5 days
Photo: Bkmiles, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsDiani Beach
The coast
Diani Beach is a long stretch of white sand south of Mombasa, protected by a coral reef that creates calm lagoons at low tide. It is the easiest beach to add to a Kenya safari, with flights from Nairobi and safari airstrips, and hotels from simple guesthouses to large resorts.
Beyond the beach, the area has a marine park with dolphins, coastal forest with rare monkeys, and a small reserve with elephants and sable antelopes in the hills behind.
Things to do
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park | Day trips by dhow from Shimoni for snorkelling and, often, dolphins, with lunch on Wasini Island |
| Colobus Conservation | Guided walks to see the rare Angolan colobus monkey and learn how the centre protects them |
| Shimba Hills National Reserve | Forested hills about an hour inland with elephants, sable antelopes and a waterfall walk |
| Kitesurfing | Steady trade winds from about December to March and June to September |
| Dhow sunset cruise | A traditional sailing boat trip along the reef |
When to go
December to March is hot, calm and sunny, the classic beach season. July to October is cooler and breezier, ideal after a migration safari. April to June brings the heaviest rain, with May the wettest month, and some hotels close for maintenance.
Getting there
- By air: Flights from Nairobi to Ukunda airstrip, close to Diani, take about an hour; some safari airlines fly from the Masai Mara.
- Via Mombasa: Fly or take the Madaraka Express train to Mombasa, then about 1 to 1.5 hours by road.
- From Tsavo: About five hours by road at the end of a southern safari.
Tip: Seaweed can wash up in some months; ask your hotel about conditions, and pick a beachfront with a calm lagoon if you're travelling with children.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Diani Beach
Every tour here includes Diani Beach in its itinerary. Best rated first.
5 days
2 daysDiani Beach
OVERNIGHT SAFARI to SALT LICK LODGE from Mombasa or Diani
4.8(37)Free cancellation
from$289
3 days
2 days
10 days
2 daysDiani Beach
2 Days 1 Night Saltlick Lodge Private Safari from Diani Beach
4.9(10)Free cancellation
from$550
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Diani Beach: questions
When is the best time to visit Diani Beach?
December to March for hot, calm weather, and July to October. April to June is the wettest period.
How do I get to Diani Beach?
Fly from Nairobi to Ukunda in about an hour, or fly or take the train to Mombasa and drive about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Can you see dolphins at Diani?
Often, on day trips to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park from Shimoni, south of Diani.