST) is a non-profit organization based along the Kenyan coast. It organizes whale shark expeditions around the Indian Ocean and focuses on protecting and conserving marine life, especially whale sharks.
The trust also operates a research center dedicated to studying the whale shark population and collecting data along the coast. During the annual expeditions, visitors and locals can observe researchers at work and even join as volunteers.
Volunteers help guide guests on expeditions, create awareness programs for schools and hotels, and promote marine conservation. Opportunities range from one week to one month, and no special qualifications are required — only an interest in marine life and water activities.
The best time to visit the East African Whale Shark Trust is from February to March, when whale sharks are most commonly seen along the coast.
Location
Diani Beach is located in Kwale County, about 30 kilometers south of Mombasa town.
You can reach Diani by:
- Air: Through Ukunda Airport on the Mombasa–Lunga-Lunga road. Flights can be booked via local travel agents or airline websites. From the airstrip, it is just a short drive to the beach.
- Road: Visitors from Mombasa can reach Diani via the Likoni Ferry.
Best Time to Visit
Diani Beach can be visited all year round, but the best time is during the dry months of June to October. This is also a good time to combine your beach trip with visits to Kenya’s national parks.
Accommodation
There are many hotels and resorts along Diani Beach for every budget, from luxury to budget stays.
Popular options include: Kinondo Kwetu Lodge, Water Lovers Beach Resort, The Sands at Nomad, The Zubeida, Jadini Beach Hotel, Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa, Swahili Beach Resort, Amani Tiwi Beach Resort, Queen’s Chateau Boutique Villa, Sunset Villa Boutique, Diplomat Diani Beach Resort, Manyatta Resort & Apartments, Retro Boutique Hotel, Amani Luxury Apartments, Lotfa Resort Diani, Morning Star Diani Beach Resort, Baobab Beach Resort & Spa, Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa, Almanara, and Msambweni Beach House.
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