A Diani Beach holiday is the easiest way to add the Indian Ocean to a Kenya trip. The beach runs for about 17 kilometres south of Mombasa, with white sand, palm trees and a reef that keeps the water calm. It works as a week on its own, or as a few days of rest after a safari.
This guide covers how to get there, when to go, where to stay and what to do once you arrive.
Getting to Diani
By train from Nairobi
The Madaraka Express runs between Nairobi and Mombasa and is the most popular way to travel for Kenyans and visitors. The journey takes around five to six hours, and you often see animals from the window as the line crosses Tsavo. Tickets are sold through Kenya Railways.
From the Mombasa terminus at Miritini, it is about an hour and a half to two hours by road to Diani, depending on traffic and whether you cross by the Likoni ferry or take the bypass.
Our Diani special deal includes the train both ways and private transfers from Miritini to the hotel and back, with three nights all inclusive.
By air
Diani has its own airstrip at Ukunda, a short flight from Nairobi. It is the quickest option if you are coming straight from a safari, and many light aircraft routes connect it with the parks.
By road
The drive from Nairobi takes about eight hours or more. It is long, and most people prefer the train.
When to go
The coast is warm all year. The best months for a Diani Beach holiday are:
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| December to March | Hot, sunny, calm sea, peak season around the holidays |
| April to June | Long rains, humid, quiet and the lowest prices |
| July to October | Cooler, breezy, dry, good for kitesurfing |
| November | Short rains, usually brief showers |
Where to stay
Diani has everything from simple cottages to large all-inclusive resorts.
- All-inclusive resorts are the easiest choice for families and first visits. Meals, drinks and entertainment are covered.
- Boutique hotels and villas are quieter and good for couples.
- Self-catering cottages suit longer stays and groups.
Our current package uses two beachfront properties, Diani Sea Lodge and Diani Sea Resort, with prices from KES 48,000 per person sharing for three nights.
What to do in Diani
Snorkel in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
About an hour south of Diani, near Shimoni, Kisite-Mpunguti is one of the best marine parks in Kenya. Dhow trips run out to the reef for snorkelling, and dolphins are often seen on the way. Many trips stop at Wasini Island for a seafood lunch.
Sail on a dhow
A sunset dhow cruise is one of the most relaxing evenings on the coast. The traditional wooden boats are still built by hand along this shore.
Meet the colobus monkeys
Diani is home to the rare Angolan black-and-white colobus. Colobus Conservation rescues injured monkeys, builds rope bridges over the busy road, and runs guided walks in the forest.
Visit Shimba Hills
Shimba Hills National Reserve is about 45 minutes inland. It is cooler, green and quiet, with forest walks and a waterfall. It is the only place in Kenya where you can see the sable antelope.
Take to the water
Kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding and diving are all available. The windy months from July to October and in January and February are best for kitesurfing.
See the old mosque
The Kongo Mosque, at the northern end of the beach, is a centuries-old Swahili mosque under the baobab trees, and a reminder of the long history of this coast. For more of that history, Fort Jesus in Mombasa is an easy day trip.
Combine Diani with a safari
A few days on the beach is the perfect end to a safari. Popular combinations:
- Three days in the Masai Mara, then fly to Ukunda
- Two days in Amboseli, then drive or fly to the coast
- A Tsavo safari on the way to or from Diani, since the park lies between Nairobi and the coast
See the Diani destination page for more.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Nairobi to Diani Beach?
The easiest way is the Madaraka Express train to Mombasa, then a road transfer of about 90 minutes to two hours. You can also fly to Ukunda airstrip.
What is the best time for a Diani Beach holiday?
December to March for heat and calm seas. July to October for cooler weather and kitesurfing. April to June is cheapest but wet.
Is Diani good for families?
Yes. The lagoon inside the reef is calm at low tide, and the all-inclusive resorts have pools and activities for children.
Can I combine Diani with a safari?
Yes. Many travellers end a safari with three or four nights in Diani. Flights connect the parks to Ukunda, and Tsavo is on the way by road.
