Diani Beach is well known for being selected to be Africa’s leading beach destination for the fifth time since 2015. It is located 30km south of Mombasa County, in Kwale County on the major part of the Indian Ocean in Kenya. Diani has an airstrip that enables easy access using direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
The beach stretches 17km and therefore morning runs, jogging, and a walk with your dog are some of the many ways you can spend your mornings or evenings on the beach. The beach is one of the greatest destinations for water sports in East Africa for both the skilled and non-skilled in the same. Jet-skiing, windsurfing, scuba-diving, deep-sea diving, kayaking, kitesurfing, Diani art gallery, and sport fishing are some of the fun activities to do in Diani Beach.
Swimming on the beach with talcum powder sand and lush greenery is relaxing and very refreshing. It is an experience for a lifetime and one you do not want to miss. There are a number of resorts close to the beach offering a variety to choose from depending on your budget and extravagance. Safety is also guaranteed, one of the many reasons it is hailed as one of Africa’s leading destinations.
Read: What to do in Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Activities to do in Diani
1. Explore the beach
The beaches in Diani are known for warm waters, long stretches of sandy shores, and unbroken stretches of pure white sand. Tourists from all over the world come to Diani to swim, relax and enjoy this beautiful environment. The beach scene is full of color due to the coral reefs, colorful water, and the seaweed that grows on the shores.
2. Explore the different water sports
There are several water sports centers in Diani equipped with the latest gear and well-trained instructors who are willing to share their knowledge and help you have a wonderful experience. Some of the sporting activities include jet-skiing, and windsurfing among other activities. The instructors are there to guide first-timers. This is a wonderful experience for those who want to explore.
3. Go deep-sea fishing
This is a fun activity for both those that have tried fishing and those that have never thought of it. There are many species of fish on Diani Beach and therefore going fishing will enable you to enjoy the beautiful marine life. There are many fishermen who can take you fishing with boats. The cruise is fun for people who are in love with marine life.
4. Observe Colobus
This is a conservation center that was established in 1997 that preserves and protects primates. Travelers can go to see orphaned and injured Colobus and learn about their lifestyle.
5. Playing Golf
The Leisure golf club in Diani is a beautiful and well-maintained place for lovers of golf. The resort is of the best international 18-hole golf courses in East Africa. It is for both beginners and professional golf players.
6. A visit to Shimba Hills
This being the second largest coastal forest, it hosts the highest density of African elephants in Kenya among many other species that you would enjoy seeing including Sable antelopes, elephant shrews, and bushy-tailed mongoose among others. The forest is also endowed with birdlife, different species that will interest you.
7. Diani Beach Art Gallery Exhibition
The art gallery displays fascinating artwork inspired by Africa from local artists from different cultural backgrounds. Paintings and sculptures are also exhibited there.
8. Vias Chale Island
The Sands at Chale Island is a stylish and private beach resort located on the 900m by 300m Chale Island. Situated just a stone’s throw off Kenya’s mainland, the resort occupies the north of the island, while the southern part is covered by indigenous forest and is actually a Mijikenda kaya – one of this people’s ancestral village sites that are scattered along the Kenyan coast. The Sands at Chale has been designed to blend in perfectly with the island’s natural environment and the lodge emphasizes low-impact, sustainable tourism.
9. Camel riding
The locals strap the camel’s bumpy backs with comfortable materials enabling maximum comfort when riding on them even for a long time. They help one enjoy the gorgeous visuals of the beach and the soothing atmosphere of the beach.
10. Shopping on the Beach
It is open from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. This place enables you to shop for the goods that interest you.
11. A visit to Fort Jesus and the famous old town
Fort Jesus is close to an old town and therefore one can visit both places on the same day. Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese and captured and recaptured by many different people many years ago and therefore plays a vital role in the history of Mombasa.
Read: INCREDIBLE HISTORY OF FORT JESUS FROM 1593
12. Kisite Marine Park watching Dolphins
This is one of the most renowned places to spot dolphins and snorkel, commonly known as the home of the Dolphins.
This Unspoiled, beautiful, and sun-kissed, Kisite Marine Park was established to protect the scenic islands and special habitats of a wide range of endemic marine animals and breeding migratory birds. It lies in the coral gardens south of Wasini Island and encompasses three small coral rag forest islands, each with considerable areas of fringing reef. Kisite is one of the most rewarding snorkeling locations on the coast. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, diving, and of course, sunbathing.
13. Visit Kaya Kinodo Sacred Forest
It is believed that the spirits of the ancestors of the Digo people live here and would attack anyone hunting, fetching firewood, or interfering with nature. This is a must-go place for explorers and lovers of history as it gives a history of how life was like hundreds of years ago for the locals here, the Digo people.
Diani is a good holiday destination to just relax and enjoy whether you are a Kenyan citizen or a tourist. The many resorts around the beach allow you to choose one depending on your budget and any preference including the location. Coastal Kenya is not only known for the beautiful island but also for the beautiful and unique culture of the Swahili people. Their foods, beliefs, and dressing are authentic. Their foods are unique, and one of the things you don’t want to miss. Coastal Kenya offers a variety of fun places to be and many activities to do. This should be your next holiday destination.
[…] Also Read: Diani Beach; A Great And Amazing Place To Visit […]