Diani Beach holidays

Diani Beach, Kenya

Diani Beach holidays line up palm-fringed sands, multi-coloured reefs and a nature reserve that's home to wild elephants.

Paradise found

Diani Beach is the quintessential tropical escape. With its blend of natural beauty and uptown chic, this former fishing village has fast become one of the most in-demand destinations on Kenya’s south coast. Dotted along its soft, white sands is a parade of elegant guest houses, upscale hotels and glamorous villas. Plus, it’s just an hour’s drive from the buzzing streets of Mombasa.

Tropical sands

Stretching from the mouth of the Mwachema River to the remote Gazi Bay, Diani Beach lines up 25 kilometres of beach. It’s textbook tropical, with soft white sands that melt gently into the clear waters of the Indian Sea. Dotted along the sand are makuti-roofed huts serving beers and snacks, plus a handful of watersports centres. Take a dhow boat ride off shore, and you’ll see neon-bright coral formations.

Up and coming

Diani Beach Road’s the main thoroughfare that runs parallel to the shoreline. It’s forever adding new restaurants and shops to its repertoire. Three shopping centres and a large craft market are just some of its highlights. Follow the road to its northernmost tip, and you’ll discover an ancient mosque. And if you venture south you’ll reach Jadini Forest, where colobus monkeys scarper around the baobab trees.

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Take a 20-minute drive inland, and the Shimba Hills National Reserve comes into view. It’s one of Kenya’s most compact national parks, and home to some of Africa’s best wildlife. Hundreds of elephants, rarely sighted sable antelopes, leopards, monkeys and giraffes can all be spotted through your binoculars. And Sheldrick Falls, a shimmering 25-metre waterfall, is the feather in the cap.

Popular hotels in Diani Beach

Facts about Diani Beach

Currency
Kenyan Shilling
(KES)
Language
Swahili
Time zone
GMT +3
Flight duration
9 hours from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

Ready to start searching for your trip to Diani Beach?

Take a look at our best deals, add handy holiday extras, or keep looking for travel inspiration.

View Diani Beach deals