The most effective issues to do in Diani usually contain hitting the seashore or exploring the realm’s stunning pure setting. This seashore resort city alongside the south coast of Kenya is an unbelievable vacation spot with so many thrilling issues to do and see.
Diani is dwelling to luxurious resorts, seashore villas, white sands, and different points of interest common with households, backpackers, honeymooners, and solo vacationers.
In case you love strolling alongside sandy seashores, swimming with dolphins, or taking nature walks, you’ll discover many fantastic issues to see in Diani. It’s additionally positioned near small islands and coral gardens, making it a haven for water sports activities lovers.
15 Greatest Issues to Do in Diani
I’m Kenyan and work as a tour information, so I’ve travelled throughout my nation, experiencing the perfect it has to supply.
I as soon as spent nearly two weeks exploring Diani and different locations alongside the south coast. Its seashores have been charming, the city laid again and charming, and all the pieces else was nonetheless engaging.
On this article, I’ll describe among the finest issues to do and locations to go to in Diani. Some Diani points of interest could be explored independently, whereas others, like diving, could be organized by skilled operators.
There are much more than the next 15 issues to do in Diani. Nonetheless, as a neighborhood Kenyan who’s been to the realm just a few occasions, I’ve narrowed the checklist to my favourite locations. They’re based mostly on accessibility, price, stage of enjoyable, and journey.
1. Discover the Magnificent Seashores
Probably the greatest issues to do in Diani is to discover the various seashores. The small coastal city is dwelling to a number of stunning seashores and hosts quite a few luxurious resorts. You’ll be able to stroll alongside the seashores, sunbathe, chill out, or get pleasure from scrumptious meals and chilly drinks.
Galu Kinondo is the perfect seashore in Diani for watersports and leisure, whereas Tiwi is ideal for an off-beat time out. In case you love white sands and blue waters, head to the magnificent Diani Seashore.
So as to add to the seashore enjoyable, a number of eating places in Diani supply an exquisite eating expertise. My favorites embrace the Nomad Seashore Bar for seafood, and the romantic Ali Barbour’s Cave.
2. Uncover the Native Life-style with a Native
Most vacationers, together with locals like me, get caught up within the allure of Diani Seashore and overlook to discover the realm farther inland.
Throughout my current journey to Diani, I resisted the urge to restrict myself to the seashore and ventured inland. I wished to see how individuals lived in that a part of Kenya, their structure, tradition, and each day actions.
So, I walked alongside the streets of Ukunda, talked to native shopkeepers in Gazi, and marveled at conventional buildings in Tiwi.
If you wish to expertise the native life in Diani, be a part of this thrilling strolling tour round Ukunda city. Through the guided tour, you’ll work together with locals, discover markets, and style native dishes. It’s positively one of the culturally enriching actions in Diani.
3. Go on a Sundown Canoe Journey on the Kongo River
The Kongo River winds down between mangroves and drains into the Indian Ocean, separating Diani Seashore and Tiwi Seashore. This magical river is superb for birders, nature lovers, and sundown chasers.
It has a large upstream however turns into shallow in the direction of the ocean, permitting individuals to entry the 2 seashores simply.
The easiest way to discover the Kongo River is by becoming a member of this guided expertise. The tour begins with a go to to the historic Kongo Mosque. You’ll then experience in a canoe, recognizing varied birds, studying in regards to the space, and watching the sundown.
After the canoe experience, you’ll be able to get pleasure from dinner on the Estuary Seashore Lounge or share tales round a seashore bonfire.
There are numerous seashore inns close to the Kongo River. Nonetheless, I extremely suggest staying at Jacaranda Indian Ocean Seashore Resort.
4. Swim within the Africa Pool alongside Tiwi Seashore
Tiwi Seashore is probably not as well-known as Diani Seashore, nevertheless it’s simply as stunning and hosts one of many hidden gems in Diani – Africa Pool. This magical pool resembles the map of Africa and its surrounding islands. It’s seen throughout low tide and is a pleasant swimming spot.
Whereas it’s attainable to stroll alongside Tiwi Seashore to the Africa Pool, I extremely suggest being accompanied by a native information. Through the stroll, you’ll see coral cliffs, caves, and seashells, and spot different swimming pools alongside the best way.
Remember that some stretches of this seashore have many sea urchins. Subsequently, make sure you put on footwear to guard your ft from their stinging spikes.
Try these prime lodge and lodging choices should you’re questioning the place to remain close to Tiwi Seashore. You may also expertise seashore tenting at Twiga Lodge.
5. Sail on a Conventional Dhow to Wasini Island
One of many prime highlights of my journey to Diani was visiting Kisite Mpunguti Marine Nationwide Park, the place dolphins, turtles, fish species, and delightful coral gardens thrive.
The marine park is positioned off the coast and may solely be accessed by boat. It has heat waters that are perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
The easiest way to expertise this incredible Diani attraction is by becoming a member of this guided tour. You’ll depart Shimoni city by a dhow (boat) cruise to Kisite Mpunguti, the place you’ll go snorkeling and dolphin recognizing.
Afterward, you’ll go to Wasini Island village for a seafood lunch and drinks earlier than returning to Shimoni.
Whereas nonetheless in Shimoni, I like to recommend visiting Shimoni Caves. These limestone caves have been as soon as used as ready locations for captured enslaved individuals earlier than they have been taken to the Zanzibar slave market and past.
6. Go Scuba Diving (One of many Greatest Issues to do in Diani)
In case you’re in search of locations to go scuba diving in Kenya, go to Diani. The seashore city is welcoming to all varieties of divers, from inexperienced persons to specialists. Its local weather can be favorable, permitting you to get pleasure from diving all 12 months spherical.
Diani’s magnificence isn’t restricted to what’s on the floor but in addition stretches into the huge world beneath. It’s dwelling to a number of dive websites which host teams of uncommon fish species and engaging corals. These websites embrace pure reefs similar to Galu Reef and purpose-sunk ships just like the Waa Wreck.
The easiest way to hitch a diving journey in Diani is by contacting a diving operator. One of many facilities within the space is Diving the Crab. They’re positioned at The Sands at Nomad Lodge and have pleasant, skilled divers who know the dive websites properly.
7. Go to the Magical Funzi Island
Funzi Island is a fishing village in Kwale county. It’s surrounded by mangroves and has a ravishing seashore alongside its shores. Though the island is much less explored, it’s among the finest locations to go to close to Diani.
The easiest way to expertise Funzi Island is by becoming a member of this tour. It consists of cruising between mangroves, experiencing the seashore, a experience alongside the Ramisi River to see crocodiles, and a village tour.
Though I wouldn’t suggest it due to the hustle of accessibility, it’s attainable to discover Funzi Island independently.
Throughout my current go to, I boarded a matatu (minibus) from Likoni bus station close to Mombasa to Ramisi Sugar Manufacturing facility, after which took a bodaboda (motorbike taxi) to Bodo village. From there, I hopped on a ready boat to the island.
8. Discover the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
Kaya Kinondo Forest is among the eleven forests alongside the Kenyan coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The forest holds the stays of fortified villages constructed by the Mijikenda individuals throughout the sixteenth century.
This forest grove is taken into account a sacred abode of the Mijikenda ancestors, and it’s used as a spot of prayer and a supply of conventional medication.
So should you’re nonetheless in search of extra issues to do in Diani, head to Kaya Kinondo Forest. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, a middle of wealthy historical past, and a spot for a memorable cultural expertise. It’s undoubtably certainly one of my favourite points of interest in Diani.
Though Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest is positioned off the vacationer path, the hidden gem in Diani is definitely accessible. You’ll be able to drive there from Diani or be a part of a half-day nature stroll tour.
9. Go to Colobus Conservation Heart
Colobus Conservation Heart is among the organizations devoted to the preservation of primates just like the Angolan colobus monkey. Positioned alongside Diani Seashore Highway, the middle leads the best way in conservation by reforestation, teaching programs, and animal welfare.
Diani is dwelling to a number of primate species, together with colobus monkeys, baboons, vervet monkeys, and Syke’s monkeys. Most of those primates are endangered and require safety.
Plan a go to and study in regards to the facilities’ efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and launch primates into their habitats.
The middle is open for guided primate eco-tours from Monday to Saturday between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Try their web site for reserving.
10. Go to the Bora Bora Wildlife Park
Bora Bora Wildlife Park is among the finest locations to go to in Diani for lovers of nature and wildlife. The park is in the identical ecosystem because the Kaya Kinondo Forest – a sacred abode of the Mijikenda group.
In case you’re in search of a spot to chill out, take nature walks, and watch wildlife, go to Bora Bora. You’ll additionally find out about varied varieties of timber within the forest path and their conventional medicinal makes use of.
Moreover wildlife like giraffes and zebras, the park is dwelling to Syke’s monkeys, crocodiles, and varied chook species. It additionally has a ravishing tented camp the place you’ll be able to keep throughout your journey to Diani.
11. Discover Chale Island (One of many Greatest Issues to do Exterior Diani)
Along with Wasini and Funzi, there’s yet one more secluded island close to Diani price exploring – Chale Island.
Chale is a non-public resort island located off the coast that’s simply seen from Gazi Seashore. It includes a small stretch of unspoiled seashore, spectacular coral reefs, and forests of mangroves.
The island additionally hosts the luxurious Sands at Chale Island. This seashore resort is the one lodging facility on the island. It’s stunning and options elegant rooms, a restaurant, and facilities for a romantic getaway.
To achieve Chale Island, take a ship experience from the island’s workplace on the finish of Diani Seashore Highway or keep on the island for just a few nights. You may also drive alongside the ocean observe when the tide is low.
12. Be a part of a Tour of Shimba Hills Nationwide Reserve
Lower than an hour’s drive from Ukunda city is the Shimba Hills Nationwide Reserve, among the finest issues to see in Diani and likewise among the finest day journeys from Diani Seashore.
This recreation reserve includes a various habitat, together with large timber, grasslands, forestlands, and scrub areas. It additionally holds one of many largest coastal forests in East Africa, solely second to Arabuko Sokoke.
Shimba Hills is a good vacation spot if you wish to escape the seashore for a day. It affords guests a memorable wildlife expertise with sightings of animals similar to elephants, giraffes, and the uncommon sable antelope.
It’s additionally dwelling to the spectacular Sheldrick Falls and a wide range of chook species.
The nationwide reserve is definitely accessible by street from Diani. You may also be a part of this organized day journey.
13. Be taught to Kitesurf at Galu Kinondo Seashore
I’ve all the time wished to learn to kitesurf. After I visited Galu Kinondo Seashore, the sight of surfers rekindled my curiosity, however I used to be brief on time to hitch in.
Galu Kinondo is a spectacular, much less crowded seashore barely south of Diani Seashore. The palm-lined stretch is common for water actions similar to kitesurfing and paddleboarding, among the most difficult and rewarding Diani actions.
In case you’re like me and are occupied with studying the right way to surf, go to Kenya Kitesurf Faculty alongside Galu Kinondo Seashore. They provide classes to finish inexperienced persons, and their charges are cheap.
There are a number of locations to remain and eat close to this seashore. For first-time guests, I like to recommend enjoyable on the Neptune Village Resort and Spa and having fun with contemporary fish at Mvureni Seashore Restaurant.
Moreover, boasting two close by coral reefs, Galu Kinondo can be among the finest locations to go to in Diani for diving and snorkeling.
14. Stroll Between Mangroves at Gazi Seashore
In case you’re in search of distinctive issues to do in Diani with a social influence, you’ll love visiting the Gazi Ladies Mangrove Boardwalk alongside Gazi Seashore. Right here, you’ll be able to take a stroll between mangroves, watch birds or chill out by the ocean.
Though much less visited, this is among the finest locations within the space for nature lovers. It’s run by cheerful native ladies who love conservation and their cultural heritage. Through the brief go to, they’ll present you round and educate you on the various kinds of mangroves and their makes use of.
After I final visited Gazi, I used to be led to a seashore the place fishermen promote their catch to merchants. Subsequent to this seashore, there’s a slave home that dates again to when Gazi was a slave buying and selling submit.
15. Take a Day Journey to Mombasa Metropolis
To finish this checklist of the perfect issues to do in Diani, I like to recommend taking a day journey to Mombasa. The island metropolis is positioned about 30 kilometers from Diani and has loads of vacationer points of interest.
There are numerous locations to go to in Mombasa such because the Fort Jesus Museum and Wild Waters. You may also be a part of an thrilling meals tour, expertise Mombasa’s vibrant nightlife, or discover the previous city on foot.
Town has some stunning seashores too. It’s dwelling to the well-known Pirates Public Seashore, the alluring Nyali Seashore, and the much less crowded Shanzu Seashore. You’ll additionally discover nice resorts, eating places, and buying facilities shut to those seashores and points of interest.
☞ SEE ALSO: 10 Greatest Seashores in Mombasa
Fast Journey Itineraries For Diani
Listed here are just a few advised itineraries for as much as 7 days in Diani. They embrace the perfect issues to do and locations to go to within the coastal city.
1 Day in Diani Itinerary
In the future in Diani is finest spent alongside the seashore. E-book your self right into a seashore resort just like the Diani Reef and be prepared for enjoyable within the solar.
Begin your day with an extended stroll alongside Diani Seashore to Tiwi Seashore. Loosen up and luxuriate in lunch at Estuary Seashore Lounge earlier than strolling to the Africa Pool.
After exploring the coral caves and swimming within the pool, head again to Kongo River Seashore for a sundown canoe experience. End your day with a eating expertise at Nomad Seashore Bar.
2-3 Days in Diani Itinerary
Right here’s how one can expertise most Diani points of interest in two-three days.
Day 1: Spend your first-day exploring Ukunda with a neighborhood, visiting Colobus Conservation Heart, and enjoyable on the seashore.
Day 2: Begin your second day with a morning seashore stroll and breakfast in a pleasant restaurant. From there, head to Tiwi Seashore and spend your afternoon exploring coral caves and swimming within the Africa Pool. End your day with a sundown canoe experience on the Kongo River and dinner at this restaurant.
Day 3: Enterprise outdoors Diani Seashore for a day journey to Shimba Hills Nationwide Park, Wasini Island, or Gazi Seashore.
1 Week in Diani Itinerary
Listed here are just a few concepts for 7 days in Diani. All of the locations could be explored out of your resort, lodge, or trip rental in Diani Seashore.
Day 1: Be a part of this strolling tour of Ukunda within the morning. From there, go to the Colobus Conservation Heart after which spend your night strolling alongside the seashore.
Day 2: I like to recommend spending the second day in Diani exploring Tiwi Seashore and Kongo River as per the above itinerary. Be sure you go to the Kongo Mosque.
Day 3: Spend the third day in nature outdoors Diani with a go to to Bora Bora Wildlife Park and Kaya Kinondo Forest.
Day 4: I like to recommend spending your fourth day visiting Gazi Seashore. You’ll be able to take a nature stroll alongside the mangrove boardwalk and go to the fishermen’s seashore to see the close by slave home. Another is taking a ship experience to Chale Island Seashore.
Day 5: Take a day journey to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Reserve to swim, snorkel, and spot dolphins. A guided tour of Kisite Mpunguti additionally takes you to Wasini Island for a scrumptious seafood lunch.
Day 6: Be a part of a day journey to Shimba Hills Nationwide Park or journey north and discover Mombasa metropolis. In case you go for Mombasa, be sure to strive rooster biryani at Jahazi Espresso Home.
Day 7: Relying in your curiosity, you’ll be able to spend the final day scuba diving or visiting Funzi Island. Be sure you end the day in Diani with dinner on the Nomad Seashore Bar and Restaurant.
The place to Keep in Diani
In contrast to different coastal locations like Mombasa, Diani is dwelling to a couple neighborhoods. Nonetheless, the seashore city is dotted with world-class seashore resorts and distinctive trip leases.
Under are among the finest lodging choices in Diani for vacationers.
Diani Reef Seashore Resort & Spa: Greatest for Households and {Couples}
This 5-star resort is among the most well-known lodging amenities in Diani. It’s located alongside Diani Seashore and affords world-class hospitality to households, {couples}, and company vacationers.
With multi-cuisine eating places, bars, elegant rooms, suites, a swimming pool, and a spa, it guarantees nothing however a very memorable expertise.
For journey lovers, scuba diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing actions could be organized from the resort.
Baobab Seashore Resort & Spa: Greatest for Households and First-time Guests
Baobab is one other good spot to remain in Diani for consolation, luxurious, and tranquility. It’s set in an 80-acre coastal forest overlooking the seashore and the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
The resort boasts stunning rooms with distinctive inside designs and trendy facilities. You’ll be able to swim in certainly one of their three swimming swimming pools, get pleasure from contemporary meals at their restaurant, and unwind with drinks on the pool bar.
Close by Diani points of interest embrace Kaya Kinondo Forest, Colobus Conservation Heart, and Bora Bora Wildlife Park.
The Sands At Nomad: Greatest for Journey Seekers and Meals Lovers
Nomad is the best seashore lodge in Diani to get pleasure from a soothing seashore trip with nice providers. The lodge is about in an enormous indigenous forest subsequent to Diani Seashore and options all of the facilities for an ideal keep.
Moreover the spacious lodging amenities, an out of doors swimming pool, and a spa, the lodge has a totally geared up health middle.
It’s additionally dwelling to a watersport middle (Diving the Crab) and among the finest eating places in Diani – Nomad Seashore Bar.
Tequila Dawn: Greatest for Households and Small Teams
The Tequila Dawn is among the many finest trip leases alongside the south coast. This distinctive serviced seashore house is about in a serene 4-acre pure forest that hosts totally different primates. It’s surrounded by baobabs and affords stunning views of the ocean.
The two-bedroom house options 3 beds and a pair of baths and is right for as much as 4 friends. It prices about $140 per night time.
The Villa Luxurious Suites: Greatest for {Couples} and Solo Vacationers
This beautiful villa lodge is ideal for anybody looking for luxurious, peace, and leisure close to Diani Seashore. It includes a king-size mattress, spacious toilet, a non-public pool (within the suites), a flat display screen TV, and different facilities.
Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest is just quarter-hour away by automobile. The closest airport (Ukunda airport) is 2.5 km from the The Villa Luxurious Suites and Moi Airport is 42 km away.
In case you fancy a romantic dinner, I counsel Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant.
Greatest Eating places in Diani
Whether or not you’re into native dishes like biryani or seafood like contemporary prawns, you’ll discover an incredible restaurant to fit your fancy in Diani. So, to provide you some concepts, under are my favourite locations to eat alongside Diani Seashore.
Nomad Seashore Bar and Restaurant
The Nomad Seashore Bar is my favourite restaurant alongside the beautiful Diani Seashore. Moreover its excellent ocean views, the beachfront eatery affords high quality native and worldwide dishes. It additionally includes a fashionable outdoors seating house the place you’ll be able to chill out and benefit from the ocean breeze.
On the subject of indulging in high-quality eating, the Nomad’s menu has a wide range of dishes for all tastes. You’ll be able to order seafood, Swahili dishes, vegetarian meals, and extra.
Check out their seafood platter. It consists of octopus, fish fillet, prawn skewer, calamari, and garlic butter, served with candy potato chips.
Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant
In case you’re in search of romantic issues in Diani, go for dinner at Ali Barbour’s. This distinctive restaurant is about inside a coral cave and lit with colourful candles. It additionally has a gap that brings pure gentle from the starlit sky at night time.
The beautiful ambiance of the restaurant is complimented by scrumptious meals and a wide array of drinks. You’ll be able to order seafood similar to garlic prawns, pizza, steak, rooster tagine, salmon, and extra.
Asha Bistro
Whereas strolling alongside Diani Seashore someday again, I got here throughout the Asha Bistro beachfront restaurant. Though small, Asha Bistro is charming and affords guests an area to attach and benefit from the ocean view.
The restaurant has a wide range of dishes and drinks at reasonably priced charges. Be sure you check out their tasty barbeque served with garlic bread or roast potatoes.
The way to Get to Diani
Ukunda, the gateway to Diani Seashore, has a small airport served by home flights flying in from different airports in Kenya like JKIA, Wilson, and Lamu. Among the finest airways from Nairobi to Diani embrace Jambojet, Fly540, and Fly Safarilink.
You may also journey from Nairobi to Mombasa by prepare after which hook up with Diani by taxi or shared van. There are three each day trains from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Touring from Mombasa to Diani is straightforward. You’ll be able to self-drive, hail a taxi, or use a matatu (native van). These matatus are boarded at Likoni, a brief ferry experience from Mombasa Island.
Issues to Do in Diani: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Diani.
Diani is known for its tropical local weather, sandy seashores, world-class seashore resorts, and water actions.
As a consequence of its good local weather, Diani welcomes vacationers all 12 months spherical. Nonetheless, to keep away from crowds and excessive charges, I like to recommend touring throughout the off-season – June to October.
Merely, sure. Diani has one thing for everybody, and it’s price visiting for white sands, seashore leisure, watersports, and extra.
There are numerous issues to do in Diani. Among the finest embrace strolling alongside the seashore, diving, browsing, visiting Kaya Kinondo Forest, and exploring Wasini Island.
Some hidden gems and points of interest off the vacationer path in Diani embrace Funzi Island, Gazi Ladies Mangrove Boardwalk, Tiwi Seashore, and the Kongo River.
Diani is a seashore city located round 35 kilometers from Mombasa metropolis.
Among the finest seashores close to Diani embrace Galu Kinondo Seashore, Tiwi Seashore, and Diani Seashore.
For vacationers, Diani is among the safer locations in Kenya. This can be a common vacationer vacation spot, however widespread sense nonetheless applies right here. Don’t convey your belongings to the seashore, be careful for thieving monkeys(!), all the time take a taxi at night time, and don’t become involved in any drug-related exercise and you have to be high-quality.
In Closing
Diani is among the prime seashore locations in Kenya and it’s someplace that I’ll positively return to. Whereas the seashore is unbelievable, and it’ll most likely be onerous to peel your self away, attempt to go inland and expertise a unique aspect of Diani.
I hope you’ve loved this submit on the perfect issues to do in Diani and that it helps you intend a memorable journey.
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