A vibrant, intimate little paradise on the quiet shores of the Indian Ocean, located 30 kilometres south of Mombasa in the nearby Kwale County. Incorporating Tiwi Beach, Chale Island, Funzi Island, Msambweni and Kinondo. The beach is about 10 kilometres long, from the Kongo river to the north and Galu beach to the south.
Diani was just a fishing settlement about 40 years ago, but saw a boom in the 70s when tourists wishing to come to Africa found Kenya the ideal place, as there was so much strife and problems in other African countries. Hotels mushroomed along the 5 mile coast road, which was tarmacadam-ed at that time from a dusty track; a small airport was built literally by hand and blessed by the late first Kenyan president Jomo Kenyatta.
Diani has continued to develop to a cosmopolitan resort, without losing its charm and simple ambiance, and with it's sparkling white sands and lush greenery that invite you to relax under a beach umbrella with a refreshing drink.
Attractions in Diani Beach
Skydive Diani
If you are into adventure, then skydiving is the thing for you. Skydiving is now a popular attraction with people coming from all over the world to try out the adventurous sport. Skydive Diani is the only permanent skydiving club in Kenya offering tandem skydives and they are based in Diani Beach. They also partner with Flamboyant to give really good deals to guests staying there.
Do not worry if you've never done it before, Skydiving Diani has expert instructors and top quality equipment to make sure you can jump safely.
Fees- The skydiving costs around US$350 or around Kes. 30,000/- per person.
Twice a year in March and November, Skydive Diani have beach boogie festivals which go on for a week making Diani Beach a very interesting place to be at the time.
Sand and Sea
Sand and Sea Diani have some serious water sports going on. You can go snorkeling, diving, take scuba lessons, go kayaking in the lagoon, stand up paddling, and also get windsurfing lessons. They also offer a package for Dolphin safaris and deep sea fishing. You can also learn how to Kite surf.
If you're looking for an exciting full day excursion in Diani, the Dolphin Dhow safari to Wasini Island is exactly what you are looking for! Get to ride in a traditional Arabic dhow and sail into the Wasini Channel as you enjoy stunning and colorful surroundings.
Luxury Wasini Dhow Excursion Rates (Departs daily except Mondays):-
Rate per person: Kenya Residents - Kes. 7,350/= Non residents - US$ 135
(Expatriates working in Kenya will require to show their Residency Card to enjoy residents rates)
Child (up to 11 years): Residents - Kes. 3,850/= Non residents - US$ 70
Get some delicious coastal dishes either at the beach or the hotels situated on the beach.
- Go camel riding on the beach.
- Get your henna tattoos and look beautiful.
- You can take a ride on a marine safari dhow or a glass bottom boat
- Take a tour of Wasini Island and Kisite Marine Park. Snorkelling and dolphin spotting at Wasini Island
- Colobus Conservation & Guided Primate Eco-Tours. To go the Colobus trust where you can talk a nature walk and learn about conservation.
- Kayak in the mangrove
- Deep sea fishing at Pemba channel
- Day trip to the Shimba Hills National Game Park
- Dhow Sailing
- Local fish trip in traditional sailing boats (Ngalawa)
- Biking on Diani beach
After a long day of exploring, visit Leopard Beach Resort which was voted the best beach resort in Kenya and Africa’s leading spa resort, and enjoy Uzuri Spa for relaxing massages and spa treatment.The Resort is situated within an indigenous forest which is an attraction in itself.