Located to the south coast of Kenya, Diani beach boasts a magnificent 25km stretch whose life blossoms into something the body feels as much as the soul. Her waters stretch out freely, flaunting white sands and smooth oceans waves welcoming the blue sky and sun rays to a celebration of freedom, love and great memories.
Her weather, calm as it is warm, brings with it the conduciveness required for the beach life – Laughter, barefoot dances, wind tousled hair, water sports, name it, Diani offers her pleasures seamlessly for all your desires and it economy is anchored on the hospitality industry. Today, Diani is regarded as one of the best beach destinations in the World as well as the leading beach destination in Africa.
Getting To Diani
There are many direct flights to Nairobi, Kenya from many European hubs, USA, Arab countries and the Asian Continent as well. The most popular ones include Frankfurt (Lufthansa), Newyork (Kenya Airways) Zurich (Swiss), Amsterdam (KLM), London (British Airways, Kenya Airways) or Paris (Kenya Airways). If you do not intend to spend some days in Nairobi or to go on safari once you’ve landed, you’re better-off flying directly to the Ukunda, Diani from JKIA.
For those who prefer self-driving, you can comfortably drive to Diani from any part in Kenya. Driving down by car is a whole day’s trip, but at least you need not necessarily pass through Mombasa which saves some time. You can avoid the Mombasa traffic jams and the Likoni ferry bottleneck by branching off Mombasa Highway in Samburu, and then driving through the Shimba Hills.
If you opt to fly to Diani Beach from Nairobi or Mombasa, then you have three options; you can fly from Nairobi’s Wilson airport via Safarilink and Silverstone , fly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport via or Jambo Jet. or flying from Moi International Airport in Mombasa via Mombasa Air Safari
There are also private charter planes that fly people in and out of Diani to nearly any location in Kenya, the most common being Maasai Mara, Mombasa, Kisumu & Vipingo.
If you’re travelling to Diani from Mombasa, you’ll need to use the Likoni ferry to reach Diani Beach. The five-minute crossing runs regularly throughout the day. After getting off the ferry, the drive to Diani is roughly about thirty minutes on a relatively good tarmac road.
Numerous matatus (minibuses) operate that route from the Likoni ferry in Mombasa directly to Ukunda (KSh200, 30 minutes), the junction for Diani, and onwards to Msambweni.
There are at least two buses leaving from Nairobi to Ukunda (Diani): Chania and Simba. Fare is about 1400 shillings ($14). The buses, are however, not as comfortable as those leaving Nairobi from Mombasa.
Sailing is, by far the least common way used to access Diani, this normally done by seafarers from Zanzibar who import merchandise through the Shimoni Port. From Mombasa, one can get private boats to access Diani.
Getting Around Diani Beach
Diani has plenty of TukTuks, Motorbikes and taxis. Besides that, you can also self-drive or ride by hiring bikes and cars rentals from the shopping Center. There are at least a hundred taxis around Diani Beach that are easily accessible. Using a taxi around Diani is much the same as in other places. The easiest places to find taxis are Barclays Shopping center, Bazaar, Petro, Diani Shopping centre, Ushago and the area around Nomad Hotel. Taxis along Diani Beach are very clean and most in excellent condition. The drivers are very friendly, helpful, honest, and knowledgeable about the area.
Activities You Can Do While
Enjoy Your Stay
The Indian Ocean waters around Diani Beach are usually warm and clear and therefore perfect for diving with great visibility. There are several diving spots along the coast and several companies offer dive sessions for an affordable fee every day. The clear waters, colorful reef, and vibrant aquatic life make Diani Beach a must for all divers.
From sky diving to sea diving, deep sea fishing to kite and wind surfing, Diani has it all in a way few destinations can match in Africa. Besides the 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 in a bid to seduce you.
Kaya Kinondo is one of the oldest forests on Kenya’s South Coast with 187 plant species, 48 species of birds, and 45 of the butterfly, representing five percent of Kenya’s known butterfly species, the rare Zanj Elephants Shrew and threatened Colobus Monkey, among others. A tour to this forest will leave one enlightened on the cultural and spiritual importance of the forest to the Digo people.
Chale Island is the only private resort Island in Kenya. And Diani is the gateway to this amazing Island. To get there you can easily rent bicycles at the Baharini shopping center or if you’re seeking an even more thrilling ride, go for the big four-wheel dune buggies (Quad bikes) which can be rented just a few meters away from the same shopping center.
Colobus Trust is a nonprofit organization that is wholly dedicated to the conservation of the Colobus monkey. Specifically Colobus angolensis, which is found in Diani 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.
Diani is not far from the Pemba Channel, one of the best fishing spots in the world and home to Striped, Black and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Broadbill, Mako, Tiger and other sharks, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Giant Trevally, among others. A trip to the Pemba channel is nothing short of mind blowing for those that appreciate the magic of big game fishing.
For adrenaline junkies, there’s nothing like the feeling of elation after you’ve jumped out of a plane, dropped into a deep canyon or plunged into icy cold water. Whether you’re into sky diving, paragliding, jet skiing , kitesurfing or windsurfing, diani beach features some of the most popular adrenaline-filled activities in the world.
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, measuring up to 18 meters and tipping the scales at 20 tons. The whale shark is a protected species that currently thrives on the warm waters off Diani Beach where the East African Whale Shark Trust (EAWST) is involved in projects to create awareness, tag and monitor the whale shark population. You can sign up as a volunteer and get involved firsthand in the conservancy efforts.
We offer hospitality in an atmosphere of timeless elegance, beyond comfortable and stylish rooms.
Newsletter
Thank you for choosing Kijani Cottages.