Top 18 Things to Do in Diani Beach: Expert Guide + Itinerary

What are the BEST THINGS TO DO IN DIANI BEACH?

 

In this blog post, we’ll give you the TOP ACTIVITIES and a 3-day itinerary for Diani based on our own experience.

 

Diani is the perfect way to end your 2-week or 3-week Kenya safari.

 

*Laura grew up in Kenya and has spent YEARS exploring Diani’s hidden gems. She has gone to Diani about 13 times. It’s that INSIDER KNOWLEDGE you’ll find in this article.

 

 

Things to do in Diani Beach: Overview

Before we go over every activity in detail, you can find an overview list below of the best things to do at Diani Beach.

 

• 🌴 Relax on Diani Beach
• 🏝️ Visit Robinson Island
• 🍽️ Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant
• 🐬 Wasini Island day trip
• 🌅 Kongo River sunset boat ride
• 🤿 Scuba diving at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
• 💦 Map of Africa pool at Tiwi Beach
• 🐒 Visit the Colobus Conservation Centre
• 🦁 Shimba Hills National Reserve
• 🚤 Jet skiing on Diani Beach
• 🏄 Kitesurfing and windsurfing
• 🪂 Skydiving in Diani Beach
• 🏍️ Go quad biking
• 🛍️ Kazuri Beads shop
• 🌿 Funzi Island day excursion
• 🕌 Kongo Mosque
• 🛒 Local craft shopping near Diani Beach Shopping Centre

 

Relax on Diani Beach

 

Of course, one of the best things to do at Diani beach is to relax.

 

In 2023, it was voted BEST AFRICAN BEACH (!) by World Travel Awards.

 

We can confirm, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches IN THE WORLD, with its 10 miles (17km) of POWDERY WHITE SAND AND PALM TREES.

 

Perfect for a walk of 1 mile / 2 kilometers BAREFEET!

 

👉  DID YOU KNOW: Near Nomad restaurant at Diani Beach, there is a small SEA TURTLE HATCHING SANCTUARY? You can see nests marked with the dates when the eggs were laid, when they are expected to hatch, and when the baby turtles will make their first journey toward the sea. If you are lucky, your dates might intersect with their journey! We haven’t had the pleasure ourselves yet.

 

 

Visit Robinson Island (sandbar island)

 

At low tide, Diani offers a NATURAL SPECTACLE: a sandbar island emerges offshore (around 300 meters inward of the lagoon), called Robison Island.

 

Local Kenyans have dubbed it “STARFISH ISLAND” for the amount of sea stars in the clear shallows.

 

Swimming there from the mainland is forbidden as it is too far, but there are quite a few glass-bottom boats that take tourists to this sandbar island for a visit!

 

We recommend booking with Blossom Kenya Safaris. They will pick you up in the morning with a tuk-tuk, take you to Baobab Island, where the GLASS-BOTTOM BOAT will be waiting. Then, they will take you to Robinson Island, and you can WALK on the sandbar, and go SNORKELING in the crystal clear water!

 

BEWARE: You can snorkel over the coral reef, but please don’t touch it. The preservation of these coral reefs is very important.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: You’ll see bright red and orange starfish in the sand and underwater; it’s okay to hold them underwater (but don’t pull them out into the air, as it will harm them).

 

Recommended SAFARI ESSENTIALS we personally use and trust
🧳 Travel duffle bag	👕 Long shirt: Men | Women	👕 Short shirt: Men | Women
👖 Pants: Men | Women	🧥 Light fleece: Men | Women	🌧️ Rain jacket: Men | Women
🥾 Shoes: Men | Women	🧢 Safari sun hat	🕶️ Sunglasses
🔋 Power bank	🔭 Binoculars	🔌 Universal plug adapter
🦟 Insect repellent (DEET)	💧 Electrolyte tablets	🎒 Daypack

More information in our complete post about Kenya safari clothing.

 

Dinner at Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant

One of the most ICONIC and ROMANTIC things to do in Diani is dining at Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant.

 

This restaurant is set inside a 150,000-year-old NATURAL CORAL CAVE, with candlelight illuminating the cave walls while the roof is open to the night sky. WE LOVE IT!

 

The menu focuses on gourmet seafood and international dishes, with highlights like grilled lobster and Swahili-style coconut crab curry. It is definitely on the pricier side, but the setting alone makes it worth it.

👉 INSIDER TIP: Get the Crêpe Suzette. Crêpes soaked in an orange liqueur, FLAMBEED AT YOUR TABLE. Served with Vanilla Ice Cream

 

👉 DID YOU KNOW: They have a SHUTTLE SERVICE? If your accommodation is in Diani centre, you can send them an email to come pick you up with their van (FOR REAL)! After dinner, the minivan will drop you off again at your hotel! Dinner reservations are absolutely necessary, as this is one of the most popular restaurants on the South Coast.

Visit Wasini Island

 

A day trip to Wasini Island is one of the most popular excursions from Diani.

 

The day starts early with a TRADITIONAL WOODEN DHOW BOAT trip to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, where you can snorkel over the coral reefs and SEE DOLPHINS.

 

In our experience, it is rare not to see them (Laura has done the trip four times, and every time she has seen dolphins).

 

Afterwards, the dhow boat will take you to Wasini Island for a late SWAHILI LUNCH (catch-of-the-day seafood with chapati) and an afternoon walk on the island.

 

 

 

Kongo River sunset boat ride

 

For a relaxing time, you can take a SUNSET BOAT RIDE on the Kongo River, at the southern end of Diani Beach.

 

The boat will take you slowly through mangroves and waters as the sun sets, often seeing MONKEYS, BIRDS, and sometimes even CROCODILES along the riverbanks.

 

As you reach the river mouth, the views open up over the Indian Ocean.

 

You can book your activity directly here.

 

We love the Kongo River sunset boat ride as one of the best things to do in Diani Beach; it’s a perfect way to end your day.

 

Go scuba diving at Diani Beach

Of course, Diani is WORLD-FAMOUS for its amazing DIVING SITES!

 

Scuba diving in Diani is a MUST-DO THING, thanks to Diani’s healthy coral reefs and marine parks just offshore.

 

There are several dive centers that will take you to bucket-list sites along Kenya’s coast.

 

CHALE ISLAND

 

One of our favorites is CHALE ISLAND, famous for its WALL DIVES where the reef drops off, attracting species like BARRACUDA and REEF SHARKS.

 

KISITI-MPUNGUTI MARINE NATIONAL PARK

 

For sea life, we recommend visiting Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park (about an hour south by boat).

 

Kisite is called “THE CORAL GARDEN OF KENYA”, divers and snorkelers here see wild DOLPHINS, SEA TURTLES, endless colorful REEF FISH, and even WHALE SHARKS (!) in season. This is the best place for diving in Kenya!

 

👉 DID YOU KNOW: Many dive sites near Diani are part of MARINE PROTECTED AREAS, which means LESS DAMAGE from fishing and boat traffic. This results in colorful hard and soft corals, good visibility, and a healthy reef ecosystem.

 

Visibility is usually excellent, and water temperatures stay around 27°C (81°F).

 

After your dive, you’ll often visit Wasini Island (which is nearby) for a fresh seafood lunch.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Diving in Diani is best between December and March for calmer seas and most visibility underwater (and PEAK WHALE SHARK SEASON).

 

Many dive shops offer a PADI Open Water course over 3 to 4 days if you want to get certified on holiday. Not a diver? You can try a snorkel tour to Kisite, we also love it!

 

FULL-DAY EXCURSION

This private cruise to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park is a full-day experience that combines scuba diving, marine wildlife, and Swahili culture.

 

The day starts with an early pickup in Diani, followed by a drive to Shimoni jetty, where you board a PRIVATE BOAT.

 

As you cruise toward the marine park, BREAKFAST IS SERVED on board, and there is a good chance of spotting dolphins along the way.

 

Once in Kisite-Mpunguti, you SNORKEL over coral reefs filled with tropical fish and turtles. A SCUBA DIVE is available for those who want to explore deeper.

 

After snorkeling (or diving), you head to WASINI ISLAND for a freshly prepared SWAHILI LUNCH and some time to explore the island.

 

 

“Map of Africa” pool at Tiwi Beach

 

Just 30 minutes north of Diani lies Tiwi Beach. Another amazing beach, with a very special twist.

 

It has a natural wonder called the “AFRICA POOL.” 

 

At low tide, you’ll see a seawater pool shaped exactly like the map of Africa on the reef.

 

You ARE ALLOWED TO SWIM in this pool.

 

Not many people know about this location (!), so the path leading towards it is a bit tricky. Hence, we recommend hiring a guide at Tiwi to lead you there, OR you can book directly with GetYourGuide, and they will take care of the logistics for you!

 

At the pool, you can see starfish and baby MORAY EELS.

 

IMPORTANT: Visit Tiwi beach and pools only at LOW TIDE (check Tiwi tide tables) to catch both pools before the ocean returns

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: If you love hidden gems, continue about 10 minutes past the Africa Pool to find the secret “AUSTRALIA POOL.” It’s hidden between seaside caves, and this second tidal pool lights up with beams of sun through cave openings.

 

 

 

Visit the Colobus Conservation Centre

 

If you want a break from beach and water activities, the Colobus Conservation Centre is one of the most meaningful things to do in Diani.

 

Located just off Diani Beach Road, this non-profit SANCTUARY focuses on protecting the endangered Angolan colobus monkeys that live in the surrounding coastal forests.

 

During a guided visit to the sanctuary, you will see rescued colobus monkeys, as well as Syke’s monkeys and vervets, while learning about ongoing conservation and rehabilitation efforts.

 

For us, one of the most interesting parts of the visit is learning how the centre reduces human-wildlife conflict.

 

👉 DID YOU KNOW: Along the main road in Diani you’ll see many HORIZONTAL LADDERS (brudges) across the roads. They are not for show, they give the monkeys a safe path to cross the road without road danger!

 

There is also a small museum and a short forest nature walk.

 

Entry fees directly support the conservation work, and if you are lucky, you might catch feeding time or see baby monkeys in rehabilitation.

 

Shimba Hills National Reserve

 

Just a 45-minute drive from Diani lies the Shimba Hills, a wildlife reserve.

 

This is one of Kenya’s MOST UNIQUE PARKS, mixing jungle, grasslands, and ocean views.

 

Shimba Hills are famous as the only place in Kenya to see the rare SABLE ANTELOPE, with its elegant curved horns.

 

You’ll also see elephants, giraffes, and 111 bird species from hornbills to eagles.

 

A guided game drive in the late afternoon offers the best chance to see wildlife when it’s active and to catch Shimba’s SUNSET painting the hills in golden light.

 

👉  INSIDER TIP: Don’t miss the short hike to SHELDRICK FALLS. It’s a 21 m (60 feet) waterfall tumbling into a cool plunge pool in the forest.

 

After the hike, the hilltop viewpoints (like Ocean View Point) reward you with one of the best sunsets in Kwale County.

 

The ENTRANCE FEE to the Shimba Hills National Reserve is 22 USD for an adult and 13 USD for a child. More information on the official Shimba Hills National Reserve website.

 

You can book your full-day visit directly on GetYourGuide, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

 

Make sure to bring along your necessary Kenya safari essentials!

 

👉 ITINERARY TIP: Start your Shimba Hills activity around 1 or 2 pm. Go on an afternoon GAME DRIVE, then hike to the FALLS (it’s 2 km / 1 mile each way, so bring water), then reach the OCEAN VIEWPOINT by 6 pm for sunset. We recommend hiring a KWS guide at the park gate ($14 for 4 hours) as they know the best places inside the reserve and might know where the sable antelope is hiding!

 

Jet ski on Diani Beach

Something that we especially love and one of the BEST things to do at Diani Beach is to go jet skiing!

 

You can take a half-hour or one-hour guided jet ski ride with operators.

 

After a quick briefing and training session, you’ll be looking for dolphins in the Indian Ocean. You can book this as a GetYourGuide activity.  

 

👉 KEEP IN MIND: You’ll stick within the REEF LAGOON, where the waters are calm.

 

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: The morning hours ALWAYS have the calmest water (not windy, so less choppy), making for a much smoother ride. Make sure to bring your GoPro and ask the guides to take some nice shots of you!

 

Kitesurfing or windsurfing

Laura’s top thing to do at Diani Beach is to go WINDSURFING and KITESURFING.

 

There are quite a few kite schools located right on the beach (you’ll see their flags), but you can also book directly here. Each school offers classes for wind- and kitesurfing for all levels.

 

👉 KEEP IN MIND: The best time for windsurfing and kitesurfing is in the MORNING, when there is some wind but still manageable. In the AFTERNOON, the trade winds often become too strong, which is why kite schools are CLOSED.

 

If you’re new, we recommend going to Galu Beach (south Diani), where there’s more open space and fewer tourists to try your first steps in wind and kitesurfing.

 

 

Tandem skydiving with a beach landing

We’ll admit, we still have not done skydiving over Diani Beach, but friends have told us that this is one of the most THRILLING THINGS TO DO IN DIANI BEACH.

Skydive Diani, a professional company based at Ukunda Airstrip in Diani, offers tandem jumps.

 

You’ll get a briefing, gear up, then board a small plane that climbs to about 12,000 ft (3,660 m) within 15 minutes.

 

Strapped securely to your instructor, you’ll jump out above the Kenyan coast, experiencing around 55 seconds of FREEFALL at 200 km/h, then the parachute opens, and you glide down.

 

The AERIAL VIEWS are mind-blowing: the Indian Ocean, coral reefs, and inland forests all below.

 

After 5 minutes, you TOUCH DOWN on the beach sand (how crazy is that?).

 

👉 KEEP IN MIND: Skydiving is NOT CHEAP; you must budget $350 (€320) per person (with Skydive Diani).

 

But, if you’ve ever dreamed of skydiving, then we believe Diani Beach is the place to do it.

 

Visit mangrove forests by kayak

 

Explore a different side of Diani by kayaking through MANGROVE TUNNELS.

 

Just south of Diani, near GAZI BAY or the Kongo River, you can join a guided mangrove kayak tour.

 

Seated in a traditional dugout or modern KAYAK, you’ll paddle along the creeks lined with mangrove trees.

 

From your kayak, you’ll see tiny CRABS scuttle on the roots, COLOBUS MONKEYS in the trees, and many BIRDS (kingfishers, egrets, and more).

 

Our guide told us all about how important mangroves are in protecting against EROSION, serving as FISH NURSERIES, and even storing CARBON.

 

It’s a super relaxing thing to do in Diani that goes beyond the beach.

 

👉 KEEP IN MIND: Don’t forget to wear insect repellent!

 

Go off-road quad biking

Another fun thing to do in Diani Beach is to go quad biking.

 

You get to go off-road on a dune, it’s almost a 4×4 safari through Kinondo or Chale dunes.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and bring sunglasses or goggles for dust. Ask your guide about stopping at a scenic viewpoint (included in the GetYourGuide activity).

 

You can book quad biking via GetYoudeGuide, with other activities also included:

• Snorkeling in Diani’s coral reef lagoon
• Canoeing through the Kongo River mangroves with local boatmen
• Visiting a Swahili fishing village (fresh seafood lunch included)
• Quad biking
• Relax on Diani Beach with sunset cocktails

 

 

Kazuri Beads jewelry

For us, a visit to Kazuri Beads is one of the best cultural stops in Diani.

 

Kazuri is famous for its HANDMADE CERAMIC BEADS AND JEWELRY, crafted by local women using traditional techniques (it’s not your typical cheap souvenir store).

 

At the workshop and shop, you can see how the beads are made, from molding and painting to firing, before seeing the finished pieces.

 

It is a great place to buy your souvenir back home.

 

 

Visit Funzi Island

A day trip to Funzi Island offers a quieter, more local experience away from the busy beaches of Diani.

 

Funzi Island is a small ARCHIPELAGO of mangrove-lined ISLANDS in Kwale County, about 35 km south of Diani, with a main village of around 1,500 Shirazi tribe RESIDENTS living by fishing and agriculture.

 

It felt far removed from Diani beach and its resorts because you can only get to the island by boat, and the whole island is very underdeveloped.

 

Our day trip started with a BOAT RIDE through the RAMISI RIVER MANGROVES, where you can spot birds and sometimes sunning crocodiles along the riverbanks. `

 

Then, we made a stop at FUNZI SANDBANK (like the Robinson Island) that appears at low tide, which was perfect for swimming in the warm water.

 

We then had lunch at Funzi Island, while listening to locals explaining their Swahili culture and traditional island lifestyle.

 

 

👉 KEEP IN MIND: Funzi is best visited as a guided day trip, as transport and boats are not easily arranged independently.

 

Recommended SAFARI ESSENTIALS we personally use and trust
🧳 Travel duffle bag	👕 Long shirt: Men | Women	👕 Short shirt: Men | Women
👖 Pants: Men | Women	🧥 Light fleece: Men | Women	🌧️ Rain jacket: Men | Women
🥾 Shoes: Men | Women	🧢 Safari sun hat	🕶️ Sunglasses
🔋 Power bank	🔭 Binoculars	🔌 Universal plug adapter
🦟 Insect repellent (DEET)	💧 Electrolyte tablets	🎒 Daypack

More information in our complete post about Kenya safari clothing.

 

Kongo mosque

Another top cultural thing to do in Diani Beach is to visit the Kongo Mosque.

 

Located RIGHT ON THE BEACH near the Kongo River, this mosque mixes both Swahili and Islamic architecture.

 

👉 KEEP IN MIND: Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but it is well worth visiting to see the exterior.

 

We recommend it as a stop on your beach walk or a sunset visit near the river mouth.

 

Diani Beach Shopping Centre

For shopping, we recommend the Diani Beach Shopping Centre, close to the Foodplus grocery store.

 

It’s not super special, but it’s nice to take a quick look at all the handmade crafts, jewelry, wood carvings, fabrics, and paintings.

 

If you need something, from slippers to food, you can find it there.

 

How to get from Nairobi to Diani Beach

There are three ways to get from Nairobi to Diani Beach: flight, train, or by car.

 

By flight (best)

 

We have a clear preference for the flight option, and here’s why.

 

The quickest way is to fly from Nairobi to Diani Beach.

 

Every day, there are MULTIPLE FLIGHTS on airlines like Safarilink, Jambojet, and Kenya Airways between Nairobi (mostly from the domestic Wilson Airport, so NOT Jomo Kenyatta International, through which you arrived) to Ukunda Airport (UKA), which is Diani’s local airstrip.

 

Below are all the daily flights listed! Click on them for more information. 

The flight is short, about 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering 451 km / 280 miles.

 

Don’t expect big planes, mostly it’s perfect for about 40 people.

 

A one-way ticket goes from $50 (€46) on basic carriers up to ~$150 for full-service airlines, so it can be quite affordable if booked in advance.

 

👉 DID YOU KNOW: The Ukunda Airstrip is just 5 minutes from most Diani Beach resorts by taxi (there are plenty of taxis waiting at the airstrip).

 

We prefer flying, as it only takes a few hours door-to-door. In the afternoon, you’re already sipping from your cocktail on the white-sand beach.

 

By train + road (budget)

 

Kenya’s modern SGR Madaraka Express train offers quite a nice ride from Nairobi to Mombasa, from which you can connect to Diani.

 

Trains depart Nairobi daily (often at 8:00 am and 3:00 pm) and take around 5 HOURS to Mombasa Terminus, covering about 500 km of savannah and national parks.

 

👉 KEEP IN MIND: The train ride is super SCENIC with views over safari parks (like the Tsavos). You can even spot ELEPHANTS or GIRAFFES!

 

Tickets cost around KSh 1,000 ($10/€9) for economy or KSh 3,000 ($30/€28) for FIRST-CLASS, which has wider seats and includes snacks. We recommend booking first-class tickets for the limited extra cost.

 

When you arrive in Mombasa, you still need a ROAD TRANSFER TO DIANI, which is 30 km / 19 miles further, including crossing the channel to the south coast.

 

In the past, this always meant taking the LIKONI FERRY (a 5-minute free ferry crossing), BUT a new GAME-CHANGER is the Dongo Kundu BYPASS, an 18 km / 11 miles highway linking Mombasa’s mainland to the south coast without the ferry.

 

Many taxis and Ubers now use this route, cutting the transfer to about 1 1-hour drive straight to Diani.

 

👉 KEEP IN MIND: When using the Dongo Kundu Bypass, your taxi or Uber driver will ask you to PAY FOR THE TOLL (KSh 350 to KSh 525 for the full route), which is quite fine.

 

By road (10 hours)

Driving directly from Nairobi to Diani Beach is the least common option, but it is doable (especially when you have visited Tsavo beforehand).

 

The ride is about 530 km (330 miles) and takes around 10 hours by car.

 

You’ll follow the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway (A109) to Mombasa, then continue to Diani via the Dongo Kundu BYPASS road.

 

👉 KEEP IN MIND: Even though the highway is paved, there is always heavy truck traffic. Also, in Kenya, they drive on the left, and road signals are quite rare (use Google Maps). Fuel stations are available along the way (Mtito Andei is a midway stop)

 

 

Transportation in Diani Beach

Once you’ve arrived by flight or car, getting around Diani Beach is quite easy.

 

The area is 10 miles / 16 km long and has ONE MAIN ROAD running parallel to the coast, making everything accessible.

 

We often just order a TUK-TUK on the side of the road or an UBER (quite cheap in Kenya).

 

Just beware of MATATUS (shared mini-bus taxis) that run set routes (e.g., Ukunda market to Diani Beach end). The cost is very low (maybe KSh 50 per person), but they are VERY DANGEROUS. They never comply with road rules, and there are dozens of accidents every day (often killing passengers).

 

Recommended SAFARI ESSENTIALS we personally use and trust
🧳 Travel duffle bag	👕 Long shirt: Men | Women	👕 Short shirt: Men | Women
👖 Pants: Men | Women	🧥 Light fleece: Men | Women	🌧️ Rain jacket: Men | Women
🥾 Shoes: Men | Women	🧢 Safari sun hat	🕶️ Sunglasses
🔋 Power bank	🔭 Binoculars	🔌 Universal plug adapter
🦟 Insect repellent (DEET)	💧 Electrolyte tablets	🎒 Daypack

More information in our complete post about Kenya safari clothing.

 

Where to stay in Diani Beach

Diani Beach has many accommodations, from campsites and Airbnbs to a top luxury resort.

 

We have stayed at quite a few different hotels, and here are our favorites (you can find more via the widget below):

The Sands at Nomad

For a luxurious hotel, we like The Sands at Nomad.

 

This boutique 5-star resort has beautiful beachfront accommodations.

 

Nomad Beach Resort has won 3 awards at the 2025 World Luxury Travel Awards, namely, Best LUXURY BOUTIQUE Retreat in Kenya AND East Africa, and Best Luxury SUSTAINABLE Resort in East Africa!

 

There is a gorgeous pool area, and an on-site dive center present. Some rooms even have PRIVATE PLUNGE POOLS.

 

There are multiple dining options, including a fantastic SUSHI BAR and, of course, the iconic NOMAD BEACH BAR next door (where you can always find us).

 

The beach here is quieter, and the resort’s attention to detail and service is really something else. For many people, this resort signals the end of their 3-week Kenya safari before going back to Nairobi and then back home.

 

Room rates start around $400/night (€370) for two, including breakfast. You can boom them here. 

 

Diani Sea Lodge

Our preferred mid-budget all-inclusive option.

 

Diani Sea Lodge sits on a BEST stretch of white sand, shaded by coconut palms (but beware of the monkeys hiding in the trees. When they see food lying around, they’ll come and get it).

 

The vibe of this resort is quite chill and child-friendly.

 

They have a POOL, buffet restaurant, and LIVE ENTERTAINMENT at night.

 

Rooms are in bungalow-style cottages throughout the gardens.

 

We especially like Diani Sea Lodge for its DIRECT BEACH ACCESS and ocean views.

 

As an all-inclusive, meals and drinks are included, costing roughly $150 to $250/night (€140 to €230) depending on the type of room.

 

Papillon Lagoon Reef Hotel

This is our second-favorite mid-range option if you want a luxury feel without paying the super high prices.

 

Papillon Lagoon Reef is a 5-STAR RESORT set on 30 acres of tropical gardens with DIRECT BEACH ACCESS.

 

The resort has multiple SWIMMING POOLS (including a SWIM-UP bar), a restaurant, and a relaxing spa with nice massages (we can confirm).

 

The rooms are modern, quite spacious, and comfortable, making it a good choice for couples who want comfort and good facilities without going fully luxury.

 

Prices sit around $200 per night (€185) in high season. You can book rooms here. 

 

We also like its central location, with places like the Colobus Conservation Centre, shops, and restaurants just a few minutes away.

 

Diani Backpackers Hostel

If you are traveling on a tighter budget, then Diani has you covered, too. 

 

We like the Diani Backpackers hostel, which is a famous hostel in the region with dorms ($15/night) and private rooms ($40).

 

It’s a social hub with a pool and bar.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: We recommend booking well in advance (1 to 2 months) if you are visiting during peak seasons (December to January and July to August). The best-value resorts like Diani Sea Lodge and Diani Reef fill up early.

 

Recommended SAFARI ESSENTIALS we personally use and trust
🧳 Travel duffle bag	👕 Long shirt: Men | Women	👕 Short shirt: Men | Women
👖 Pants: Men | Women	🧥 Light fleece: Men | Women	🌧️ Rain jacket: Men | Women
🥾 Shoes: Men | Women	🧢 Safari sun hat	🕶️ Sunglasses
🔋 Power bank	🔭 Binoculars	🔌 Universal plug adapter
🦟 Insect repellent (DEET)	💧 Electrolyte tablets	🎒 Daypack

More information in our complete post about Kenya safari clothing.

 

Where to eat in Diani Beach

There are SO MANY AMAZING RESTAURANTS IN DIANI BEACH.

 

We already covered Ali Barbour’s Cave as one of the best things to do in Diani Beach, but there are also other amazing places.

 

1) The Salty Squid Beach Bar & Restaurant

This beachfront restaurant is one of Diani’s TOP DINING RESTAURANTS, with amazing views over the Indian Ocean.

 

They are famous for having FRESH SEAFOOD (caught during the day), great cocktails, and friendly service.

 

👉 Link to TripAdvisor.

 

2) Colobus Shade

Another spot we love is Colobus Shade.

 

They are famous for their fresh grilled fish, lobster, calamari, and king prawns.

 

👉 Link to TripAdvisor.

 

3) Leonardo’s Restaurant

Leonardo’s is one of Diani’s most loved ITALIAN restaurants.

 

Praised for its wood-oven pizzas, handmade pasta, and bruschetta.

 

They are one of the few Italian restaurants in Kenya that are actually being run by Italians.

 

They are famous in Diani for their HOUSE-MADE GELATO. Laura loves the pistachio flavor!

 

👉 Link to TripAdvisor

 

4) Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant

Part of The Sands at Nomad, we love its restaurant for its Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes (like mezze platters with hummus, falafel, and their samosas).

 

During the DAY, it’s a chill beach bar, where you can have a snack in swimwear.

 

By NIGHT, Nomad transforms into a fancy dinner venue. We recommend trying their grilled meats.

 

👉 Link to TripAdvisor

 

Nightlife in Diani

When the sun goes down, DIANI COMES ALIVE as it has quite a nightlife.

 

There are a lot of places where you can try sundowner cocktails, like Diani’s famous “Dakapo” cocktail or the classic Dawa.

 

If you’re in the mood for some DANCING, then we recommend Shakatak Disco.

 

It’s one of Diani’s oldest and most popular nightclubs. It has loud music, an open dance floor, and DJs spinning Afrobeat, reggae, house, and international hits.

 

It often gets going after midnight and keeps going until late.

 

Best time to visit Diani

 

Diani Beach is best visited during the dry season as the wet season brings heavy tropical SHOWERS and heavy WINDS, making diving and boat activities TOO DANGEROUS.

 

The dry season (December to March, and July to October) brings the best weather with WARM TEMPERATURES around 28 to 32°C (82–90°F), and perfect conditions for the beach, diving, visiting islands, the Robinson sandbank, and safaris in the Shimba hills.

 

This is PEAK SEASON, so there are more visitors and higher prices. More information in our Kenya seasonal post!

 

3-day Diani Beach itinerary

This 3-day itinerary balances relaxation, marine life, wildlife, and culture, ideal for couples visiting Diani Beach for the first time.

 

Day 1: Beach time, relaxation, and dinner

Morning

Start your trip with a relaxing morning on Diani Beach.

 

Take a walk along the shoreline when it is still quiet, watch fishermen bring in their catch, and enjoy your first swim in the Indian Ocean (the water is very warm).

 

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon relaxing by your hotel pool or book a beachside massage under the palms after your 2-week or even 3-week safari in Kenya.

 

If you are feeling adventurous, this is also a great time for skydiving over Diani Beach.

 

Evening

For your first night, we recommend booking dinner at Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant.

 

Arrive around sunset before dining inside the candlelit coral cave.

 

Day 2: Kisite Marine Park and Wasini Island

Morning

Today is all about the ocean.

 

Leave Diani around 7 am during your guided full-day trip. First, they’ll drive you to Shimoni.

 

Then you’ll board a dhow or speedboat to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, one of Kenya’s best marine reserves.

 

Dolphin sightings are very normal on the way, and the morning is spent snorkeling or diving over the coral reefs with tropical fish, turtles, and sometimes even REEF SHARKS present.

 

Afternoon

After snorkeling and diving, they will take you to Wasini Island for a late Swahili seafood lunch, often served in a small island restaurant overlooking the ocean.

 

After lunch, take a short walk through the village or coral garden before sailing back to the mainland.

 

You usually return to Diani by late afternoon.

 

Evening

Keep the evening relaxed after a long day on the water. Enjoy a casual dinner at Nomad Beach Bar.

 

Day 3: Shimba Hills, Sheldrick Falls, and culture

Morning

Leave Diani around 7:30 am for Shimba Hills National Reserve. A guided game drive offers the best chance to spot elephants, giraffes, antelope, and the rare sable antelope.

 

Late morning, hike to Sheldrick Falls, a scenic 2 km forest walk ending at a waterfall and natural plunge pool. Bring water and good walking shoes.

 

Afternoon

Return to Diani early afternoon and visit the Colobus Conservation Centre for a guided tour to learn about the protection of endangered colobus monkeys and other primates.

 

Later, head to Kazuri Beads or the Diani Beach Shopping Centre near Foodplus to see local crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.

 

Evening

End your trip with dinner at Leonardos for Italian food and homemade gelato.

 

Finish the night with a final beach walk under the stars.

 

The travel items you’ll wish you had in Diani

One often-overlooked “cost” of safaris and a visit to Diani is what you WEAR AND PACK.

 

You don’t need to spend a fortune on SPECIALIZED GEAR, but depending on what you have already, you might need to budget for a few clothing items or accessories to be comfortable in KENYA’S CLIMATE.

 

Here’s a QUICK SUMMARY:

• 🧥 Mornings and evenings in Diani can get surprisingly chilly, bring a lightweight FLEECE (Link for men) (Link for women) so you can stay warm without overpacking.
• 🦟 Don’t let bugs ruin your safari. Grab this OFF MOSQUITO SPRAY for long-lasting protection in the bush!
• 🚰 Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Kenya, so pack a Vapur Insulated WATER BOTTLE and avoid the cost (and waste) of buying plastic daily.
• 🔌 Kenya uses UK-style outlets. This UNIVERSAL ADAPTER will keep your gear charged without any surprises.
• 🔋 Long drives and power cuts happen this Belkin POWER BANK keeps your phone and camera ready for anything.
• 🦓 Want to actually see that leopard in the distance? These travel-friendly BINOCULARS make your game drives way more exciting.
• 🧴 The equator sun hits hard, bring a reef-safe SPF 50+ SUNSCREEN so you don’t spend your trip nursing a burn.
• 👟 For walking safaris or climbing Mt.Kenya, good WALKING SHOES (Link for men) (Link for women) are non-negotiable in Kenya. Trust your feet, you’ll be glad you did.
• 🎒 Safari days start early and last long. This 24L Vaude backpack is perfect for snacks, layers, and your camera gear.
• 🩹 The closest pharmacy might be hours away. A compact travel FIRST AID KIT is worth its weight in peace of mind.

 

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