Diani Beach on Kenya’s South Coast

There are many beautiful beaches in the world, but it could be said that Kenya’s south coast is home to some of the most stunning of them all.

One such tropical paradise is Diani Beach, located 35km south of Mombasa. It is lined with coconut palms and dotted with beachside hotels, cosy restaurants, and beach bars. It is also a paradise for water sports – everything from scuba diving, kite surfing and deep-sea fishing.

Visitors to Diani can enjoy walking along its 17-kilometre-long beach. Thanks to its vast length, you won’t have to zigzag between towels and umbrellas.

Stop at a restaurant or beach bar concealed in the coconut groves to enjoy delicious food and cocktails. Feel the sand between your toes and let your gaze wander across the azure-blue waters of the Indian Ocean.

Diani Beach offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. You can unwind on the beautiful beach or discover the vibrant underwater world by exploring the coral reef, sandbanks, and marine parks.

Alternatively, the adventurous can kite and windsurf, thanks to the consistent winds. Those who want to dig deeper can uncover the coastline’s history by visiting Mombasa’s old town and the village of Shimoni.

Places to visit in Kenya’s south coast and near Diani Beach

• Explore neighbouring Tiwi Beach (north) and Galu Beach (south), and you’ll find that paradise doesn’t end at Diani Beach.

• Take a day trip to Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city, to visit the Old Town and Fort Jesus. Mombasa is one of the best-known places to visit on Kenya’s south coast.Be aware that the city can be busy, and significant travel time on busy streets is required to reach your destination.

• Shimba Hills National Reserve is one hour from Diani Beach and is an excellent park where you can see one of the largest remaining coastal rainforests in East Africa.With luck there is the possibility of spotting elephants, buffalo, rare Roosevelt’s sable, and a wealth of birdlife.

• One hour south of Diani Beach, you will find the ancient town of Shimoni, which has a dark past to uncover.While Shimoni’s beaches may not compare to Diani Beach, it is a dream destination if you are a keen diver or fisherman. Shimoni makes for an excellent day trip from Diani.

• Shimoni is a fantastic staging post to venture into the waters of the Pemba Channel and follow in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway.The Pemba Channel is one of the last unspoiled deep-sea fishing areas, home to various species, including marlins, yellowfin tunas, giant trevallies, and barracudas.

• Lying just 3km off the coast of Shimoni is Wasini Island.This vehicle-free island is home to fishing villages and coral gardens, making it an excellent destination for snorkelling, scuba diving, dhow sailing, and dolphin spotting.

• The Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park, 10km off Wasini Island, has crystal-clear waters and incredible marine life.Swim amongst dolphins and turtles while a world of colours and shapes unfolds underneath you.

• Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest is an ancient forest near Diani Beach that is revered by nine local tribes. The Mijikenda people settled in a clearing in the forest here 600 years ago and banned the cutting of vegetation, preserving this 600-year-old forest.Enjoy a walk with a local guide to learn about the forest’s history, plants, and trees.