Beach · The Kenya coast
Diani Beach
A long white-sand beach on Kenya's south coast, with scheduled flights from Nairobi and the Maasai Mara.
The destination
A quiet end to a safari.
Diani Beach lies on the Indian Ocean south of Mombasa, in Kwale County. Flights land at the small Ukunda airstrip, a few minutes' drive from the beach. It is a quiet way to end a safari: long walks on the sand, swimming, and time on the reef.
Snorkelling and diving are popular along this coast. Further south, off Shimoni, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park protects coral gardens. Inland, Shimba Hills National Reserve has trails and viewpoints. We can arrange days out to suit you.
At a glance
- Type
- Beach
- Location
- Kwale County, south of Mombasa
- Airstrip
- Ukunda, a five-minute drive from the beach
- Flights
- Twice daily from Wilson Airport, Nairobi, about 1 hour 15 minutes; daily from the Maasai Mara
- Nearby
- Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park; Shimba Hills National Reserve
In and around Diani
Ways to spend the days.
Photo: Swahili Beach ResortA few of the things the parks and hotels here list.
The beach and the reef
Swimming, snorkelling and diving. Swahili Beach Resort has its own water sports centre and a seafront spa.
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
Off Shimoni, near the Tanzanian border. KWS lists snorkelling and diving over coral gardens, and dolphin and turtle watching.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Inland from Diani. KWS lists trails, viewpoints, Sheldrick Falls and guided hikes.
When to go
The area through the year.
Between the two rainy seasons. Kenya Wildlife Service describes the coast as generally warm and humid.
The long rains. On the south coast they usually begin in April and peak in May.
The short rains, usually from late November to late December, with some showers in October.
Source: Kenya Wildlife Service.
Where to stay in Diani
Our selection of hotels.
Photo: Swahili Beach ResortSwahili Beach Resort
View the propertyA beach resort on Diani Beach, south of Mombasa, with pools cascading down to the Indian Ocean.
Photo: AlmanaraAlmanara
View the propertyPrivate villas in gardens on Galu Beach, at the quiet southern end of Diani, each with its own chef and butler.
Photo: The MajiThe Maji
View the propertyA boutique beach hotel of fifteen rooms and suites on Diani Beach, with a pool in gardens that run down to the sand.
Related destinations
On the Kenya coast.
Africa, Private & Personal
Thinking of Diani?
Tell us how you like to travel, and we will suggest how to fit a few days by the sea around your safari.
- Phone & WhatsApp
- +254 795 887765
- Office
- The Piano Building, Brookside Drive, Nairobi