Diani Beach
Save15 hand-picked places in 5 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓8 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Award-winning stretch of white sand and turquoise Indian Ocean water.
3 tips
- Swim at high tide, low tide exposes reef
- Politely decline beach boys
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
📷 Photos
- 2
Primate rescue centre protecting the rare Angolan colobus monkey.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Book the guided forest walk
- Fees fund the conservation work
📷 Photos
- 3
Centuries-old Swahili coral mosque under baobabs by the Mwachema river.
- Tip: Dress code
2 tips
- Do not enter during prayers
- Combine with a river-mouth swim
📷 Photos
- 4
Sacred Digo coastal forest, part of the UNESCO Mijikenda Kaya Forests.
3 tips
- Guided visits only
- Wear the provided kanga wrap
- Do not take any plants
📷 Photos
- 5
Hilly forest reserve with sable antelope, elephants and waterfalls.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Half-day trip from Diani
- Hike down to Sheldrick Falls
📷 Photos
- 6
Quieter southern stretch of sand, popular with kitesurfers.
3 tips
- Best kitesurfing Dec to Mar and Jun to Sep
- Fewer vendors than central Diani
- Great for long beach walks
📷 Photos
- 7
Small forested island off the south coast, reached at low tide or by boat.
3 tips
- Check tide times before going
- Day passes via the island resort
- Snorkel the nearby reef
📷 Photos
- 8
Secluded beach north of Diani with tidal rock pools.
3 tips
- Explore pools at low tide
- Few facilities, bring supplies
- Reach by tuk-tuk or car
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Diani Beach tips
Transportation
- Fly into Ukunda: The small Ukunda airstrip has flights from Nairobi and sits right by Diani, saving the drive from Mombasa.
- Allow time for the Likoni ferry: Coming from Mombasa means crossing on the Likoni ferry, which can involve long queues at peak times.
- Use tuk-tuks for short hops: Tuk-tuks run along Diani Beach Road; agree the fare before starting and avoid boda bodas at night.
Security
- Handle beach boys politely: Touts on the beach offer tours and souvenirs; a firm but friendly no thanks works best.
- Avoid walking at night: Use a tuk-tuk or taxi after dark rather than walking along unlit sections of the beach road.
- Protect against mosquitoes: The coast is a malaria area, so use repellent, sleep under nets and seek medical advice before travel.
Saving
- Pay with M-Pesa: Mobile money is widely accepted and often avoids card fees; get a local SIM to use it.
- Eat local Swahili food: Small cafés in Ukunda serve pilau, biryani and mandazi for much less than beachfront restaurants.
- Book tours directly: Arrange trips to Wasini Island and Kisite marine park through registered operators rather than resorts to save money.
Weather/Clothing
- Plan around the long rains: April and May bring heavy rain, while the dry seasons offer the best beach weather.
- Pack light, modest clothes: The coast is hot and humid; bring breathable clothing and cover up when leaving the beach.
- Wear water shoes at low tide: Coral and sea urchins are exposed at low tide, so protect your feet when wading.
Cultural
- Greet with Jambo: Simple Swahili greetings are welcomed, and phrases like asante for thank you go a long way.
- Dress modestly in town: The Kenyan coast is largely Muslim, so cover shoulders and knees in Ukunda and villages.
- Visit the Kongo Mosque: This historic mosque at the river mouth reflects the Swahili heritage of the coast.
Local Hacks
- See the colobus monkeys: Colobus Conservation runs tours explaining its work protecting the monkeys that cross Diani Beach Road.
- Kitesurf with the seasonal winds: The kaskazi and kusi winds create strong kitesurfing conditions at different times of year.
- Visit Shimba Hills: This nearby reserve offers forest walks and elephant spotting, an easy day trip from Diani.
1-day itineraries in Diani Beach
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.