THINGS TO DO IN DIANI (2024), THE BEST BEACH IN KENYA
Kenya is world wide known as a safari and cultural destination. However, not so many people think about this country as one of the best beach destinations in Africa. From South to North its coast is home to long stretches of white sand kissing an ocean of different shades of heaven like sea blue.
Diani beach is considered by many as the best beach in Kenya and it has been voted for 5 consecutive years the best beach destination in Africa. It is the perfect gateaway to relax after your safari experiences or just a place where you still enjoy the beach in a quiet and serene setting.
In this article I will share will you some of the best things to do in Diani beach, based on my experience when I visited the area and I will share some of my pictures to help you prepare to visit this top beach world destination.
WHERE IS DIANI BEACH LOCATED
Diani beach is located in Ukunda town, 30 km South of Mombasa and 515 Km from Nairobi. Diani beach is located also just 144 Km from Tanga Town, in Tanzania. I am sharing here a pin map with the location of Diani beach.
HOW TO GET TO DIANI BEACH
- By plane: The Moi international airport in Mombasa is just 45 Km away from Diani beach and you can either fly from other locations in Kenya or Africa or fly directly from some of the main cities in Europe.
- By bus: There are several daily buses going from many different locations in Kenya that stop by in Diani beach. If you would like to reach Diani beach from Tanzania there are daily buses from Dar Es Salaam to Mombasa that can drop you in Diani beach.
SOME VERY COOL THINGS TO DO ON DIANI BEACH
RELAX AT THE BEACH AND WALK AROUND AT THE BEACH
The first and most obvious thing you will want to do when arriving at Diani beach is relaxing. The beach is usually pretty empty and you will be able to walk at the sea shore almost on your own, in some areas of the beach. Take into account the beach is 10 Km long. There is enough space to chill out and feel at peace with your personal space.
Do not forget to bring sunscreen with you as the Sun is shining very strong almost everyday.
Diani beach is very long and pretty good for walking. I recommend having early morning or sunset walks as it can get pretty hot during the day time.
SUNSET TOUR AT THE KONGO RIVER
One of the most peaceful experiences you can have when visiting Diani beach is taking a boat tour at sunset time to watch the sunset over the Kongo river.
The Kongo river estuary marks the line between Diani beach and Tiwi beach. You can find several people offering you boat tours all along the beach. You will get a better deal at the estuary area itself. Price is negotiable and depends on the season but I would say the price of around 15 dollars is a fair price.
The Kongo river source is at the Shimba Hills national park and the tour will bring along its bed while admiring lush mangrove forests, Colubus monkeys and different types of birds.
Check out this video of my experience doing the sunset tour in the Kongo river:
VISIT THE KONGO MOSQUE
The Kongo Mosque is believed to have been built and used by early Arab merchants for prayers as they toured the East Coast in the 14th Century, Kongo Mosque is said to be the oldest mosque in Eastern Africa. No one knows the architect or even who exactly built the mosque, which was previously referred to as Diani Persian Mosque.
TAKE A MASSAGE AT THE BEACH
The best and more affordable place to take massage in Diani beach is at the beach itself. There are several massage huts all along the beach. You will be able to enjoy the peaceful beach sounds while taking a massage.
There are some massage huts 500 meters on the right hand side of “Beach Palm Resort” when looking at the resort with the sea on your back. These were my favorite massage girls.
There are some other massage huts close to the Copa Cabana Beach bar and restaurant. One hour massage will cost you approximately 15 dollars.
RIDE A CAMEL
This was one of my biggest surprises when visiting Kenya, there are camels at almost all beaches.
Diani beach is not an exception and there are camels available everyday for a super relaxing camel ride along the beach in Kenya.
TAKE A SNORKEL TOUR TO ROBINSON ISLAND
Robinson island is a sand bank close to the Diani beach reef and it is the best snorkeling spot in the area. The boat ride to the spot will take you around 30 – 45 minutes and you will spend one hour snorkeling in the area. You can either go on a sail boat private trip or go a shared glass bottom boat.
All snorkeling gear is usually included in the trip.
GO SCUBA DIVING
The area around Diani beach has some of the best dive sites in Kenya. If you are a scuba diver do not forget to get at least a few dives in this area.
VISIT EARTH TRIBE CAFE FOR ETHIOPIAN COFFEE
This is one of my favorite cafes in Diani beach. The decoration of the place has a bohemian hippie vibe and the internet connection is pretty decent.
The Ethiopian coffee, served in the true Ethipian style is delicious. They also have some delicious chapati wraps
WALK TO THE AFRICAN SHAPED POOL AT TIWI BEACH
During low tide on the reef at the Tiwi beach there is a pool that almost exactly resembles the map of Africa.
In order to get there you need to cross the Kongo river estuary to reach Tiwi beach and then walk approximately 45 minutes to reach the pool.
It is better to get a guide for the walk as you might miss the place and they will let you know the exact the tide will let you see the pool.
TAKE A KITE SURFING LESSON
Diani beach is a very popular beach for Kite surfing. There are several kite surfing schools where you can get introduced to the sport or rent the gear to practice it.
Kitemotion is a good school to get acquainted with the sport.
TAKE A DAY TRIP SAFARI TO SHIMBA HILLS
Shimba Hills is a national park only 33 Km. Away from Diani beach. There is a very beautiful hike inside the park to the Maverick waterfalls that can even be done without a guide and you can also visit it on a game drive safari.
COLOBUS CONSERVATION
The Colobus conservation in Diani area is making conservation efforts to preserve the decreasing population of Colobus monkeys.
The entrance fee is 20 dollars. People in the conservation organization can bring you on a hike to spot other primates in the surrounding forest.
WATCH BUSH BABIES
Every day at 19:00 at “Stilts Tree House” the feeding of the Bush babies takes place. These lovely animals share just a couple of bananas ( the feeding just consists of two bananas and last 5 minutes ) and they come over to the restaurant area where they can be observed.
Do not miss the opportunity to watch the cutest of the cutest animals at this amazing place. Food is good and affordable, and they organize a Karaoke night once weekly after the feeding.
PARTY AT BAHARI DHOW
Bahari Dhow villas are not only a hotel but they also have a beach front restaurant where you can enjoy some delicious local and western food and enjoy a party night every Friday and Saturday. There is usually a live band, some dancers and a DJ and the party goes on until 2:00 a.m.
KAYA KINONDO: THE DIGO PEOPLE SACRED FOREST
The Kaja Kinondo forest is a sacred forest for the Digo people. It is located in the Galu Coast area and it is one of the best cultural experiences that you can have around Diani beach.
The Digo people believe that every tree in the forest has a spirit and the forest has been and still is a place of worship. The forest was only open to tourists in 2005 in an effort to collect funds to support the community. You can only enter the forest in company of guide as not all areas of the sacred forest are open to tourists.
The visit will consist of a guided visit during which you will be introduced to the different plants in the forests used for medicinal purposes. You will also get information about the rituals happening in the forests and how they are conducted.
This is the best cultural experience in this area.
WHERE TO EAT IN DIANI BEACH
There are plenty of restaurants in Diani beach area and most of them are tailored for tourists, so a bit more expensive than most local restaurants in Kenya. If you want to eat real local food there are only a couple of places with no many choices or you have to go to Ukunda, which is like 20 minutes ride with the Boda Boda or 30 minutes with the Tuk Tuk. Find here my favorite restaurants in Diani beach:
Ali Barbour Caves: This restaurant is ideal for family dinner and dates. The restaurants is located inside of natural cave that is around 120 000 years old. This is a one not to be missed experience when in Diani beach if your budget allows. Check their menu and book here
Salty Squid: The Salty Squid sea food restaurant is located in the vicinity of Galu beach and offers a variety of delicious sea food dishes. You can enjoy the sound of the sea waves while tasting their amazing food.
Tikki bar: If you are looking for some good quality Western food, head to Tiikki bar. This restaurant is owned by a Belgian man and they serve really good quality food.
Bakari Dhow: Delicious sea food and nice Western food if you are looking for some burgers or vegetable soups.
Coast dishes: This places serves only swahili food, although at a bit more expensive prices than in the traditional local places in Ukunda junction. Portions are pretty big
WHERE TO STAY IN DIANI BEACH
Bahari Dhow
This beach front resort with mid range accommodation is not only a wonder for sleeping but it has a huge swimming pool and nice beach front restaurant where concerts and parties happen in the weekends. Book here
DIANI BEACH FAQs
IS DIANI BEACH WORTH VISITING?
Yes, Diani beach is worth a visit. It’s remarkable white sand and turquoise blue waters and serene atmosphere make Diani beach one of the best beach destinations in Africa and the entire world.
WHAT IS DIANI BEACH FAMOUS FOR?
Diani Beach is one of the greatest water sports destinations in East Africa. Kayaking, jet-skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding and scuba-diving are all possible – whatever your pace or skill level, you’ll find something to experience at Diani.
WHICH PART OF DIANI BEACH IS BEST?
The area close to Galu beach is the best area of the beach with the most relaxed and chilled out atmosphere.
IS DIANI BEACH A MALARIA AREA?
All the Kenyan coast is a malaria area.
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