10+ Epic Things to Do in Diani Beach, Kenya
The Great Migration, Giraffe Manor, and the Maasai tribe are what most people usually think of when they hear the word Kenya. But the country’s best-kept secret (for now) is its incredible coastline.
Diani Beach is one of the top destinations on Kenya’s southern coastline.
Palm trees frame its sandy white beaches and crystal clear turquoise water laps at its shores. As corny as it sounds, it didn’t look real at first.
The shades of blue are so vibrant, camels stroll along the beach, and the ocean temperature is perfect.
If you’re after an affordable beach holiday from South Africa or anywhere else, put Diani Beach on your list! There are plenty of things to do, super affordable accommodation options, and you can pick up dirt cheap flights from Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Diani Beach trip, including 10 of the best things to do in Diani Beach!
Table of Contents
How to Get to Diani Beach
The best way to get to Diani Beach is to fly directly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Ukunda Airstrip. A return flight can cost as little as R 1000.00!
If there aren’t any flights available from Wilson, you can fly from Nairobi’s main airport to Mombasa and then take a taxi to Diani Beach. A one-way ride will cost around $50 USD.
Another option is to take the train from Nairobi to Mombasa. It’s a cheaper alternative, but your travel time will be much longer.
How to Get Around Diani Beach
The easiest way to get around Diani Beach is with a tuk-tuk or an Uber. If you’ve got a local sim card, you can request a ride as soon as you land at the Ukunda Airstrip.
Otherwise, you can take a normal metered taxi to your hotel.
For short trips around town, flagging down a tuk-tuk driver is your best bet. You will need to haggle the driver down to a fair price. I’d suggest asking the hotel staff and other travellers what’s a good price so you don’t get ripped off.
I paid on average 50 KES to get to most places.
Things to Do in Diani Beach, Kenya
Feed Bush Babies
Few things are cuter than bushbabies – even if they pee on their hands.
When it comes to things to do in Diani on a budget, visiting these adorable critters is always a good idea.
So when I heard that Stilts Backpackers lets you attend a feeding of the little critters, I jumped in the first tuk-tuk that came down the street and made my way there for dinner.
Before the bananas are left out for the babies, the owner of the backpackers explains their history and conservation efforts in the area. The amount of food given out is also controlled so that they don’t depend on the backpackers for food, and the babies come out of the jungle on their own accord.
Flash photography is not allowed, and neither is touching the bush babies.
Colobus Conservation
If you really want to see the Colobus monkeys, I’d recommend phoning the conservation centre before you arrive to see if they are in the area. Otherwise, you’ll have an experience like we did, when you pay to go into the area, and all you see are some trees swaying in the wind.
While I have seen other bloggers say the walk in the forest was an hour long, that’s not happened when we went. It was at most 15 minutes, and it was through the grounds.
On the plus side, you’ll learn a lot of interesting facts about the Colobus monkeys, the threats they face, and the flora found in the area.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
Ever since I went stand-up paddleboarding in Krabi, I’ve been hooked and try to do it as much as possible! The conditions at Diani Beach are excellent for beginners or people like me who don’t have a strong core.
The waves are gentle, the views of the coastline are incredible, and the water is clear enough to see fish swimming underneath you. Plus, it’s one of the best cheap things to do in Diani Beach!
If you haven’t done stand-up paddleboarding before, you can also take an hour-long lesson at H20 Extreme. The shop also rents out kayaks and jet skis, and you can sign up for kitesurfing and windsurfing lessons as well.
Top Tip: Bring a waterproof pouch for your phone and locker key!
Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
The Kaya Kinodo Sacred Forest is home to the Digos. The tribe was kicked out of Somalia and Northern Kenya and eventually ended up in the forests along Kenya’s southern coast.
Today, a small stretch of the forest remains, and the tribe has started forest walks as an eco-tourism project.
During the trek, you’ll have a member from the Digo tribe guide you through the forest. You’ll learn about their history, culture, traditions, and why the Kaya Kinondo forest is a sacred place for the tribe.
One thing to keep in mind is that the forest is a 30-minute drive from Diani Beach.
You’ll struggle to find a tuk-tuk driver to take you out that far unless you pay them extra to wait for you, which I highly recommend doing.
Snorkelling & Diving
If you’re a diver, you’re going to be spoilt for choice in Diani Beach. It boasts some of the top dive sites in the country and is a haven for the endangered Green and Hawksbill sea turtles.
Plan your visit around November and February if you want to dive with the migrating whale sharks! There’s also a 15-year-old shipwreck that you can explore if you have your Advanced Open Water!
Visit The Kongo Mosque
Interested in learning more about Kenya’s culture?
Plan a trip to the Kongo Mosque.
It’s the oldest mosque in East Africa, built by Arab traders in the 14th century.
…But that’s not all.
It’s a coral mosque.
One of the last few of its kind that’s still in use.
Day Trips from Diani Beach
Kisite Marine Park
Searching for even more fun activities in Diani?
Introducing…Kisite Marine Park.
It’s one of the best snorkelling destinations in the world!
Underneath the waves, you’ll have the chance to encounter migrating Humpback whales (between August and October), turtles, eels, manta rays, and spinner dolphins!
It’s super easy to organise a day trip from your hotel. The price will include pick up and drop off as well as lunch after a few hours of snorkelling.
You can also organise the trip by yourself if you don’t mind a little bit of adventure.
- Take a minibus from Diani Beach to Shimoni Junction and then take a motorbike taxi to Shimoni Harbour. You could also take an Uber or ask your hotel to organise a metered taxi driver.
- Once at the harbour, you can negotiate with the fisherman to take you to Wasini Island.
- Hire a private boat to take you out to Kisite National Park.
It’s a good option if you want more control over your itinerary and you’re comfortable getting around Kenya without a tour guide.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Curious about what to do in Diani Beach if you’re travelling Kenya on a budget and in the mood for a safari?
Pack your bags and head to Shimba Hills!
It’s home to more than 700 elephants as well as leopards, waterbucks, and giraffes! You can book a tour from Diani Beach that will include a game drive and a hike to Sheldrick Falls.
While it is a doable day trip, Shimba Hills Lodge is an incredible accommodation option if you want to spend more time in the year.
It’s the only ‘tree lodge’ within Kenya’s Coastal rain forest, the price includes lunch and dinner, and most of the rooms have a beautiful view of the reserve.
Go on a Dhow Safari
There’s something special about Dhow safaris in Diani Beach.
It transports back in time, gives you a taste of Kenyan history, and gives you an opportunity to explore the coastline with a gin and tonic in hand.
Book a full-day Dhow safari and travel up the coast from Diani to Shimoni. You’ll stop at Kisite Marine National Park and, if you’re lucky, catch a pod of dolphins playing in the waves.
On board your Dhow aka “Waswila”, you can go snorkelling or diving (at a small additional cost) and explore the pristine coral reefs.
Explore Chale Island
Chale Island is a day trip from Diani Beach that’s worth the hype.
Located 12 km away at Msambweni Bay, it boasts beautiful coral reefs, white sand beaches, and plenty of things to do in between sun-worshipping.
- Book a diving trip
- Rent out a kayak
- Hire a captain for a catamaran sailing trip
- Shop at one of the boutiques for souvenirs
- Unwind at the spa
- Spend a night at the luxurious Sands at Chale Island
Accommodation in Diani Beach
Diani Sea Resort (All-Inclusive)
I’m not usually one for resorts. While Diani Sea Resort didn’t change my mind, it offers a lot of value for money if that’s how you like to travel.
There’s a massive all-inclusive buffet breakfast, the rooms have beautiful sea views, and there’s even a pool area where kids aren’t allowed.
Diani Sea Resort can also organise day trips to Shimoni for snorkelling or diving, and there’s an on-site gym and restaurant.
While I didn’t enjoy the sterile, massive resort feel and having people come into my room to turn down my sheets (when did this become a thing?), I loved the location.
I highly recommend waking up early to watch the sunrise from the beach and going for a walk during low tide. You can wander quite out into the reef and easily spot small marine life like starfish and sea urchins!
Stilts Backpackers
If I was booking the accommodation for Diani Beach, Stilts Backpackers is where I would have ended up. It’s set in the middle of a tropical forest and is right opposite one of the best restaurants in Diani Beach – Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant and Forty Thieves Beach Bar.
The owner of the backpackers is super passionate about the wildlife in the area and the environmental impact of humans in the area.
There’s also a cheap, delicious on-site restaurant (Stilton Pub), and you can hang out with bush babies every evening.
Where to Eat in Diani Beach
Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant and Forty Thieves Beach Bar
Ali Barbour’s Cave is an exceptional dining experience and one of the best hidden gems in Diani Beach.
Situated inside an actual cave, there’s an incredible ambiance here that sets the evening off on the right foot, making it a must-visit for couples looking for romantic things to do in Diani.
For vegetarians and vegans, the menu won’t disappoint. There’s more than one option to choose from, and Ali Barbour’s Cave has an excellent wine menu.
My friends and I did indulge in a few bottles of South African wine, and we had zero regrets.
What really impressed me about the restaurant is that the owners will organise a shuttle bus to take you to and from your accommodation. It’s not super safe to walk around at night, tuk-tuks and Ubers are few and far between.
Once you’re done with your meal, you can head over to the popular Forty Thieves Beach Bar. It’s right on the beach and is the place to go if you’re looking to experience the local nightlife.
The Sands at Nomad Hotel
After working up an appetite after paddleboarding, one of my friends recommended The Sands Restaurant at Nomad Hotel. It’s a top-rated beach bar in Diani and a fantastic spot for sundowners.
I highly recommend trying their vegetarian curry! The restaurant also boasts a robust cocktail menu, and you can’t go wrong with one of their mojitos or Dawa cocktails.
Woohoo! You made it all the way to the end? Are you frothing to see some bushbabies and whale sharks yet? Did I miss out on any of the best places to visit in Diani Beach, Kenya? Let me know in the comments below!
Psst…Want more Africa travel inspiration? Check out my other posts:
- A Digital Nomad’s Guide to Living in Nairobi
- How to Travel Kenya on a Budget
- The Best Restaurants in Nairobi for Vegans
- The Ultimate South Luangwa National Park Travel Guide
- Travel to Rwanda: 15 Useful Things to Know Before You Go
- How To Travel To Mozambique on a Budget from South Africa
If you like it, then you should put a pin on it!
So nice! And I am loving your pictures, makes me want to visit Nairobi and DIani beach right away
I hope you get to visit soon!
Love the scenery and the dazzling seemingly endless white sands beautiful pictures.
Kenya is gorgeous!!
We’re you able to pay mostly via credit card or do you use cash? And where to exchange money?
Hey! I would draw money from the ATM. You’ll get a better rate of exchange and you don’t have to worry about exchanging money. Some places will accept card and some only do cash.
How did you get to Wilson airport? If you flew, how much was that flight? Is it worth going for a week and what do you think the budget would be in total? Thanks!
Hi! I took a taxi to the airport. You should use Skyscanner to get accurate prices on flights as it won’t stay the same. I think it’s worth spending a week there! There’s more than enough to see and do. The budget depends on your travelling style and what you want to see and do.
Nice and rich analysis…..we will be there in October God willing.
We have to promote local tourism
Hi, your post is very informative. I would be going to Diani next month with my wife. We were also thinking of going to Kisite Marine Park at our own instead of the package tour. Do you have any idea how much hring a boat for two people would cost? Also, do you know how much time do we get for snorkelling etc?
Hi Talha! I haven’t been to Kenya in 2-years so I can’t give you accurate pricing. Also, with Miss Rona that might cause prices to go up or down than they normally would. I would ask your hotel staff what they think is a fair price when you arrive and use that as a baseline.
Hey Lauren!
Thank you so much for this post, I am on my way to Kenya soon and I have binging reading your posts about Kenya haha!
I had a question, I am thinking of staying in Diani for one month but not sure whether I would get bored too easily. I am a digital nomad as well, but love being around the beach. What are your thoughts?
Hi Kwame! I’m not sure lol if you like being lazy and have a budget for day trips, you should be fine!
Interesting. I bumped into this as i was looking for various secondary sources about Diani. Am an urban planner and currently am planning Diani to realize more of it’s potentials., more ways to enrich the area…Keep on the good work
Note that 40 Thieves closed down in 2019
whaaat 🙁 that sucks!
Am heading there from Canada in a couple of weeks, and now I’m so excited for this part of our trip! Thanks for the info!
I see from another comment that 40 Thieves shut down- am hoping that most of the other places mentioned are still available!
Unfortunately, yes. There is apparently a family legal dispute that led to its closure. It wasn’t supposed to be permanent 🙁
just wanted to inform you the oldest mosque in east Africa, and Africa in general is in Massawa, Eritrea. Kongo Mosque being the oldest mosque is a misconception.