Kenya coast destination
Diani Beach
Powder-white sand, turquoise water and a protected coral reef. Relax on one of the finest beaches in Africa.
Location
Kwale County, Kenya
Size
About 17 km of coastline
Ideal stay
3 to 5 days
Best time
Jun to Oct, Jan to Feb
Famous for
White sand and coral reefs
Kenya's coastal paradise
Diani Beach stretches along Kenya’s south coast in Kwale County, south of Mombasa. Around 17 kilometres of powder-white sand are lined with palm trees, with a coral reef offshore that keeps the lagoon calm and clear.
Beyond the beach, Diani is a base for snorkelling, diving and dhow sailing, as well as encounters with the rare Angolan colobus monkeys that live in the coastal forest just behind the shore. It is also the perfect place to relax after a safari in Tsavo or the Maasai Mara.
Why Diani belongs on your Kenya coast itinerary
Six reasons Diani is the beach so many travellers choose after a safari.
Powder-white sand
Kilometres of soft, bright beach lined with palm trees.
A protected coral reef
Calm, clear lagoons with reef life just offshore.
Snorkelling and diving
Some of the best reef diving and snorkelling on the Kenyan coast.
Rare colobus monkeys
Angolan colobus live in the coastal forest behind the beach.
Watersports for everyone
Kitesurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding on warm water.
Warm water all year
Comfortable swimming temperatures in every season.
When to visit Diani Beach
Diani is warm all year. Choose the season that matches your plans.
June to October
Cooler and dry
Fresh breezes, good diving visibility and ideal kitesurfing winds.
January to February
Hot and dry
Calm seas and classic beach weather.
March to May
Long rains
The quietest season, with heavier showers and the best rates.
November to December
Short rains
Green scenery, occasional showers and a busy festive season.
Marine and forest life at Diani
Between the reef and the coastal forest, Diani is rich in wildlife.
Colobus monkey
Rare Angolan colobus live in the forest behind the beach.
Sea turtle
Turtles feed on the reef and seagrass beds offshore.
Reef fish
Colourful fish crowd the coral gardens of the lagoon.
Starfish
Spotted in rock pools and shallow water at low tide.
Humpback whale
Migrating whales can be seen offshore from about July to October.
Things to do at Diani Beach
Plenty to fill the days between lazy afternoons on the sand.
Snorkelling and diving
Explore the coral reef, just a short boat ride from the shore.
Dhow sailing
Cruise the coast on a traditional wooden sailing boat.
Colobus conservation
See rare colobus monkeys up close in the coastal forest.
Watersports
Try kitesurfing, wakeboarding or paddleboarding.
Dolphin trips
Head out by boat in search of dolphins offshore.
Planning your trip to Diani
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to Diani
- By air: short flights from Nairobi land at the Ukunda airstrip, minutes from the beach.
- From Mombasa: about an hour south by road, crossing the Likoni ferry or taking the bypass.
- Combined routes: the perfect beach stay after a safari in Tsavo, Amboseli or the Maasai Mara.
Where to stay
- On the beach: resorts and boutique hotels right on the sand.
- Private villas: ideal for families and groups travelling together.
- Every budget: we match hotels to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.
Safari and beach holidays
Itineraries that combine a Kenyan safari with time relaxing on the coast.
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West
- 3 Days 2 Nights
- Tsavo East, Tsavo West, Mombasa, Diani
- 6 Days 5 Nights
- Amboseli, Diani, Mombasa
- 7 Days 6 Nights
Diani Beach FAQs
Quick answers to common questions about visiting Diani.
Where is Diani Beach?
Diani is on the south coast of Kenya in Kwale County, south of Mombasa on the Indian Ocean.
How many days do you need in Diani?
Three to five days lets you relax on the beach and add a snorkelling trip, dhow sail or colobus forest visit.
What is the best time to visit Diani Beach?
June to October and January to February offer the driest weather. June to October also brings good winds for kitesurfing.
How do you get to Diani from Nairobi?
Fly from Nairobi to the Ukunda airstrip, or fly or take the train to Mombasa and continue by road.
Can you combine Diani with a safari?
Yes. Diani is a popular beach stay after a safari in Tsavo, Amboseli or the Maasai Mara.
Is Diani good for snorkelling?
Yes. A coral reef protects the lagoon, and snorkelling trips visit reefs and marine parks along the south coast.
Start planning your Diani getaway
Tell us your travel dates and we will plan your beach stay, on its own or after a safari.