Diani and the coast
A long white-sand beach south of Mombasa, with a reef-sheltered lagoon, marine parks and forest nearby — about an hour’s flight from Nairobi.
Overview
Diani is Kenya’s best-known beach, a long stretch of white sand on the south coast with a reef offshore that keeps much of the lagoon calm. It suits families, couples and honeymooners, and anyone who wants to finish a safari with a few days by the sea.
Flights from Nairobi to Ukunda, the airstrip closest to Diani, take about 1 hr 15 min, so the coast combines easily with the Maasai Mara or Amboseli. Beyond the beach there are dhow and snorkelling trips to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park, Shimba Hills in the hills behind the coast, and Mombasa’s Old Town.
What the trip looks like
Built around your dates. There is no fixed itinerary. These are the lengths of stay most of our travellers choose, and we plan the detail with you.
After a safari
Fly from the Mara or Nairobi to Ukunda and finish your trip with three nights on the beach.
Beach break
Time on the beach, a marine park day trip and a half-day in Mombasa’s Old Town, if you want it.
Family holiday
A hotel with a pool and family rooms, a slower pace and a day or two of activities.
Safari and coast
Three or four nights in the Mara or Amboseli, then the coast. We book the flights and transfers between them.
Experiences
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park
A full-day dhow trip from Shimoni with snorkelling on the reef. Dolphins are often seen, but sightings can’t be promised.
The beach and lagoon
Swimming in the lagoon, which changes with the tide, and long walks at low water.
Kitesurfing and water sports
Diani is a kitesurfing spot in the windy months, with lessons for beginners. Hotels offer kayaks and paddleboards.
Shimba Hills and Colobus Conservation
Forest and grassland inland at Shimba Hills National Reserve, and a conservation centre for Diani’s colobus monkeys.
Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus
Fort Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the old town’s lanes make a good half-day.
Rest and slow days
Pools, spas and beach restaurants, depending on the hotel you choose.
Where you'll stay
Choose a level and we match properties with availability on your dates. Specific hotels are confirmed on your quotation.
Small hotels and guesthouses
Simpler hotels and guesthouses, some a short walk from the beach, usually bed and breakfast.
Beach hotels
Beachfront hotels with pools, family rooms and half-board or all-inclusive options.
Boutique hotels
Smaller hotels with more space and service, on quieter parts of the beach.
Top resorts and villas
High-end resorts and private villas with staff, for couples, families and groups.
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Best period
- Good / shoulder
- Quieter or wetter
The warmest, calmest sea for swimming. Mid-December to early January is the busiest and most expensive period.
Slightly cooler and windier, and a good time to combine with the Mara migration season.
The wettest months, May especially. Some hotels close or reduce rates; others stay open with lower prices.
Kenyan school holidays and the festive season fill family rooms early. Book these dates well ahead.
Getting there
Nairobi to Ukunda
Scheduled flights of about 1 hr 15 min to Ukunda airstrip, a short transfer from Diani’s hotels.
- The quickest option from Nairobi or the Mara
- Luggage limits vary by airline
Train or flight to Mombasa
Fly, or take the Madaraka Express train, to Mombasa, then a road transfer south to Diani.
- Good value for families and groups
- Longer overall; we time the transfer for you
Ask us to compare flight and train options for your dates.
What we arrange
What we arrange
- Flights from Nairobi, or from the Mara after a safari
- Beach hotels matched to your level and dates
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Marine park, Shimba Hills and Old Town day trips
- Safari and coast combinations
- Entry guidance for visiting guests
- Travel insurance
What varies by trip
- Hotel level and board basis
- Room type and number of rooms
- Flight or train routing
- Excursions and water sports
- Festive and school-holiday dates
- Number of nights
Your written quotation lists exactly what is included for your dates.
Gallery
Where you'll be
Diani lies on Kenya’s south coast, south of Mombasa. Ukunda airstrip is a short drive from the beach hotels.
Pricing
What changes the price
- Travel dates
- Hotel level
- Board basis
- Room type
- Flights or train
- Transfers
- Excursions
- Number of nights
Final pricing depends on dates, traveller numbers, accommodation and availability.
Interested in Diani and the coast?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A consultant will come back to you with options and a firm quotation.
- Only name and email are required
- No obligation; a travel advisor replies, not an automated sequence
- Flights, hotels, transfers and visa guidance handled together
Prefer to talk it through? Talk to a travel advisor on +254 727 443840 or email travel@travellifectm.com.
Diani and the coast: good to know
How many nights do I need?
Three nights is enough after a safari. Four to seven nights suits a beach holiday, especially with children.
How do I get to Diani?
Fly from Nairobi to Ukunda in about 1 hr 15 min, or travel to Mombasa by air or the Madaraka Express train and transfer south by road.
When is the best time to go?
December to March and July to October are the driest periods. April to June is the wettest, and some hotels close for part of it.
What accommodation is there?
Everything from small guesthouses to beach hotels, boutique properties, luxury resorts and private villas. We match the hotel to your budget and who is travelling.
Can I combine Diani with a safari?
Yes. Most travellers fly from the Maasai Mara or Nairobi to the coast. We book the connecting flight and transfers.
Can Travel Life Africa arrange flights and transfers?
Yes. Flights, train tickets, airport transfers and excursions are booked with your hotel as one trip.
Other places to explore.
Photos via Unsplash (Unsplash Licence). Images show the type of place and experience and are not from a specific Travel Life Africa trip or property.