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Kenya coast destination
Diani Beach
Soft white sand, warm Indian Ocean water and coral reefs just offshore. Plan a Diani Beach holiday, day tours and safaris with a local Kenyan team.
Location
Kwale County, Kenya
Beach
About 17 km of white sand
Ideal stay
4 to 7 nights
Best time
December to March
Famous for
Beaches and coral reefs
Kenya’s favourite stretch of beach
Diani Beach runs for around 17 km along the south coast of Kenya, about 30 km south of Mombasa in Kwale County. Fine white sand, swaying palms and a coral reef that keeps the lagoon calm at low tide have made it the country’s best known beach destination, regularly ranked among the finest beaches in Africa.
Behind the beach, patches of coastal forest shelter the rare Angolan colobus monkey, and a short drive inland the Shimba Hills rise above the coast with elephants, sable antelope and waterfalls. Offshore, the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park is one of the best places in Kenya to see dolphins and to snorkel among healthy coral.
Diani is also a popular base for safaris. Many travellers combine a week on the beach with a trip to Tsavo East or Tsavo West, and our Diani tours and safaris include pick-up from hotels along the south coast.
Why Diani Beach belongs on your Kenya itinerary
Six reasons Diani is the first choice for a beach break after safari.
Award-winning beach
Long stretches of powder-white sand and warm, clear water, ideal for swimming at high tide.
Coral reefs
Snorkel and dive among reef fish, turtles and corals in the lagoon and the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park.
Dolphins and whales
Spot dolphins on dhow trips to Wasini Island, and humpback whales in season.
Kitesurfing
Steady trade winds make Diani one of East Africa’s best kitesurfing spots.
Safari on the doorstep
Shimba Hills is under an hour away, and Tsavo East is an easy overnight trip.
Swahili flavours
Fresh seafood, coconut curries and beach bars with Indian Ocean sunsets.
When to visit Diani Beach
Diani is warm all year. The dry seasons bring calm seas and the best conditions for snorkelling and diving.
December to March
Hot dry season
Sunny days, calm water and clear visibility on the reef. The busiest time of year.
- Peak season rates
July to October
Cool dry season
Breezy, pleasant weather, strong kitesurfing winds and humpback whales offshore.
- Mid season rates
April to June
Long rains
Heavy showers and quieter beaches. Some hotels close for part of May and June.
- Lowest rates of the year
November
Short rains
Short tropical showers between sunny spells, before the holiday season begins.
- Good value rates
Marine life and nature around Diani
Between the reef, the coastal forest and the hills inland, Diani offers far more wildlife than most beach destinations.
- Marine life
Bottlenose dolphin
Pods are often seen around Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park on dhow trips from Shimoni.
- Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park
- Seen all year
Things to do in Diani
Diani is made for slow beach days, with plenty of tours to fill the rest.
Wasini and Kisite dhow trip
Sail by traditional dhow to the marine park to snorkel and watch dolphins, with a seafood lunch on Wasini Island.
Shimba Hills day trip
Drive into the hills for elephants, sable antelope and a forest walk to Sheldrick Falls.
Beach sundowners
End the day at a beachfront bar as the sun sets behind the palms.
Kitesurfing lessons
Learn to kite in the lagoon with certified instructors during the windy months.
Colobus Conservation
Visit the local primate centre to learn how the rare Angolan colobus is protected.
Planning your Diani Beach holiday
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to Diani
- By air: flights from Nairobi land at Ukunda airstrip in Diani, or at Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
- By road: about 30 km south of Mombasa via the Likoni ferry or the Dongo Kundu bypass.
- By train: take the Madaraka Express from Nairobi to Mombasa, then transfer by road.
Where to stay
- Beach resorts: large hotels with pools and direct beach access along the main beach road.
- Boutique stays: small guesthouses and villas tucked among the palms.
- Self-catering: cottages and apartments for families and longer stays.
Good to know
- Tides: the lagoon empties at low tide, so plan swims and snorkelling around the tide times.
- Beach sellers: a polite no thank you is usually enough.
- Health: the coast is a malaria area, so use repellent and speak to your doctor about prevention.
Diani tours and safaris
Beach and safari holidays that combine Diani with Tsavo, Amboseli and the rest of Kenya.
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
Diani Beach questions
Answers to the questions travellers ask us most. Still unsure? Send us your question and our team will reply.
Where is Diani Beach?
Diani Beach is on Kenya’s south coast in Kwale County, about 30 km south of Mombasa. It is the main beach resort area between Mombasa and the Tanzanian border.
How do I get to Diani from Nairobi?
The quickest option is a flight to Ukunda airstrip in Diani. You can also fly or take the Madaraka Express train to Mombasa, then continue by road for about an hour.
Can I go on safari from Diani?
Yes. Shimba Hills is under an hour away for a half day trip, and Tsavo East is a popular day or overnight safari. Our Diani tours and safaris include hotel pick-up.
When is the best time to visit Diani?
December to March brings hot, sunny days and calm seas. July to October is cooler and breezy, the best time for kitesurfing and whale watching.
Is Diani good for snorkelling and diving?
Yes. The reef off Diani and the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park near Wasini Island offer some of the best snorkelling and diving in Kenya.
How many days do you need in Diani?
Four to seven nights lets you relax on the beach and fit in a dhow trip, Shimba Hills and perhaps a Tsavo safari.
Start planning your Diani Beach holiday
Tell us your dates and the experiences you want, and our team will plan a beach and safari holiday that fits.
