Located in 30 Kilometers south of Mombasa, Diani Beach is one of the best beaches in Africa and it has been awarded the best beach destination in Africa for 5 years running. This South Coast Beach is surrounded by the warm Indian Ocean, a number of beautiful luxury beaches resorts and lodges accommodating visitors.
Diani Beach is a tropical beach retreat and a perfect destination to a Kenya Wildlife Safari, this beautiful beach is perfect for couples, families and solo travelers.
History of Diani Beach
Diani and the whole of the Coastal Kenya is believed to be the origin of East Africa Civilization. Little is known about the history of Diani but shreds of evidence suggest that her history can be traced back in the 8th Century AD.
In the 9th Centry, the Indian and Arab traders started to mingle with the indigenous population to create the unique Swahili Culture, much of which is still thriving until this day. During this period, the whole Coastal region of Kenya enjoyed a golden age of trade. In the 15th Century, the Portuguese arrived at the Kenyan Coast and effectively dominated the region for 2 centuries after which the Oman Arabs took over.
In the 19th Century, the British established a foothold and declared the coast a British Protectorate. Jadini Beach Hotel built in 1937 was the first tourist hotel to be built in Diani Beach, formerly it was a cottage. As tourism took off in Diani, Trade Winds and Two Fishes followed.
People & Culture at Diani Beach
The Digo Community are the indigenous people of Diani, they are the second-largest tribe out of the 9 Mijikenda tribes with an estimated population of 400,000 and concentrated on the southern coastal strip of Kenya specifically Diani and the border of Tanzania.
Diani boosts of a vibrant culture drawn from the different communities and nations who live here. Despite the cultural mix in Diani, the indigenous local culture remains alive, known for their warmness and accommodating nature, the locals hold visiting in high regard as visitors are believed to be a source of blessings.
Things to do at Diani Beach
Visit Diani Beach itself
Diani Beach for a fun capital with thrilling activities, from sky diving, sea diving to kite and wind surfing. Besides the beautiful beachfront, Diani’s ocean line stretches to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park which is endowed with a rich aqua life so much so the dolphins accompany you for a swim sensually flaunting their moves as though they are trying to seduce you.
Explore the Kongo Mosque
Getting its name from the surrounding forest (Kongo Forest), Kongo Mosque is an ancient structure rich in history now turned a tourist attraction. Formerly known as Diani Persian Mosque, a name coined by the Arab Merchants who occupied the area then, Kongo Mosque is today more than a worship centre.
Visit The Shimoni Slave Caves
The Shimoni caves are a beautiful site with fascinating history going back many centuries, Shimoni is a Swahili word meaning “the place of the cave”. The age of the caves is evident with the huge stalacities and stalagmites inside that complete the horror feel.
Shimoni’s history revolves a lot around the cave.
Explore Kaya Kinondo Forest
Kaya Kinondo Forest is one of the oldest forests on Kenya’s South Coast hosting 187 plant species, 48 species of birds and 45 butterfly species, the rare Zanj elephant shrew and threatened Colobus Monkey among others. A visit to this forest will leave you enlightened on the cultural and spiritual importance of the forest to the Digo people.
Go Deep Sea Fishing
Diani Beach is situated in close proximity to Pemba Channel, one of the best fishing spots in the world and home to striped black and black marlin, Sailfish, Broadbill, Mako, Tiger and other sharks, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Giant Trevally among others.
A trip to Pemba Channel is nothing short of mind blowing for those that appreciate the magical of big game fishing.
Work with The Colobus Trust
The Colobus Trust is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the conservation of the colobus monkeys especially Colobus angolensis, which is found in Diani, this primate has been classified as an endangered species whose population has been drastically reduced by human encroachment, road kills and snares.
You can help by joining as an Eco-Volunteer for 3-4 weeks for a volunteering holiday.
Visit Diani Art Gallery
The Diani Art Gallery is the only gallery located at Kenya’s Coast that offers a wide variety of fine African art. The diverse selection of painted works, sculptures and photography hails from well-known artists as well as up-and-coming creatives from Kenya and Africa.
Keep an eye open for their art classes, wine and cheese evenings, special promotions and other events.
Deep Sea Diving
The Indian Ocean’s waters around Diani Beach are usually warm and clear, therefore perfect for diving with great visibility. There are several diving spots along the coast and several companies offering dive sessions for an affordable fee every day. The clear waters, colorful reef, and vibrant aquatic life make Diani Beach a must visit for divers.
Visit Chale Island with a Bike
Chale Island is the only private resort island in Kenya and Diani is the gateway, to get there you can easily rent bicycles at the Baharini Shopping Center or if you are seeking an even more thrilling ride, go for the quad bikes which can be rented just a few meters away from the same shopping center.
Getting There
To get to Diani Beach, you can either fly into Moi International Airport in Mombasa or Ukunda Airstrip, which is closer to Mombasa Town. Many airlines offer direct flights to Mombasa from major international cities. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or opt for pre-arranged transportation to Diani by your Tour Operator.
Also, you can take the train from Nairobi to Mombasa or drive to Mombasa and then take the ferry to Diani. You can also take a flight from Mombasa to Diani using Mombasa Air Safari, the flight is 7 minutes long.
Climate and Best Time to Visit Diani Beach
Diani Beach enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The dry season, from June to October and December to March is considered the best time to visit as the weather is sunny and rainfall is minimal.
However, the beauty of Diani Beach can be enjoyed throughout the year, so plan according to your preferences.
Where to stay in Diani Beach
There are several accommodation options to stay at in Diani Beach, these range from budget hotels, midrange and luxury beaches and resorts. These include
- Swahili Beach Resort
- Waterlovers Beach Resort
- Kinonodo Kwetu Lodge
- The Sands at Nomad
- The Zubeida
- Amani Luxury Apartments
- Lofta Resort Diani
