Diani Beach
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
January to March and July to October (dry seasons, 25-30°C). April-May is the long rainy season — avoid
Language
Swahili, English
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Time Zone
EAT (UTC+3)
Airport
Ukunda Airstrip (UKA) for domestic; Moi International Airport Mombasa (MBA) 30km north
Population
~100,000 (Diani-Ukunda area)
Climate
Tropical coastal, avg 25-32°C, humidity 65-80%, two rainy seasons (April-June, October-November)
Safety Rating
Moderate (Level 2) — exercise increased caution, stick to tourist areas
Top Highlights
Diani Beach
A 17-km stretch of white coral sand consistently voted Africa's leading beach. The shallow turquoise water is protected by a reef, making it safe for swimming. Best section: between Baobab Beach Resort and The Sands at Nomad. Free access. Allow a full day for swimming, sunbathing, and beach walks.
Colobus Conservation Centre
A primate sanctuary protecting the endangered Angolan colobus monkey whose habitat is fragmented by Diani's development. Guided forest walks (KES 1,500 / ~$11) let you see colobus, sykes, and vervet monkeys in the canopy. Open daily 8AM-5PM. 45-minute tours depart regularly.
Kite Surfing at Galu Beach
Diani's southern stretch at Galu is one of East Africa's top kite surfing spots, with consistent side-onshore winds from December to March and June to September. Beginner lessons from $60-80 for 2 hours at H2O Extreme or Kite Centre Diani. Flat-water lagoon inside the reef is ideal for learning.
Wasini Island & Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park
A full-day boat trip (KES 5,000-8,000 / ~$38-60 including lunch) to this tiny coral island and the surrounding marine park where you can snorkel with dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Boats depart Shimoni jetty, 1 hour south of Diani. Best conditions September to March.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
A coastal rainforest reserve 30 minutes inland with sable antelope (rare elsewhere in Kenya), elephants, and Sheldrick Falls. Entry: $25 adults. Open 6AM-6PM. Half-day trip from Diani. The Shimba Hills Lodge overlooks a waterhole. Allow 4-5 hours for a guided game drive and waterfall hike.
Coral Reef Diving & Snorkeling
The fringing reef offshore hosts over 250 fish species. Dive sites like Kinondo and Galu reef are 5-15 minutes by boat. Two-tank dives from $80-100 with Diving the Crab or Diani Marine Divers. Snorkeling gear rental ~KES 500/day ($4). Watch for whale sharks November to February.
Kongo Mosque Ruins
Hidden in the coastal forest, these 16th-century Swahili mosque ruins are one of Diani's lesser-known cultural sites. Free entry, accessible via a short forest path. Allow 30 minutes. Combine with a walk through the surrounding sacred kaya forest, part of a UNESCO World Heritage buffer zone.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Diani Beach Itinerary
Arrival & Diani Beach Orientation
Arrive at Moi International Airport Mombasa (MBA) and transfer south via the Likoni ferry crossing (free for pedestrians, allow 30-60 minutes for queuing). Private transfer to your Diani hotel (~$35-50, 1.5 hours total including ferry). Settle in and get your first taste of the Indian Ocean.
Airport pickup and Likoni ferry crossing(1.5 hours)
Pre-book hotel transfer to avoid taxi touts. The ferry ride itself is just 5 minutes — the queue is the bottleneck. You can also fly domestic to Ukunda Airstrip (UKA) to skip the ferry entirely
Check-in and beach walk(1.5 hours)
Stay between Baobab Beach Resort and The Sands at Nomad for the best stretch of sand. Drop bags and walk barefoot on the white coral sand — it stays cool even in afternoon sun
Sunset drinks at Forty Thieves Beach Bar(2 hours)
Diani's most iconic beach bar right on the sand. Dawa cocktail (Kenyan take on a caipirinha, KES 600 / ~$4.50) while watching the sun drop into the Indian Ocean. The seafood platter (KES 2,500 / ~$19) is generous
Coral Reef Snorkeling & Colobus Monkeys
Morning underwater, afternoon in the treetops. Diani's reef and forest are minutes apart.
Snorkeling at the Diani reef(3 hours)
Book a morning boat trip with Diani Marine Divers or Diving the Crab (from KES 3,000 / ~$23 including gear). The fringing reef is 5-15 minutes offshore with 250+ fish species. Watch for parrotfish, moray eels, and occasional sea turtles
Lunch at Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant(1.5 hours)
A restaurant inside an actual coral cave — dining under stalactites with open sky above. Seafood platters from KES 3,000 (~$23). Book ahead for dinner, but lunch is usually available walk-in
Colobus Conservation Centre(1.5 hours)
Guided forest walk (KES 1,500 / ~$11) to spot endangered Angolan colobus monkeys, sykes monkeys, and vervets in the canopy. Open 8AM-5PM, 45-minute tours. The back trails are quieter and better for photography
Sundowner on the beach(1 hour)
Pick any beachfront bar — Nomad Beach Bar is laid-back with bean bags in the sand. Cold Tusker beer: KES 300 (~$2.30)
Wasini Island & Kisite Marine Park
Full-day boat excursion to Wasini Island and Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park — the best marine life experience on the Kenyan coast. Depart early from Shimoni jetty, 1 hour south of Diani.
Transfer to Shimoni jetty(1 hour)
Most tour operators include pickup from your Diani hotel. The drive south passes through coastal villages and baobab trees
Dolphin spotting and snorkeling in Kisite Marine Park(3 hours)
Full-day trip KES 5,000-8,000 (~$38-60) including lunch. Bottlenose and spinner dolphins are regularly spotted. Snorkeling over coral gardens with trigger fish, angel fish, and green sea turtles. Best conditions September to March
Seafood lunch on Wasini Island(1.5 hours)
Swahili feast at Charlie Claw's — crab, lobster, and fish in coconut sauce, served on the waterfront. Included in most tour packages. The island itself has coral-stone ruins and mangrove boardwalks worth exploring
Shimba Hills Safari & Sheldrick Falls
A half-day escape from the beach into Kenya's coastal rainforest — home to sable antelope, elephants, and a stunning waterfall.
Morning game drive in Shimba Hills National Reserve(3 hours)
30 minutes inland from Diani. Entry: $25 adults. Book a guide at the gate (tip: KES 1,000). Shimba Hills is one of the only places to see sable antelope in Kenya. Also elephants, buffalo, and leopards. The forest canopy is thick — binoculars help
Hike to Sheldrick Falls(2 hours)
Guided forest trail (included with park entry) through dense tropical vegetation to a 21m waterfall with a swimming pool at the base. Muddy after rain — wear closed shoes
Late lunch at Sails Beach Bar(1.5 hours)
Back in Diani, Sails has excellent grilled seafood on the beach. Try the garlic prawns (KES 1,800 / ~$14)
Free afternoon for beach relaxation(3 hours)
Swim in the warm, reef-protected shallows or book a beach massage (~KES 2,000 / $15 for 1 hour)
Rest Day — Beach, Spa & Kongo Ruins
A slower day. Morning at the beach, afternoon exploring a hidden historical site in the coastal forest.
Free morning at the beach(3 hours)
Sleep in, swim, read. The stretch near Leopard Beach Resort has calm water at low tide perfect for wading
Lunch at Kokkos Cafe(1 hour)
Popular with expats and locals — fresh juices, wraps, and wood-fired pizza. Mango smoothie bowl (KES 700 / ~$5)
Visit Kongo Mosque Ruins(1 hour)
16th-century Swahili mosque ruins hidden in sacred kaya forest. Free entry. A short forest path leads to the atmospheric site, part of a UNESCO World Heritage buffer zone. Rarely visited by tourists
Spa treatment at your resort(1.5 hours)
Most Diani resorts offer affordable spa packages. A full-body massage runs KES 3,000-5,000 (~$23-38). The AfroChic spa is well-regarded
Kite Surfing & Swahili Cooking Class
Active morning on the water, cultural immersion in the kitchen. Diani's wind conditions and Swahili culinary traditions deliver on both.
Kite surfing lesson at Galu Beach(2.5 hours)
Beginners welcome at H2O Extreme or Kite Centre Diani ($60-80 for a 2-hour lesson). The flat-water lagoon inside the reef is ideal for learning. Best wind: December-March and June-September
Lunch at Nomad Restaurant(1 hour)
Upscale beachfront dining at The Sands at Nomad. The tuna steak with mango salsa (KES 2,200 / ~$17) is excellent
Swahili cooking class(3 hours)
Learn to make pilau rice, coconut fish curry, and chapati. KES 3,500-5,000 (~$27-38) per person. You eat what you cook for lunch
Evening at Forty Thieves Beach Bar(2 hours)
Return for their BBQ night — grilled seafood buffet with live music, KES 2,500 (~$19)
Departure Day — Last Beach Morning
Final morning on Diani's white sand before heading back to Mombasa for your flight.
Early morning beach walk(1 hour)
Walk the beach at low tide towards the southern end near Galu. Fishermen launch their dhows at dawn — beautiful for photos
Last-minute souvenir shopping at Diani Beach Shopping Centre(45 minutes)
Wooden carvings, kikoi wraps, Kenyan coffee, and Kazuri beads. Bargain respectfully — start at 50% of the quoted price
Transfer to Mombasa airport(1.5 hours)
Allow extra time for the Likoni ferry crossing. Alternatively, fly from Ukunda Airstrip (UKA) on Safarilink or Jambojet if available
14-Day Diani Beach Itinerary
Arrival & Diani Beach Orientation
Arrive at Moi International Airport Mombasa (MBA) and transfer south via the Likoni ferry crossing. Private transfer to your Diani hotel (~$35-50, 1.5 hours total including ferry).
Airport pickup and Likoni ferry crossing(1.5 hours)
Pre-book hotel transfer. The ferry ride is 5 minutes — the queue is the bottleneck. Alternatively fly domestic to Ukunda Airstrip (UKA)
Check-in and beach walk(1.5 hours)
Stay between Baobab Beach Resort and The Sands at Nomad for the best stretch of sand
Sunset drinks at Forty Thieves Beach Bar(2 hours)
Diani's iconic beach bar. Dawa cocktail (KES 600 / ~$4.50) while watching the sunset. Seafood platter KES 2,500 (~$19)
Coral Reef Snorkeling & Colobus Monkeys
Morning underwater exploring the reef, afternoon with endangered primates in the coastal forest.
Snorkeling at the Diani reef(3 hours)
Morning boat trip with Diani Marine Divers (from KES 3,000 / ~$23 including gear). Fringing reef 5-15 minutes offshore with 250+ fish species
Lunch at Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Dining inside an actual coral cave — stalactites above, open sky. Seafood platters from KES 3,000 (~$23)
Colobus Conservation Centre(1.5 hours)
Guided forest walk (KES 1,500 / ~$11) to spot endangered Angolan colobus, sykes, and vervet monkeys. 45-minute tours
Sundowner at Nomad Beach Bar(1 hour)
Bean bags in the sand, cold Tusker beer (KES 300 / ~$2.30)
Wasini Island & Kisite Marine Park
Full-day boat excursion to Kenya's best marine national park. Dolphins, sea turtles, and a Swahili seafood feast on a tiny coral island.
Transfer to Shimoni jetty(1 hour)
Tour operators include Diani hotel pickup. Drive through coastal villages and baobab trees
Dolphin spotting and snorkeling in Kisite Marine Park(3 hours)
Full-day trip KES 5,000-8,000 (~$38-60) including lunch. Bottlenose and spinner dolphins regularly spotted
Seafood lunch on Wasini Island(1.5 hours)
Swahili feast at Charlie Claw's — crab, lobster, and fish in coconut sauce. Explore coral-stone ruins and mangrove boardwalks
Shimba Hills Safari & Sheldrick Falls
Half-day safari in Kenya's coastal rainforest, chasing sable antelope and hiking to a jungle waterfall.
Morning game drive in Shimba Hills National Reserve(3 hours)
30 minutes inland. Entry: $25 adults. One of the only places to see sable antelope in Kenya. Also elephants, buffalo, and leopards
Hike to Sheldrick Falls(2 hours)
Guided forest trail to a 21m waterfall with swimming pool at the base. Muddy after rain — wear closed shoes
Late lunch at Sails Beach Bar(1.5 hours)
Grilled seafood on the beach. Garlic prawns KES 1,800 (~$14)
Rest Day — Beach & Spa
Slow day. The reef-protected waters are warm and calm — perfect for doing very little.
Free morning at the beach(3 hours)
Sleep in, swim, read. The stretch near Leopard Beach Resort has calm water at low tide
Lunch at Kokkos Cafe(1 hour)
Fresh juices, wraps, and wood-fired pizza. Mango smoothie bowl KES 700 (~$5)
Spa treatment(1.5 hours)
Full-body massage at AfroChic or your resort spa: KES 3,000-5,000 (~$23-38)
Evening at Sails Beach Bar(2 hours)
Cocktails and grilled fish as the sun sets
Kite Surfing & Kongo Ruins
Active morning on the water at Galu Beach, cultural exploration in the sacred kaya forest.
Kite surfing lesson at Galu Beach(2.5 hours)
Beginners welcome at H2O Extreme or Kite Centre Diani ($60-80 for 2 hours). Flat-water lagoon inside the reef is ideal
Lunch at Nomad Restaurant(1 hour)
Tuna steak with mango salsa (KES 2,200 / ~$17) at The Sands at Nomad
Visit Kongo Mosque Ruins(1 hour)
16th-century Swahili mosque ruins in sacred kaya forest. Free entry. UNESCO World Heritage buffer zone
Scuba Diving Day
Two-tank dive morning exploring Diani's best reef sites. Non-divers can take a Discover Scuba course.
Two-tank scuba dive(4 hours)
Dive with Diving the Crab or Diani Marine Divers ($80-100). Sites include Kinondo reef and Galu reef. Watch for whale sharks November to February. Discover Scuba for beginners: $120
Lunch at Leonardo's(1 hour)
Italian restaurant popular with expats. Wood-fired pizza from KES 1,200 (~$9)
Free afternoon(3 hours)
Recover from the dive. Browse craft stalls along the beach road
Dinner at Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant(2 hours)
Book the evening seating for dining under the stars inside the cave. Full seafood experience: KES 8,000-12,000 (~$60-90) per person
Mombasa Old Town Day Trip
Head north across the Likoni ferry to explore Mombasa's Swahili heritage — Fort Jesus, the Old Town, and the famous tusks.
Likoni ferry crossing to Mombasa(1 hour)
Free for pedestrians. Hire a driver for the day (~KES 5,000 / $38) for convenience
Fort Jesus(1.5 hours)
16th-century Portuguese fortress, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry: KES 1,200 (~$9). Museum covers coastal Swahili trade history
Walking tour of Mombasa Old Town(2 hours)
Narrow streets with carved Swahili doors, spice markets, and 14th-century mosques. Photo stop at the iconic Mombasa Tusks arch on Moi Avenue
Lunch at Tamarind Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Mombasa's finest — overlooking Tudor Creek. Seafood platter for two (KES 6,000 / ~$46). Book ahead
Rest Day — Free Exploration
No agenda. Diani rewards aimless wandering along the beach road and lazy afternoons in the shallows.
Sleep in and beach morning(4 hours)
Walk south along the beach towards Galu. The further south, the quieter it gets
Lunch at a local restaurant in Ukunda(1.5 hours)
Cross the main road to Ukunda town for authentic Swahili food at local prices. Biryani and samosas for under KES 500 (~$4)
Free afternoon(4 hours)
Read, swim, nap. This is your holiday
Funzi Island Mangrove Adventure
Day trip to a car-free mangrove island where life moves at the pace of the tides.
Transfer to Bodo jetty and boat to Funzi Island(1.5 hours)
45 minutes drive south to Bodo, then boat through mangrove channels. Full-day ~$80-100 per person including transport, boat, lunch, and guide
Mangrove channel boat tour(2 hours)
Glide through narrow mangrove channels spotting kingfishers, herons, and mud crabs. The silence is a welcome contrast to the beach scene
Village walk and seafood lunch(2 hours)
Walk through Funzi village — no cars, no electricity grid, traditional Swahili life. Fresh fish grilled on the beach for lunch
Sandbar swimming at low tide(1 hour)
At low tide, a sandbar emerges — swim in chest-deep turquoise water surrounded by mangroves
Swahili Cooking & Dhow Sunset Cruise
Cultural immersion in the kitchen, then a romantic evening under sail.
Morning beach yoga(1 hour)
Several hotels offer sessions (KES 1,000-1,500 / ~$8-12). The Swahili Beach Resort runs classes at 7AM
Swahili cooking class(3 hours)
Learn pilau rice, coconut fish curry, chapati, and sambusa. KES 3,500-5,000 (~$27-38) per person. You eat what you cook
Free afternoon(2 hours)
Beach time or browse the Maasai market stalls for beadwork jewelry
Sunset dhow cruise(2 hours)
Evening cruise along the Diani coast (from KES 3,500 / ~$27). Canapes and drinks on a traditional sailing vessel as the sun sets
Deep Sea Fishing or Whale Shark Encounter
Choose your ocean adventure: big game fishing or swimming alongside the world's largest fish.
Deep sea fishing charter(5 hours)
Half-day charters from $350-500 for the boat (4-6 people). Target: marlin, sailfish, tuna, kingfish. Pilli Pilli Charters and Nomad Fishing are reputable. November-March is peak season
Alternative: whale shark snorkeling(4 hours)
November to February, whale sharks visit the coast. Operators like Diving the Crab offer encounters from $80 per person. Sightings not guaranteed
Lunch at Forty Thieves(1.5 hours)
Celebrate with a cold beer and fish and chips on the beach
Evening at Shakatak(2 hours)
Diani's main nightlife spot — DJs, dancing, tourists and locals. Gets going after 10PM on weekends
Rest & Reflection Day
Last full day. Revisit a favorite spot and enjoy Diani's easy pace one final time.
Morning beach walk at low tide(1.5 hours)
Walk the beach at low tide — exposed reef pools full of starfish and sea cucumbers
Brunch at The Sands at Nomad(1.5 hours)
Eggs Benedict, fresh tropical fruit, and Kenyan coffee with toes in the sand
Free afternoon — revisit a favorite spot(4 hours)
Colobus Centre for better photos, reef snorkel again, or simply lie on the beach
Farewell dinner at Ali Barbour's Cave(2 hours)
End the trip where the cave meets the stars. Book the 7:30PM seating
Departure Day
Final morning in Diani before heading to the airport.
Early morning swim(45 minutes)
One last dip in the warm Indian Ocean. The water at 7AM is glassy and calm
Souvenir shopping at Diani Beach Shopping Centre(45 minutes)
Kenyan coffee, kikoi wraps, carved soapstone, and Kazuri beads
Transfer to Mombasa airport(1.5 hours)
Allow extra time for the Likoni ferry. Or fly from Ukunda Airstrip if available
21-Day Diani Beach Itinerary
Arrival & Diani Beach Orientation
Arrive at Moi International Airport Mombasa (MBA) and transfer south via the Likoni ferry crossing. Private transfer to your Diani hotel (~$35-50, 1.5 hours total including ferry).
Airport pickup and Likoni ferry crossing(1.5 hours)
Pre-book hotel transfer. The ferry ride is 5 minutes — the queue is the bottleneck. Or fly domestic to Ukunda Airstrip (UKA)
Check-in and beach walk(1.5 hours)
Stay between Baobab Beach Resort and The Sands at Nomad for the best stretch
Sunset drinks at Forty Thieves Beach Bar(2 hours)
Diani's iconic beach bar. Dawa cocktail (KES 600 / ~$4.50). Seafood platter KES 2,500 (~$19)
Coral Reef Snorkeling & Colobus Monkeys
Morning underwater exploring the reef, afternoon with endangered primates in the coastal forest.
Snorkeling at the Diani reef(3 hours)
Morning boat trip with Diani Marine Divers (from KES 3,000 / ~$23 including gear). 250+ fish species on the fringing reef
Lunch at Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Dining inside a coral cave — stalactites above, open sky. Seafood platters from KES 3,000 (~$23)
Colobus Conservation Centre(1.5 hours)
Guided forest walk (KES 1,500 / ~$11) to spot endangered Angolan colobus monkeys. 45-minute tours
Wasini Island & Kisite Marine Park
Full-day excursion to Kenya's best marine park — dolphins, turtles, and a Swahili feast on a coral island.
Dolphin spotting and snorkeling in Kisite Marine Park(3 hours)
Full-day trip KES 5,000-8,000 (~$38-60) including lunch. Bottlenose and spinner dolphins regularly spotted
Seafood lunch on Wasini Island(1.5 hours)
Swahili feast at Charlie Claw's. Explore coral-stone ruins and mangrove boardwalks
Shimba Hills Safari & Sheldrick Falls
Half-day safari in coastal rainforest — sable antelope, elephants, and a jungle waterfall.
Morning game drive in Shimba Hills National Reserve(3 hours)
30 minutes inland. Entry: $25. Sable antelope, elephants, buffalo, and leopards
Hike to Sheldrick Falls(2 hours)
Forest trail to a 21m waterfall with swimming pool. Wear closed shoes
Late lunch at Sails Beach Bar(1.5 hours)
Garlic prawns KES 1,800 (~$14) on the beach
Rest Day — Beach & Spa
Slow start to the trip. Reef-protected waters, spa time, and no agenda.
Free morning at the beach(3 hours)
Sleep in, swim, read near Leopard Beach Resort
Lunch at Kokkos Cafe(1 hour)
Fresh juices, wraps, wood-fired pizza. Mango smoothie bowl KES 700 (~$5)
Spa treatment(1.5 hours)
Full-body massage at AfroChic: KES 3,000-5,000 (~$23-38)
Kite Surfing & Kongo Ruins
Active morning on the water, cultural exploration in sacred kaya forest.
Kite surfing lesson at Galu Beach(2.5 hours)
H2O Extreme or Kite Centre Diani ($60-80 for 2 hours). Flat lagoon inside the reef
Lunch at Nomad Restaurant(1 hour)
Tuna steak with mango salsa (KES 2,200 / ~$17)
Visit Kongo Mosque Ruins(1 hour)
16th-century Swahili mosque ruins in sacred kaya forest. Free entry. UNESCO buffer zone
Scuba Diving Day
Two-tank dive morning on the reef. Non-divers can take a Discover Scuba course.
Two-tank scuba dive(4 hours)
Diving the Crab or Diani Marine Divers ($80-100). Kinondo reef and Galu reef sites. Watch for whale sharks Nov-Feb
Lunch at Leonardo's(1 hour)
Wood-fired pizza from KES 1,200 (~$9)
Dinner at Ali Barbour's Cave(2 hours)
Evening seating under the stars. Full seafood experience: KES 8,000-12,000 (~$60-90) per person
Mombasa Old Town Day Trip
Cross the Likoni ferry to explore Mombasa's Swahili heritage — Fort Jesus, Old Town, and the iconic tusks.
Likoni ferry crossing to Mombasa(1 hour)
Hire a driver for the day (~KES 5,000 / $38)
Fort Jesus(1.5 hours)
16th-century Portuguese fortress, UNESCO World Heritage. Entry: KES 1,200 (~$9)
Walking tour of Mombasa Old Town(2 hours)
Carved Swahili doors, spice markets, 14th-century mosques. Photo at the Mombasa Tusks arch
Lunch at Tamarind Restaurant(1.5 hours)
Overlooking Tudor Creek. Seafood platter for two KES 6,000 (~$46). Book ahead
Rest Day — Free Exploration
No agenda. Wander the beach road, eat local food, and let Diani work its magic.
Lunch in Ukunda town(1.5 hours)
Cross the main road for authentic Swahili food at local prices. Biryani and samosas under KES 500 (~$4)
Funzi Island Mangrove Adventure
Day trip to a car-free mangrove island where life moves at the pace of the tides.
Transfer to Bodo jetty and boat to Funzi Island(1.5 hours)
Full-day ~$80-100 per person including transport, boat, lunch, and guide
Mangrove channel boat tour(2 hours)
Kingfishers, herons, and mud crabs in narrow channels
Village walk and seafood lunch(2 hours)
No cars, no electricity grid — traditional Swahili life. Fresh fish grilled on the beach
Swahili Cooking Class & Dhow Cruise
Learn to cook Swahili food, then watch the sunset from a traditional dhow.
Morning beach yoga(1 hour)
Swahili Beach Resort at 7AM (KES 1,000-1,500 / ~$8-12)
Swahili cooking class(3 hours)
Pilau rice, coconut fish curry, chapati, sambusa. KES 3,500-5,000 (~$27-38). You eat what you cook
Sunset dhow cruise(2 hours)
Evening cruise along the coast (from KES 3,500 / ~$27). Canapes and drinks under sail
Deep Sea Fishing
Big game fishing off the Diani coast — marlin, sailfish, and tuna in the deep channel.
Deep sea fishing charter(5 hours)
Half-day from $350-500 for the boat (4-6 people). Pilli Pilli Charters or Nomad Fishing. November-March is peak season
Lunch at Forty Thieves(1.5 hours)
Cold beer and fish and chips to celebrate the catch
Evening at Shakatak(2 hours)
Diani's nightlife spot — DJs and dancing. Gets going after 10PM on weekends
Tsavo East Safari — Day 1
Begin a 2-day safari to Tsavo East National Park — Kenya's largest park, famous for red elephants and vast savanna. 4 hours from Diani.
Drive to Tsavo East National Park(4 hours)
Depart Diani at 5:30AM. Enter via Bachuma Gate. Park entry: $52 per day for adults. Pre-book a safari vehicle or join a group tour from Diani ($250-400 per person for 2 days)
Afternoon game drive(4 hours)
Tsavo's red elephants (colored by the laterite soil) are iconic. Also lion, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and leopard. The Galana River area is productive for wildlife. Mudanda Rock — a natural dam — attracts elephants and buffalo
Dinner and overnight at Voi Safari Lodge or Sentrim Tsavo Camp(2 hours)
Lodges overlook waterholes with floodlights for night viewing. Full-board from $120-200 per person. Watch elephants drink under the stars
Tsavo East Safari — Day 2
Early morning game drive for the best wildlife sightings, then return to Diani.
Dawn game drive(3 hours)
Depart at 6AM for the best light and active wildlife. The Aruba Dam is a reliable spot for hippos and crocodiles. Keep eyes open for cheetah on the open plains
Drive back to Diani(4 hours)
Stop at roadside fruit stalls for fresh mango and sugarcane juice
Rest & Recovery Day
After two days of safari, a full rest day on the beach is earned.
Beach morning(3 hours)
Swim, float, do absolutely nothing in the reef-protected shallows
Lunch at Sails(1.5 hours)
Grilled seafood and cold beer on the sand
Massage or spa(1.5 hours)
Ease those safari jeep shoulders with a deep tissue massage
Whale Shark Snorkeling or Second Dive Day
Another ocean day — either chasing whale sharks (in season) or exploring deeper dive sites.
Whale shark snorkeling (Nov-Feb) or advanced dive(4 hours)
Whale shark encounters from $80 per person with Diving the Crab. Out of season, try the deeper Kinondo wall dive or night dive option ($100-120)
Afternoon kayaking(1.5 hours)
Rent a sea kayak from the beach vendors (KES 1,500 / ~$11 per hour). Paddle along the coastline inside the reef
Tiwi Beach & Local Village Walk
Explore the quieter beach north of Diani and get a glimpse of non-tourist coastal life.
Morning at Tiwi Beach(3 hours)
15 minutes north of Diani by tuk-tuk (KES 300). Tiwi is less developed — rockier but more private. Good snorkeling off the shore at high tide
Village walk through Tiwi(1.5 hours)
Walk through the local village with a community guide (KES 1,000 / ~$8). See how coconut palm wine (mnazi) is tapped, visit the local school, and learn about coastal farming
Lunch at a Tiwi beach restaurant(1 hour)
Simple but fresh — grilled fish and ugali for under KES 500
Volunteering & Marine Conservation
Give back to the community and marine environment that has hosted your stay.
Morning beach cleanup with REEFolution(2 hours)
REEFolution runs coral reef restoration and beach cleanup programs. Join their morning session (free, donations welcome). They also deploy coral frames that you can sponsor ($50)
Visit the Colobus Conservation Centre's education program(1.5 hours)
Learn about their colobus monkey census, habitat corridor projects, and how tourism supports conservation. Volunteer opportunities available for longer stays
Afternoon stand-up paddleboarding(1.5 hours)
Rent a SUP from beach vendors (KES 1,500 / ~$11 per hour). The calm lagoon inside the reef is perfect
Free Day — Your Choice
By now you know Diani well. Spend the day however you like — return to a favorite spot or find somewhere new.
Free morning(4 hours)
Sleep in, beach walk, yoga, or book a second kite surfing lesson
Free afternoon(4 hours)
Second visit to Wasini Island, another dive, or simply hammock and a book
Final Full Day — Farewell Tour
Last chance to tick off anything you missed and savor the Kenyan coast one more time.
Early morning beach walk at low tide(1.5 hours)
Walk the full Diani stretch at low tide. The exposed tide pools are full of starfish and sea cucumbers
Brunch at The Sands at Nomad(1.5 hours)
Eggs Benedict, tropical fruit, and Kenyan coffee with toes in the sand
Last-minute souvenir shopping(1 hour)
Diani Beach Shopping Centre or the Maasai market stalls for beadwork and kikoi wraps
Farewell dinner at Ali Barbour's Cave(2 hours)
The cave restaurant under the stars is the only way to end three weeks in Diani. Book the 7:30PM seating
Departure Day
Final morning before heading to the airport.
Early morning swim(45 minutes)
One last dip. The water at 7AM is glassy and warm
Transfer to Mombasa airport(1.5 hours)
Allow extra time for the Likoni ferry. Or fly from Ukunda Airstrip if available on your route
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
eTA Required Since January 2024
Kenya replaced visa-on-arrival with a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at etakenya.go.ke. Apply at least 72 hours before travel. Fee: $30 for most nationalities. Processing usually takes 48 hours. You'll need a passport photo, yellow fever certificate, and accommodation details.
transport
Matatus and Tuk-Tuks for Local Travel
Tuk-tuks are the main way to get around Diani — negotiate the fare before boarding. Expect KES 200-500 (~$1.50-4) for trips along the beach road. From Mombasa airport, pre-arranged hotel transfers ($30-50) are safest. The Likoni ferry crossing between Mombasa island and the south coast is free for pedestrians but can have 1-2 hour waits during rush hour.
Safety
Avoid Walking the Beach After Dark
Diani is generally safe in daytime, but beach muggings occur after dark. Walk in groups, avoid deserted stretches at night, and use a tuk-tuk for evening restaurant trips. Keep valuables locked at your hotel. Swimming shoes are recommended — sea urchins are common at low tide near rocky sections.
Malaria and Yellow Fever Precautions
Diani is in a malaria zone. Take antimalarials (consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel), use DEET-based repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Kenya if arriving from an endemic country. Carry the physical card — digital copies may not be accepted.
Local Customs
Respect the Coastal Muslim Culture
Diani's local population is largely Muslim. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Ukunda town or local markets. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours in non-tourist areas. Greet locals with 'Jambo' (hello) or 'Habari' (how are you) — a small gesture that goes far.
Budget
Eat at Local Restaurants for a Fraction of Resort Prices
Resort restaurants charge KES 1,500-3,000 ($11-23) per meal. Walk to Diani Beach Road for local joints serving pilau, biryani, and fresh fish for KES 300-600 (~$2-5). Ali Barbour's Cave (~$30 for dinner in an actual coral cave) is a worthy splurge. Fresh coconut water from beach vendors is KES 50 (~$0.40).
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