The 10 Best Things to Do in Diani Beach, Kenya
Diani beach Kenya is located along the Indian ocean, 19 kilometers south of Mombasa. The stunning beach is about 10 kilometers long, with shallow waters near the shore. It has an airstrip, making it accessible using direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
Diani Beach was voted Africa’s leading beach destination six times in a row between 2013 – 2018.
This article will discuss the top 10 things to do during a beach holiday in Diani, Kenya. We will cover everything from beach walks, Skydiving in Diani, a visit to Diani Beach Art Gallery, and more. Fasten your safety belt, and let’s explore the things to do in Ukunda and Diani.
Find Out the Best Places to Visit on the South Coast Mombasa from the Best
At ajkenyasafari.com, we can help you plan an affordable yet memorable safari to Diani Mombasa. We are a renowned tour and travel company in Kenya, with several years in the industry. We have a strong team of qualified tour consultants that will show you the hidden gems in Diani.
Contact us via phone or WhatsApp at +254-748-258-880, and we will plan the best safari for you. You can also email us via james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com.
Our Most Booked South Coast Mombasa Packages and Other Itineraries
| Our Most Booked Kenya Safari Packages 2023 | Price Per Adult Sharing | The Detailed Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Nairobi National Park & Giraffe Center Tour | From USD 119 | See the Itinerary |
| 1-Day Nairobi National Park & Nairobi Animal Orphanage Tour | From USD 34 | See the Itinerary |
| 3-Day Masai Mara Camp Packages | From USD 1015 | See the Itinerary |
| 3-Day Masai Mara Christmas Packages | From USD 1010 | See the Itinerary |
| 3-Day Masai Mara Easter Packages | From USD 985 | See the Itinerary |
| 3-Day Masai Mara Festive Packages | From USD 1315 | See the Itinerary |
| 3-Day Masai Mara Lodge Safari | From USD 995 | See the Itinerary |
| 3-Day Masai Mara Packages | From USD 955 | See the Itinerary |
| 3-Day Masai Mara Packages from Nairobi | From USD 995 | See the Itinerary |
| 3-Day Ol Pejeta Easter Safari | From USD 1175 | See the Itinerary |
| 4-Day Africa Migration Masai Mara Packages | From USD 1360 | See the Itinerary |
| 4-Day L. Naivasha & Masai Mara Easter Safari | From USD 1249 | See the Itinerary |
| 4-Day L. Naivasha & Masai Mara Safari | From USD 1174 | See the Itinerary |
| 4-Day L. Nakuru & Masai Mara Safari | From USD 1162 | See the Itinerary |
| 4-Day Masai Mara Camp Packages | From USD 1195 | See the Itinerary |
| 4-Day Masai Mara Easter Packages | From USD 1235 | See the Itinerary |
| 4-Day Masai Mara Migration Packages | From USD 1360 | See the Itinerary |
| 4-Day Mombasa & Diani Safari | From USD 937 | See the Itinerary |
| 4-Day Mombasa & Diani Valentine Safari | From USD 1405 | See the Itinerary |
| 5-Day Flying Safari to Masai Mara & Ol Pejeta Conservancy | From USD 3777 | See the Itinerary |
| 6-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari from India | From USD 1730 | See the Itinerary |
| 7-Day Kenya Christmas Safari | From USD 3093 | See the Itinerary |
| 7-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari | From USD 1884 | See the Itinerary |
| 8-Day Kenya Wildlife Safari | From USD 4413 | See the Itinerary |
| 8-Day Wildlife & Beach Safari | From USD 1585 | See the Itinerary |
| 12-Day Kenya Wildlife & Beach Safari | From USD 4216 | See the Itinerary |
| 18-Day Kenya Family Safari | From USD 5849 | See the Itinerary |
The Top Best 10 Activities to Do in Diani Kenya
What are some of the best things to do in Diani on a budget? Explore this majestic beach and its activities during your safari. Below are outdoor activities in Diani you can try out.
Skydiving in Diani
Skydiving at Diani is a popular attraction worldwide, and the ever-clear skies make the sport extremely enjoyable. We organize tandem skydiving activities and quality equipment for safe jumping.
You give you quality jumping gear and qualified instructors to guide you. Every March and November, there are weekly boogies festivals you can participate. You can enjoy advanced skydiving antiques and an exclusive training session during the event.
To make your experience even more exhilarating, you book an off-plane package, where you jump from an airplane, of course, with the help of a guide.
Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Boat Trips in Diani Beach - Water Activities in Diani
To explore the richness and diversity of marine life, you can go on boat trips, scuba diving, or snorkeling at Diani beach. These are not only some of the most fun activities in Diani, but they also provide a forum to interact closely with marine life.
Imagine an encounter with the whale shark! Swimming in the same waters with a turtle community! This experience will scare your wits out. But trust me, with professionals, there is nothing to worry about.
We are at hand to provide you with scuba diving lessons and other sea sports packages.
Playing Golf
After all your beach activities, it is time to roll the golf ball in the lush gardens. Diani boasts of a world-class golf course from the best providers. The fairways run are fully irrigated and traverse Cashewnut, Casuarina, and Pine trees, providing an exciting yet challenging ground to play your game.
The course can come with 85 bunkers, big lakes, and stretch over 6000 meters. While on the course, you will enjoy the presence of different birds and monkeys. It is a perfect place to spend a holiday with your whole family or as a group of golfers.
A Visit to Shimba Hills National Park
Will I leave Kenya without even seeing any of the famous big five? I know this is one of the questions that come into your mind. One of the best places to visit in South Coast Kenya for game viewing is Shimba Hills National Park.
East Africa’s second-largest coastal forest is only 45 minutes from Diani Beach. As you drive on the hills, you will get a beautiful view of local villages and free your mind from the constant water activities at Diani beach.
Some of the leading wildlife attractions in this reserve include:
- Elephants
- Sable Antelope
- Genet, Leopard
- Civet Cat
- Waterbuck, Hyenas
- Buffalo
- Bush Pig
- Bushbuck
- White Columbus, and Coastal Black.
- Bush Duiker
- Back faced vervet monkey
- Serval Cat
- Sykes Monkey
- Red Shrew
- Red Duiker, and many others.
There are also more than 111 bird species. These include the African Hawk, Ostrich Eagle, Quail, Sunbird, Crowned, Hornbill, Honey Guide, and Uluguru. Reptiles such as Python, Lizard, Cobra, and Gecko also reside here.
Please carry clean, cold water for drinking and other items to satiate all your picnic needs. If you want to spend your night in the park and have the right camping equipment.
Diani Beach Art Gallery Exhibitions
How can you leave Kenya without seeing, touching, or purchasing some of our art items? Diani Beach Art Gallery is a hub of some of Africa’s most beautiful art pieces. This gallery brings together unique and unusual works of art made by talented Africans at meager prices.
The entrance is endowed with superb sculptures, and all workers have a knack for art and creation. Here, you will find some beautiful products you may never see in other parts of the world.
The place is open from Monday to Saturday between 9 am and 5 pm, and no prior bookings are needed. You can follow the Diani beach Art Gallery on Twitter, join their Facebook group, and see what to expect during your visit.
A Tour at Kongo Mosque
The Kongo Mosque is one of the iconic tourist attraction sites in Diani. It was built by Arab traders back in the 14th century and is the oldest mosque in East Africa. What is more surprising is the fact that Muslims still gather there regularly for prayers.
It is surrounded by a beautiful garden with big baobab trees, which the Arabs planted. While outside, you can see the Kongo River and the Indian Ocean. This view makes it an excellent picturesque place in Diani, Kenya.
Kongo Mosque is one of the last few surviving relics dating back to ancient civilization. Only a handful of the coral mosques can be used, and this is one of them. Their architecture is a strong reminder of the coastal area’s history.
Chale Island Day Trip
Right at the heart of Msambweni bay, 12 km south of Diani Beach, lies Chale Island. The Island is more of a heed place than an Island, and the native coastal people use it as a worshipping area. It has a spectacular white beach, beautifully fringed by coral reefs, making it a haven for tourists seeking a more romantic treat.
From its adequately equipped water sports center to fascinating boat excursions, Chale Island ultimately has a lot to offer. Different diving and water sports take place on the Island, and you can engage in boat snorkeling, beach snorkeling, kayaking, local catamaran sailing, and game fishing, among other activities.
More Activities to Do at Chale Island:
Nothing beats a professional massage over some soothing music after a long day on the beach; that’s precisely what you get at Maisha Poa spa.
The spa is in the middle of the island, where all the energies of the tidal lake, coral caves, ancient mangroves, and gentle breeze cumulate, offering the right atmosphere to facilitate relaxation. The Maisha Poa spa has nine rooms for treatment and a well-equipped fitness center.
Just 20 km south of the Island lies the Wasini Marine reserve. The reserve is endowed with several marine animals. There are arranged weekly snorkeling and dolphin sightings in the marine reserve.
However, the pattern can change depending on the demand.
On the western side of Chale Island lies Gazi, a local village that is most popular for fishing. Here, you can sample some of the authentically cooked fish and other marine animals as you enjoy the view of the big coconut plantation and mangrove swamps.
An excursion to this village is enough to feel the traditional setting of Kenyan society.
Romantic Things to Do in Diani Relax at the Spas in Diani
Diani Kenya is the home to award-winning spas that offer relaxation and massages. Some also provide henna paintings, the traditional way of enhancing beauty in women among the locals. We recommend a stay at Uzuri SPA Diani.
Uzuri Spa and Fitness is located at the Leopard Beach resort. Just like its name suggests, uzuri (goodness), this spa is a sanctuary for people who want to enjoy tranquillity and experience body, mind, and soul rejuvenation at its best.
This luxurious spa offers treatments with European and African products to suit both men and women. Some packages at Uzuri Spa Diani include anti-aging, treatments, body wraps, waxing, manicure, pedicure, and hydrotherapy. The spa is spacious, with different treatment rooms for privacy.
Other facilities at the spa include the Afya Gym- a state-of-the-art workout facility that is well equipped with treadmills, weight, barbells, and much more equipment.
If you need a break from the ordinary salty water, you can unwind in their steam bath, sauna, and outdoor Jacuzzi. There is also a health bar close to the pool that offers different fresh juices, healthy salads, light meals, and smoothies.
Uzuri Spa has an aerobics and yoga pavilion as part of its workout department. The staff is gracious, and by the time you leave this spa, you will feel heavenly and nothing close to what you would have imagined when you first stepped to Diani Mombasa Beach.
A day at The Forty Thieves Beach Bar
Nothing beats the feeling you get while sipping your drink as your feet enjoy a gentle lap of the waves. Forty Thieves Beach Bar & Bistro offers that feeling and much more. You will enjoy soothing music, water sports events, and delicious food as party freaks dance the night out.
The Forty Thieves Beach Bar is one hour drive from Mombasa Airport. It is only 10 minutes from Diani Airstrips and is located close to shops, an 18-hole golf course, a diving center, and many Diani Beach accommodation facilities.
Besides, the Shimba Hills Game Park and Wasini are not far from this bar.
Diani Beach Kenya - Explore the Fort Jesus
Conclude your Diani Beach tour by taking a trip around the famous Fort Jesus; just a few minutes drives from Diani beach. Fort Jesus is an old tourist attraction built in 1593 by Portuguese King Philip 1 and Spanish King Philip II. In 2012, it was declared UNESCO World Heritage.
This was due to its uniqueness and good condition compared to many other historical sites that date back to the 16th century.
Mombasa Diani Beach gives you many more opportunities to enjoy your holiday. It is up to you to select what suits you best. This is the destination for holidaymakers who want to create unforgettable memories.