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Diani is a stunning coastal town in Kenya, known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this tropical paradise to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the town. Despite its reputation as a luxurious destination, Diani can be enjoyed on any budget!
In this guide, we’ll share some tips and recommendations for getting the most out of your trip to Diani. We’ll discuss how to get there, things to do and see, foods you should try, where to stay, and tips for visiting.
Table of Contents
Where is Diani?
Diani is located along the coastline of Kenya, about 30 kilometers south of Mombasa. It is very close to Tanzania, only about 20 kilometers from the border. It is east of the Shimba Hills National Reserve.
How to Get to Diani
Although Diani is located in the southeastern corner of Kenya, it is fairly easy to get to. There are a few different ways to get to Diani:
Fly directly to Diani
For most travelers, you will be starting in Nairobi. There is a small airstrip near Diani, so it is possible to fly directly there. While this is the fastest and most convenient way to Diani, it is also the most expensive. However, you will be able to find flights from Nairobi to Diani for less than $100 USD.
Getting to Mombasa
For those who don’t want to fly directly to Diani, you will have to first travel to Mombasa. Mombasa is Kenya’s largest coastal city, and the site of Kenya’s famous Mombasa Carnival. From Nairobi to Mombasa, you can either fly or take the train. I recommend taking the train, because it is very cheap and you’ll be able to see more of the country. Click here to check out our guide on taking the train from Nairobi to Mombasa.
Mombasa to Diani
The most convenient way to Diani from Mombasa is via private transportation. While this is more expensive than public transportation, there are ways to do this inexpensively.
Instead of taking a taxi or Uber, opt for a tuk-tuk. Once you reach the Kilindini Harbor, get out of the tuk-tuk and take the free ferry across the waterway. Find another tuk-tuk on the other side to take you to Diani. I did this and only paid about $5 USD in total.
What to Do in Diani
While there plenty of things to do in Diani Beach, here are our recommended top 5!
Visit Safari Beach
There are plenty of beautiful beaches to visit while in Diani. However, the one that I visited every day was Safari Beach. You can lounge at the beach or by the pool without having to spend the night at the resort. This is great for budget travelers like me who want to experience luxury without having to pay for it.
Go scuba diving
Diani is an amazing place to go scuba diving. I was able to get my certification here with the help of an awesome instructor. During my dives, I saw dozens of sea turtles, moray eels, a sea snake, and thousands of fish. If you’re seeking an unforgettable underwater adventure, don’t miss the opportunity to scuba dive in Diani.
Visit the Kongo Mosque
Located at the mouth of the Kongo River, this Persian mosque was built in the 14th century by Arab merchants. Over time, it became overgrown and abandoned. In the 1700s, it was rediscovered and repaired. Since then, it has been maintained. It is believed to be the oldest mosque in East Africa!
Try out some water sports
I saw a lot of kitesurfers while I was in Diani. I was not able to try it while I was there, but that is a good option for any adrenaline junkie travelers. You can also do other things, such as jet skis or parasailing. Vendors on the beach will offer their products for rent, or you can find designated companies to rent from.
Take sunset boat ride
While you can take sunset boat rides in the ocean, I recommend heading to Kongo River. This gives you a chance to view the sun setting over the water. These small wooden boats are steered by pushing against the bottom of the river with a long stick. If you are feeling brave, you can ask the captain if you can try steering.
You can check out my attempt at steering the boat below.
Cuisine of Diani
The cuisine of Diani is a mixture of traditional Kenyan, food, seafood, and international flavors. Here are the top 3 foods you should try!
Coconut Octopus
This was one of the greatest foods I’ve ever tried in my life. I ate the coconut octopus at a restaurant called Chill Spot overlooking a beautiful beach. The octopus was made in a coconut curry and served with rice, fries, and salad. I took one bite of it, and immediately ordered a second serving. If you eat one thing here, try the coconut octopus.
Pilau
This is an authentic dish found throughout East Africa. Pilau is a flavorful rice dish that is often served with meat or vegetables. It is made with rice, onions, garlic, ginger, and either beef or chicken. Pilau is a popular dish in Diani and is often served during special occasions.
Chapati
Chapatis are one of my favorite African foods. This is a type of flatbread that is often served with curry or stew. Chapati is a popular food and can be found at most local restaurants. And it goes great with coconut octopus!
Where to Stay in Diani
When planning your visit to Diani, there are options for all types of budgets. As a general rule, the closer you stay to the beach, the more you can expect to pay.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can find hostels for around $10-15 USD/night by using apps like Hostelworld, Airbnb, or Dorms.com. I found a dorm room for 800 Kenyan shillings (about $6.30 USD)/night. A popular option for travelers who want to pay less than $10 USD/night is Diani Hostel.
Prices for private rooms can vary depending on the area. I moved from my hostel to a cabin near the town center for about $15 USD/night. Closer to the beach, but not quite on the beach, you can find private rooms from $25-$40 USD/night. If you want a beachfront hotel for less than $40 USD/night, check out Coconut Village Beach Resort.
If money is no object, then you should stay at one of the resorts right on the beach. Most of these start at $150 USD/night. For a truly luxurious experience, check out the The Zubeida Boutique Resort, where you can stay in a 2-bedroom villa right on the beach!
Check out the map below for available accommodations.
Tips for Visiting
Before your trip to Diani, here are 5 tips to ensure your visit goes smoothly.
1. Wear sunscreen
The sun here is no joke. Even if you stay under some shade, the sun will reflect off the white sand and water and can still burn you. Even the Kenyans who live there get burned if they stay out for too long. Use plenty of sunscreen.
2. Don't feed the monkeys
You will see monkeys everywhere in Diani. At first, you will probably be excited to see them. But you may notice them try to steal food or unattended purses or bags from beachgoers. It is best to avoid them because they can get aggressive, especially the baboons. Definitely don’t feed them, or they will keep approaching people in the future.
3. Get change for large bills at stores or banks
Diani is a poorer city than Nairobi, and any market vendors, tuk-tuk drivers, or small shop owners will not be able to give you change if you attempt to purchase something with a large bill. Keeping 100 and 200 shilling denominations will make things much easier than trying to purchase something with 1,000 shillings.
4. Learn a little bit of Swahili
A little effort goes a long way. Most people in Diani aren’t used to seeing tourists speak Swahili. Saying even a simple greeting can impress them and make them happy.
Mambo – How are you?
Poa – I’m good.
Asante – Thank you.
5. Negotiate prices
Let’s face it, if you buy something from anywhere outside of a hotel or restaurant, you will likely be offered an overinflated price. I watched two Austrians buy a coconut for 200 shillings each ($1.53 USD) and I bought one from the same vendor for 50 shillings ($0.38 USD). Again, knowing some Swahili is helpful.
Ngapi? (n-gah-pee?) – How much?
