The Ultimate Guide to Diani Beach
The Ultimate Guide to Diani Beach : Diani Beach is a coastal resort town considered as one of the best beach destination in the world and Africa, Diani beach has been awarded the best beach destination in Africa for 5 consecutive years since 2015.
Diani beach is located on the South Coast of Kenya in Kwale County about 35 kilometers south of Mombasa, this beautiful beach is a 25 kilometers stretch of crystal white sand beach, crystal clear waters and palm trees making the beach a perfect tropical destination.
Diani beach is also a perfect spot for surfing and is known for being a home to some of the largest fish species in the world such as the whale shark.
Diani Beach experiences conducive weather conditions which is one of the reasons to why it is loved many travelers from all over the world, it weather at the beach is calm and warm providing conducive conditions required for a beach life. The weather conditions are perfect for a traveler to walk in barefoot and participate in several water sports.
Other reason to why Diani Beach is loved by travelers is the wide range of accommodation catering for all travel budgets from the economy tourists to the top luxury tourists. Diani Beach has received several famous celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Jose Mourihno among others.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF DIANI BEACH
Diani Beach is believed to be the origin of the East Africa Civilization in the whole of the Coastal Kenya, though little is known about the history of Diani, pieces of evidence suggests Diani Beach’s history back in the 8th century AD.
In the 9th century, the Indian and Arab traders arrived at the Kenya coast and started mingling with the indigenous population which resulted into the birth of the unique Swahili cultures which is still thriving at the coast. During this period, the whole coastal region of Kenya enjoyed a golden age of trade.
In the 15th century, the Portuguese arrived at the Kenyan Coast and dominated the region for the 2 centuries until they lost their control to the Oman Arabs.
In the 19th century, the British took over control of coast and declared it as a British protectorate, the first tourist hotel to be established on the beach was Jadini Beach Hotel established in 1937as a cottage. Trade winds and Two Fishes became the next hotels to be established on the beach.
PEOPLE & CULTURE AT DIANI BEACH
The Digo Community – the second largest tribe of the 9 Mijikenda tribes are the indigenous people Diani beach, these people were in a population of 400,000 concentrated on the southern coastal strip of Kenya more specifically Diani Beach and the border of Kenya.
The Digo people speak Chidigo language which is a Bantu language which is closely related to both the Swahili and other Mijikenda languages, 90% of these people are Islam, The Ultimate Guide to Diani Beach
Diani beach boosts a vibrant culture which is drawn from different communities and nations who reside in the region, though Diani beach boosts a mixture of cultures. The indigenous local cultures remain alive, the local people are known for their warm and accommodating nature as they hold visitors in high regard as they are believed to be a source of blessings.
As the sun fades away from the sky, the nightlife in Diani beach becomes the life of the party, the beach is endowed with various night clubs and great music. The local people at the beach are also vibrant and are noticed to rise to the occasion with unreserved energy thus making each moment of your visit count.
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN DIANI BEACH
VISIT THE BEACH ITSELF
Diani Beach its self is one of the best sites to visit and explore for sea diving, sky diving, deep sea fishing, kite and wind surfing expeditions, Diani beach is one of the few unmatched beaches in Africa and world as well. The beach features crystal white sands lined with palm tree and clear blue waters making it perfect for swimming and other water activities such as diving.
Besides the beautiful beachfront, Diani Beach’s Ocean line stretches to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park endowed with a rich aqua life including dolphins.
VISIT THE SHIMONI SLAVE CAVES
The Shimoni Slave caves are fascinating historical caves dating back many centuries, the caves are named after a local Swahili workd “Shimoni” meaning “the place of the cave”.
The age of these cave are evident with the huge stalactites and stalagmites inside, the caves have a horrific history as they are the embodiment of the infamous slave trade in East Africa. These caves served as a pen in which over 1 million slaves would wait before being shipped to the slave market in Zanzibar Tanzania and onwards to Yemen between 1860 and 1895. It is believed that the slaves were held here for 2-3 weeks before being packed in dhows, many slaves died during the voyage and they were thrown overboard to be eaten by sharks.
ECO BIKE RIDES
Biking is one of the amazing and eco-friendly activity to do in Diani beach offering you an opportunity to marvel at her beauty and get lost in the interiors of the beach. This memorable tour is arranged by Diani Bikes, during this experience you cycle along the beach and through the villages to the revered Kaya Kinondo forest, The Ultimate Guide to Diani Beach
Discover Kaya Kinondo Forest
Kaya Kinondo Forest is one of the oldest forests on South Coast of Kenya with about 187 plant species, 48 species of birds and 45 of butterflies representing 5% of Kenya’s known butterflies. There are also the rare Zani Elephants shrew and threatened Colobus Monkey among others.
Visiting the Kaya Kinondo Forest will enlighten you on the cultural and spiritual important of the forest of the Digo people.
Go Deep Sea fishing
Diani Beach is situated not far from the Pemba Channel which is one of the best fishing spots in the world, this makes Diani Beach a great destination to go Deep Sea Fishing.
The Pemba Channel is a home to abundance of marine species include striped, black and blue Marin, sailfish, Broadbill, Mako, Tiger, Wahoo, sharks, Yellowfin Tuna, Dorado, Giant Trevally, among others. Taking a short trip to Pemba Channel which make your holiday to Diani Beach more heavenly and you will appreciate the magic of the experience.
WORK WITH THE COLOBUS TRUST
Colobus Trust found at Diani Beach is a non-profit organization dedicated to the Conservation of the Colobus monkey more specifically The Colobus Angolensis which found in Diani Beach. Colobus Angolensis is classified as endangered species with a population that is drastically reducing due to human encroachment, snares and road kills by speeding cars.
During your holiday at Diani Beach, you can help conserve the Colobus Angolensis by joining the Colobus Trust as an Eco-volunteer for 3-4 weeks.
VISIT DIANI ART GALLERY
The Diani Art Gallery is the only gallery found in the Kenyan Coast, the Gallery showcases a wide variety of fine African art including a diverse selection of painted works, sculptures and photographs by well-known artists and upcoming creatives from Kenya and Africa as well. At the Gallery, art classes, wine and cheese evenings, special promotions and other various event are offered and hosted.
VISIT CHALE ISLAND WITH A BIKE
The Chale Island is a small island and the only private resort island in Kenya and the only gateway to this private island, is Diani Beach. Chale island can be explored using a bike which one can rent at the Baharini shopping center, you can also go for quad biking rented from the same shopping center, The Ultimate Guide to Diani Beach
Chale Island has clear blue waters, colorful reef and vibrant aquatic making it a great destination for diving
ADRENALINE PACKED ACTIVITIES
Diani Beach has a fantastic activities for Adrenaline junkies, these activities will make you feel like you have been dropped out of a flying plane into icy cold water. These activities include sky diving, paragliding, jet skiing, kitesurfing or windsurfing among others.
WHALESHARK SAFARIS
Whale Sharks are the largest fish in the world thriving in the warm waters off Diani Beach where The East African Whale Shark Trust (EAWST) operates several projects aimed at creating awareness, tag and monitor the population of these animals.
During your holiday at Diani Beach you can sign up as a volunteer and get firsthand experience in the conservancy efforts.
TOP ACCOMMODATIONS AT DIANI BEACH
Diani Beach has a wide range of accommodation facilities and below are the most popular place to stay during you beach holiday
- Diani Reef Beach Resort
- Swahili Beach resort
- Amani Tiwi Beach Resort
- Top Villas & Cottages in Diani
- The Zuibeida
- Queen Chateau Boutique Villa
- Sunset Villa Boutique Resort
Sunset Villa Boutique Resort
Best Budget Hotels in Diani
- Manyatta Resort & Apartments
- Diplomat Diani Beach Resort
- Retro Boutique Hotel
- Amani Luxury Apartments
- Morning star Diani Beach Resort
- Lofta Resort Diani
Top Restaurants in Diani Beach
At Dinai Beach there are a number of beautiful places to eat and below are some of the traveler’s best picks
- Nomads Beach Bar & Restaurant
- Sails Beach Bar & Restaurant
- Kokkos Café & Bistro
GETTING TO DIANI BEACH
Travelers can get to Diani Beach by road, air and water means of transport
- Getting to Diani Beach by Air
Flying to Kenya – there are many direct flights to Nairobi City, the capital of Kenya and main gateway from European countries, USA, Arab countries and Asian countries. Some of the popular direct flights to Nairobi city include Frankfurt (Lufthansa), New York (Kenya Airways) Zurich (Swiss), Amsterdam (KLM), London (British Airways, Kenya Airways) or Paris (Kenya Airways). In case you do not wish to spend some days in Nairobi or go on a safari once in Kenya, it is better to fly directly to the Ukunda, Diani from Jomo Kenya International Airport (JKIA).
Flying to Diani Beach – if you pot to fly t Diani Beach from Nairobi city or Mombasa, there are three options that are
- Flying from Wilson Airport using Safarilink and Silverstone
- Flying from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport using Jambo jet
- Flying from Moi International Airport in Mombasa using Mombasa Air Safari
There are also private charter planes offering flights in and out of Diani to several destinations in Kenya such as Maasai Mara national reserve, Mombasa, Kisumi and Vipingo, The Ultimate Guide to Diani Beach
GETTING TO DIANI BEACH BY ROAD
There are several ways to get to Diani Beach by road that is by self-driving, using bus from Nairobi and by private vehicle
Self-driving – for travelers who prefer to self- drive to Diani beach, you can hire a vehicle and drive to Diani beach from any part of Kenya. Driving to Diani beach is a whole day’s trip and so to save time, it is advisable to pass through Mombasa which has a lot of traffic, you can avoid Mombasa’s traffic jam and the Likoni ferry by branching off Mombasa Highway in Samburu and then drive through the Shimba Hills.
Driving to Diani Beach by Bus from Nairobi
On a daily, there are at least 2 buses leaving from Nairobi to Ukunda (Diani Beach). These buses are Chania and Simba charging a fare of approximately 1,400 shillings ($ 14). These buses are not as comfortable for the long journey.
By private vehicle
Tour operators offer transfers from Nairobi to Diani beach in private vehicles.
Getting to Diani Beach By Sea
Getting to Diani Beach by sea is the least common way to get to Diani Beach and this is normally done by seafares from Zanzibar who import goods through the shimoni port. From Mombasa once can get private boats to access Diani.
Getting to Diani Beach by Ferry from Mombasa
Traveling from Diani Beach to Mombasa, Likoni ferry is used to Diani Beach, after getting off the ferry the drive to Diani beach is approximately 30 minutes on a relatively good tarmac road.
To get around Diani Beach, there are numerous matatus (Minibuses) that operate from the Likoni ferry in Mombasa directly to Ukunda (Ksh 200), from the junction for Diani and head to Msambweni.
Getting around Diani Beach
In Diani, there is plently of TukTuks, Motorbikes and taxis offering transportation around Diani, while at Diani beach you can self – drive or ride through the beach by hiring bikes and cars from the shopping center.
About 100 taxis offered transportation around Diani Beach, the easiest places to find taxis on Diani Beach are Barclays shopping center, Bazaar, petro, Diani shopping center, Ushago and the area around Nomad Hotel.
Note: Taxis along Diani Beach are very clean and are in excellent condition, the drivers are also very friendly, helpful, honest and very knowledgeable about the area, The Ultimate Guide to Diani Beach
Public transport around Diani Beach
Matatus (mini buses) are an attraction in Kenya culture, the Matatus offer fast and reliable transport for short range travels. In Diani, Matatus are found on the following routes
- Leisure -Ukunda (these take you to the left side of Diani Beach)
- Pavillion-Ukunda (these take you to right side of Diani Beach)
- Likoni- Ukunda(From the Likoni Ferry)
- Shimoni-Ukunda-Likoni
Matatus at Diani have irregular travel times and are often available all day from dawn to night fall, the matatus can make a stop almost anywhere. While in Diani you can catch a matatu at designated stops (the pick up points), you can also find them curisuing around and with a simple wave of hand will bring them to a half. Before boarding a matatu, you are advised to confirm the charges to your destination.
