Diani stands above the rest when it comes to African beach destinations. The World Travel Awards crowned Diani Beach as Africa’s Leading Beach Destination for a straight six years beginning 2014.
The 17km stretch of palm-lined white sandy shore is located about 30km south of Mombasa. Getting here is easy—you can take a ferry from Mombasa, but if you’re coming from Nairobi, catch a flight to Ukunda airstrip. This is only a few minutes from the beach.
The warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the clean, sandy beach, and the abundance of luxurious resorts and hotels have placed Diani on the world map as a prime destination. Here, you can sunbathe, take a stroll, or jump into the ocean for a swim.
If you’re into water sports, there’s a lot to choose from—snorkeling, kayaking, and kite-surfing are some of the options. You can also go skydiving to enjoy the breathtaking view of the clear ocean water, white beach, and green vegetation around the shore.
Diani is home to two coral reefs, alive and full of marine life. You’ll see lots of turtles here. Dolphins and sharks also roam the warm waters. Take a glass boat tour to enjoy the sight of the abundant marine life in the clear ocean waters.
We must also mention that the nightlife at Diani beach is unrivaled. The white sands are dotted with bars where you can get drinks and food during the daytime and immerse yourself in music at night. Here, you’ll mingle with the locals and get a taste of the Kenyan beach entertainment scene.
Another charm of Diani is the nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve. That’s right. You can enjoy some wildlife on the Kenyan coast. This rainforest park is teeming with elephants, antelopes, and monkeys. You might also want to check out the Colobus Conservation Center nearby, which houses some threatened primates.
