Beach & Coast in Kenya
White sand and coral reef
Diani Beach is Kenya's best-known beach, about 25 kilometres of white sand and turquoise water on the south coast, shaded by palms and backed by coastal forest. It is the traditional place to unwind after a safari, with warm water, a barrier reef a short distance offshore and a relaxed mix of resort hotels, boutique villas and small seaside restaurants.
Beyond the sand, there is plenty to do: snorkel or dive in the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, swim with dolphins at dawn, kitesurf when the winds are up, visit the ancient Kaya Kinondo sacred forest, or watch Angolan colobus monkeys cross the road at the Colobus Conservation centre. The Shimba Hills National Reserve, an hour away, is the only place in Kenya to see sable antelope.
It pairs perfectly with Tsavo, Amboseli or the Mara for a safari and beach holiday.
The coast offers marine and forest wildlife rather than big game. Angolan colobus and Sykes’ monkeys live along the beach, bushbabies are heard at night, and the reef is home to turtles, reef fish and, off Shimoni, bottlenose and humpback dolphins. Humpback whales pass offshore between July and October.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
A long ribbon of white sand faces a warm, clear sea, with palm trees and coastal forest behind. The tide pulls back to reveal rock pools and a sandbar, and the reef offshore breaks the swell.
Activities here
Diani is hot and humid, with daytime temperatures of 28°C to 32°C and warm nights, cooled by sea breezes. The long rains fall in April to May, and a lighter season in November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 24 | 30 |
| Feb | 32 | 25 | 20 |
| Mar | 32 | 25 | 60 |
| Apr | 31 | 24 | 250 |
| May | 29 | 23 | 300 |
| Jun | 29 | 22 | 90 |
| Jul | 28 | 21 | 60 |
| Aug | 28 | 21 | 50 |
| Sep | 29 | 22 | 50 |
| Oct | 30 | 23 | 80 |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 100 |
| Dec | 31 | 24 | 70 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
December to March is hot and dry, with calm seas and the best conditions for swimming and diving. June to October is cooler and breezy, which suits kitesurfing and long walks on the sand.
April and May bring heavy, warm rain, rougher seas, and many beach lodges close or reduce their rates. November rains are shorter and lighter.
December to March and June to October are the best times, with the most comfortable weather. The wet months of April and May are quiet, and some hotels close for maintenance.
Best time to visit Dec to Feb
Diani has its own airstrip at Ukunda with daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport in about an hour. By road, it takes around ninety minutes to two hours from Mombasa airport, including the Likoni ferry or the Dongo Kundu bypass. It is easily reached from Tsavo West by road.
Most visitors need a Kenya eTA arranged online before travel, and a passport valid for at least six months. Marine park fees for Kisite-Mpunguti are included when you book the excursion with us.
Wear reef shoes in rock pools, and be cautious with sea urchins. Sun protection is essential. The coast is a malaria area, so please take medical advice before you travel.
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryMasai Mara National ReserveBig cats and the Great Migration
National ParkAmboseli National ParkElephants beneath Kilimanjaro
National ParkLake Nakuru National ParkRhino, flamingo and tree-climbing lionsNational ParkHell’s Gate National ParkCycling among giraffe and gorges
Lake & IslandsLake NaivashaBoat safaris and Crescent Island walks
National ParkTsavo West National ParkLava flows, springs and red elephantsOur take
“Our take”
Diani works best as the last three or four nights of a safari. Choose a quiet stretch of the beach and a hotel with its own piece of it.
Safaris from
US$2,162 per person
Plan your time in Diani Beach
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Made to measure
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