Places to visit while in Diani .
Welcome to Diani beach,Diani Beach is a major beach on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. It is located 30 kilometres south of Mombasa, in Kwale County. It has been voted Africa's leading beach destination for the fifth time running since 2015.
Here are some activities you can explore while at Diani:
1. Explore the Magnificent Beaches
Galu Kinondo is the best beach in Diani for watersports and relaxation, while Tiwi is perfect for an off-beat day out. If you love white sands and blue waters, head to the magnificent Diani Beach.To add to the beach fun, several restaurants in Diani offer a wonderful dining experience. Yiu can visit Nomad Beach Bar for seafood, and the romantic Ali Barbour’s Cave and many more.
2. Discover the Local Lifestyle with a Local
Find some time and walk along the streets of Ukunda, Gazi, and also check out traditional buildings in Tiwi.
3. Go on a Sunset Canoe Ride on the Kongo River
The Kongo River winds down between mangroves and drains into the Indian Ocean, separating Diani Beach and Tiwi Beach. This magical river is excellent for birders, nature lovers, and sunset chasers.
4. Swim in the Africa Pool along Tiwi Beach
This magical pool resembles the map of Africa and its surrounding islands. It’s visible during low tide and is a nice swimming spot
5. Sail on a Traditional Dhow to Wasini Island
As you visit Diani,do not leave without visiting Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park, where dolphins, turtles, fish species, and beautiful coral gardens thrive.The marine park is located off the coast and can only be accessed by boat. It has warm waters that are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. You’ll leave Shimoni town by a dhow (boat) cruise to Kisite Mpunguti, where you’ll go snorkeling and dolphin spotting.Afterward, you’ll go to Wasini Island village for a seafood lunch and drinks before returning to Shimoni.While still in Shimoni, I recommend visiting Shimoni Caves. These limestone caves were once used as waiting places for captured enslaved people before they were taken to the Zanzibar slave market and beyond.
6. Go Scuba Diving (One of the Best Things to do in Diani)
Diani beach is welcoming to all types of divers, from beginners to experts. Its climate is also favorable, allowing you to enjoy diving all year round.
7. Visit the Magical Funzi Island
Funzi Island is a fishing village in Kwale county. It’s surrounded by mangroves and has a beautiful beach along its shores. Although the island is less explored, it’s one of the best places to visit near Diani.
8. Explore the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
Kaya Kinondo Forest is one of the eleven forests along the Kenyan coast and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest holds the remains of fortified villages built by the Mijikenda people during the 16th century.
9. Visit Colobus Conservation Center
Colobus Conservation Center is one of the organizations dedicated to the preservation of primates like the Angolan colobus monkey. Located along Diani Beach Road, the center leads the way in conservation through reforestation, education programs, and animal welfare.
10. Visit the Bora Bora Wildlife Park
Bora Bora Wildlife Park is one of the best places to visit in Diani for lovers of nature and wildlife. The park is in the same ecosystem as the Kaya Kinondo Forest – a sacred abode of the Mijikenda community.If you’re looking for a place to relax, take nature walks, and watch wildlife, go to Bora Bora. You’ll also learn about various types of trees in the forest trail and their traditional medicinal uses.
11. Explore Chale Island (One of the Best Things to do Outside Diani)
Chale is a private resort island situated off the coast that’s easily visible from Gazi Beach. It features a small stretch of unspoiled beach, spectacular coral reefs, and forests of mangroves.
12. Join a Tour of Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills is less than an hour’s drive from Ukunda town is the Shimba Hills National Reserve, one of the best things to see in Diani and also one of the best day trips from Diani Beach.This game reserve comprises a diverse habitat, including giant trees, grasslands, forestlands, and scrub areas. It also holds one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa, only second to Arabuko Sokoke.
13. Learn to Kitesurf at Galu Kinondo Beach
Galu Kinondo is a spectacular, less crowded beach slightly south of Diani Beach. The palm-lined stretch is popular for water activities such as kitesurfing and paddleboarding, some of the most challenging and rewarding Diani activities.
14. Walk Between Mangroves at Gazi Beach
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Diani with a social impact, you’ll love visiting the Gazi Women Mangrove Boardwalk along Gazi Beach. Here, you can take a walk between mangroves, watch birds or relax by the ocean.
15. Take a Day Trip to Mombasa City
To end this list of the best things to do in Diani, I recommend taking a day trip to Mombasa. The island city is located about 30 kilometers from Diani and has plenty of tourist attractions.There are various places to visit in Mombasa such as the Fort Jesus Museum and Wild Waters. You can also join an exciting food tour, experience Mombasa’s vibrant nightlife, or explore the old town on foot.The city has some beautiful beaches too. It’s home to the famous Pirates Public Beach, the alluring Nyali Beach, and the less crowded Shanzu Beach. You’ll also find great resorts, restaurants, and shopping centers close to these beaches and attractions.