White sandy beaches, towering palms and the warm crystal azure waters of the Indian Ocean are just some of the reasons to love Diani Beach. This Kenyan Coastal destination is a favourite beach getaway for both tourists and locals alike and is famous for its beautiful beachside resorts, restaurants and endless array of water sports and activities.
In this guide, we will explore the best way to travel to Diani Beach, as well as the best time to do so. We will also highlight some of the best things to do and how Bush Barbeque can help you plan the perfect trip to Diani and other destinations along the Kenyan Coast.
How to Get to Diani Beach
The best and fastest way to get to Diani Beach is to fly directly into the Ukunda Airstrip which is in Central Diani. There are direct local flights from Nairobi, taking only about an hour to arrive.
Alternatively, travellers looking to see more of the Kenyan countryside can opt for a trip on the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line that travels between Nairobi and Mombasa in five hours. The best part of this experience is the view of the Tsavo National Park where some of the resident wildlife can be spotted from within the train cars. From Mombasa, Diani Beach is a short drive away, usually less than two hours for the commute.
Where to Stay in Diani Beach
There is no shortage of accommodation in Diani Beach as there are options for every budget type. Booking your stay early enough is paramount, especially during peak travel months, as several properties quickly get booked to the limit. Ideally, a beachside resort or home is the perfect place to stay when in Diani Beach but do not fret if you are unable to book one as most properties are located only a few feet away from the beachfront.
Some of Bush Barbeque’s top recommendations for where to stay include:
- PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort and Spa
- Leisure Lodge Beach and Golf Resort
- The Maji Beach Boutique Hotel
- The Swahili Beach Resort
- Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa
Top Things to Do in Diani Beach
Diani Beach offers visitors several exciting and relaxing activities to engage in. In this section of the guide, we will highlight some of the best things to do.
Relax on the beach
Enjoy your down time by doing absolutely nothing but simply relaxing. Take long walks on the beach, a refreshing swim in the ocean or a visit to the local boutique stores and markets. You can also explore the restaurant scene, including dining in a cave restaurant, and the buzzing night life in Diani. Lastly, take advantage of your accommodation’s facilities while you’re there. Lounge at the poolside, drink in hand and escape your daily routine for a few days.
Explore the Diani-Chale Marine National Park and Reserve
Explore Diani’s amazing marine life by going snorkelling or scuba diving at the National Park and Reserve. The best part about this is that you do not have to be a pro diver or even a great swimmer to do these activities. First time snorkelers and divers can also participate. In addition, there are several boat tours that visitors can join to see dolphins, whales, and other marine life.
Visit the Colobus Conservation Centre
A fairly common sight to see in Diani Beach are the Colobus Monkeys and if you are interested in learning more about these primates and the conservation efforts to keep them from extinction, then head to the Colobus Conservation centre, a non-profit conservation organisation set up to protect the Colobus Monkeys and their natural habitats.
Enjoy an array of water sports and activities
There are several water sports and activities for visitors to engage in Diani Beach. Some of them include jet skiing, kite surfing, wind surfing, paddling, kayaking, and fishing. You will certainly not be hard-pressed to find something exciting to participate in.
Take a Day Trip to See Other Destinations Close By
A popular day trip is to Shimba Hills where you can enjoy a safari if you haven’t had the chance to visit any of the other Kenyan wildlife parks. Day trips to Tsavo East National Park with an early morning departure can also be organized from Diani Beach.
The Best Time to Visit Diani Beach
Due to its warm tropical weather, Diani Beach can be visited all year round. This region, like the rest of the country, is characterized by two rainy seasons that occur between March – June and October – December. Nevertheless, visitors are more likely to experience light showers even during the rainy seasons.
The peak travel season occurs in the dry season and during major holidays in Kenya, including Easter, Christmas, and New Year. During this time, several domestic tourists head to the coast to spend the holidays. Hoteliers and resorts often use the low seasons for renovations and visitors may find that prices are generally lower, making it a perfect for travellers looking to score good accommodation deals.
In addition, depending on the activities you are interested in, some months are more favourable than others to visit. The best time to see humpback whales and whale sharks is between the months of November and March. For great snorkelling and scuba diving, plan your travels around the dry seasons and several diving schools close for the rainy season.
Diani Beach is an excellent destination for beach lovers and we at Bush Barbeque are excited to help you plan your trip. Give us a call at (+254)113778894 or email us at info@bushbarbeque.co.ke
