Visiting Diani Beach: Everything You Need to Know
By Ieva Staveckaite
On the shores of the Indian Ocean, on Kenya’s south coast, lies the idyllic resort town Diani Beach. Its popularity with tourists has rendered the area an ever-growing assortment of hotels, hostels, bars and restaurants. Yet, it’s privacy and seclusion are maintained, making it the perfect beach escape.
Diani Beach is a 10 km stretch of fine, white, glistening sand surrounded by azure waters. It is one of the most captivating places I have ever travelled to. When tides are shallow reefs reveal an exquisite world of sea life right at your feet. Scurrying crabs retreat to their hiding places as you wade through the crystalline waters. The lush rainforest at its fringes only adds to the picture-postcard atmosphere. Sea salt lingers in the air; fresh coconuts reappear in your hands and time truly appears frozen.
Coastal Kenya is particularly unique being that it is bursting with biodiversity. There are over 550 plant and 50 animal species that exist within Kenya's coastal forestry that do not occur anywhere else on earth. Its waters are home to dolphins, whales, dugongs as well as a variety of turtle species. Snorkelling excursions occur regularly from Diani Beach, and you can also partake in kitesurfing, water-skiing, fishing and of course swimming. If this doesn’t sound like enough, then why not hop on a camel for a ride across the serene shoreline?
For the only place, within Kenya, to see the rare Sable antelope, a day visit to Shimba Hills National Reserve is ideal. The 300 sq.km park is one of the most extensive coastal forests in East Africa, displaying a stunning range of flora and fauna. A paradise for bird-watchers, 111 bird species inhabit the reserve, 22 of which are native to the area. Although it is more difficult to catch a glimpse of big game here due to the thick nature of the forest, the wildlife encounters that you do have are just that more rewarding.
To witness Colobus monkeys up close as they leap between tree tops or dangle from low hanging branches, take a trip to the nearby Colobus Conservation. Here guided eco-tours occur every Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm. Visitors are able to immerse themselves in an incredible ecological system filled with not only Colobus monkeys, but other primates such as vervets, Sykes and baboons. Colobus monkeys are at risk from hunting and deforestation with only an estimated 2000 remaining in the entirety of Kenya, meaning any donations made go directly to protecting these wonderful creatures.
Accessing Diani Beach requires a ferry trip from Mombasa, via the Likoni Ferry, followed by a drive of around 40 minutes. The ferry ride itself does not take more than 10 minutes; however the queue to get on is unpredictable, meaning you could have to wait in line for up to an hour. Having flown to Mombasa airport, we were picked up by a driver who proceeded to take us to our hotel, Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach Resort, situated on Diani Beach. Overall the journey took 1 hour and 30 minutes.