25 Plus Things to Do in Diani Beach Kenya
From the turquoise blue waters to the long white sandy beaches and the lush greenery forests in the backdrop, Diani has no shortage of attractions and activities to do while on holiday. It was voted Africa’s leading beach destination in 2023, and this diversity is evidence enough of why Diani is a favourite for many holiday goers.
If you’re planning a trip down the Kenyan south coast, below is a list of more than 25 things to do in Diani for both the budget and luxurious traveller.
Sunset Experiences
There are many ways to experience a Diani sunset, including:
Dhow Cruise Along Diani's Coast
Diani’s sunsets are magical and what better way to chase them than on a traditional Swahili dhow boat? You’ll hop on board in the afternoon and sail along Diani’s coast, as the sun slowly sets and the sky turns into a dreamy brilliant red and orange. On your way back, you’ll indulge in the local cuisine for dinner, live music, and a stargazing experience as the night slowly approaches.
Kongo River Canoe Sunset Experience
The Kongo River flows into the Indian Ocean in a gorgeous estuary that’s a combination of sandbanks with crashing ocean waves on one side and still mangrove waters on the other. A sunset experience here involves a human-powered canoe riding upstream as the sun sets quietly in front of you, creating the most picturesque spot in Diani. The site is also home to one of the oldest mosques on the East African coast, surrounded by towering baobab trees.
Island Tours and Day Trips in Diani
An excursion to any of the several islands near Diani and the south coast offers a peek into its flora and fauna, coupled with fun activities like boat trips, snorkelling, scuba diving, and sunbathing.
Robinson Island on a Glass Bottom Boat
Robinson Island is a large sandbank just a few minutes away from the Diani beach. The tour takes place in a boat fitted with a neat glass at the bottom so you can marvel at the water creatures below, including an impressive underwater captain show. The glass-bottom boat cruise then anchors at the island for a chance to swim, bask in the sun or go snorkelling, before getting back to the beach later in the day.
Funzi Island Full-Day Trip
If you’re looking to visit some of Diani’s least explored gems, then a Funzi Island tour should be on your itinerary. This full-day trip begins with a drive through a sugarcane plantation, followed by a boat ride through the Ramisi River – a haven for bird lovers and watchers. On the island, you can swim, enjoy a village tour, learn about the local Shirazi tribe, and indulge in a hearty seafood lunch.
Chale Island Viewpoint Tour
Chale Island is located 19 kilometres south of Diani. A day excursion provides you with an opportunity to sunbathe in Gazi Beach and then later walk on the Gazi Women Boardwalk over the mangrove forest, as you learn more about the community’s conservation efforts. Just ahead, the Chale Island viewpoint gives spectacular views of one of Africa’s most romantic islands.
Wasini Island & Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park Excursion
A Wasini Island day tour from Diani is unmissable for marine life enthusiasts and snorkelling lovers. It’s also the only place you can go for a dolphin tour in Diani, near the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park. Lunch at the nearby Wasini island allows you to explore the local cuisines and learn more about the community’s way of living. For history lovers, the nearby Shimoni caves were a significant point of storage for slaves before they were shipped for sale.
Diani Market and Cultural Tours
If you’re looking for an authentic and immersive travel experience, a cultural tour with a knowledgeable guide is one of the ways to explore less-known attractions in Diani. With a population of around 77,000, Diani and the larger Ukunda area is a rich tapestry of different tribes and cultures. Indulge in the Swahili way of living, visit a traditional healer, join a cultural dance show, or enjoy the local cuisine through the following activities:
Traditional food shopping, preparation, and dining with a local
Giriama cultural dances and village tours
Samburu and Maasai traditional shows, such as dances, beads making, and hair braiding
African pottery classes
Nature and Conservation Tours in Diani
These tours are a great way to give back to the community while exploring and learning about the flora and fauna. The local community is actively involved in preserving and protecting endangered animals, plant species, and sacred spaces. Some of the places you can visit in Diani for such experiences include:
Colobus Conservation Centre
The Angolan colobus monkey is an endangered species, and the Colobus Conservation Centre in Diani promotes the protection of these primates and their unique coastal forest habitat. A visit here includes a guided primate ecotour as you learn about the forest and various conservation efforts. You can also give back to the community on this tour by sponsoring a tree, adopting a monkey, or buying in the gift shop.
Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
Kaya Kinondo is a sacred cultural site believed to be a fortified settlement for the local Digo people when they arrived at the Kenyan coast some 600 or so years ago. A tour of the Kaya Kinondo forest promises an immersion into the local culture through a guided forest walk and a traditional village tour to explore the community’s ways of living.
Bora Bora Wildlife Park
Located just one kilometre away from the beach, the Bora Bora Wildlife Park is a sanctuary for different kinds of animals such as ostriches, the African warthog, Maasai giraffes, buffaloes, and the Nile crocodile. You can take part in various activities here including feeding wildlife, guided walking tours, and cultural tours. There’s also a restaurant on site where you can enjoy a meal or cool down the day with a drink.
Game Drives and Safari Near Diani
Diani’s strategic location means you can have a beach and bush experience without breaking the bank. Depending on your budget, you can choose from a one-day excursion to a several-night stay in some of Kenya’s renowned safari destinations.
Shimba Hills and Sheldrick Falls Tour
This is one of the most popular day trips from Diani because it’s only a one-hour drive from the beach. The Shimba Hills National Reserve is home to the Sable antelope, elephants, giraffes, impalas, and a rich forest birdlife. Another reason the Shimba Hills tour is a favourite for many is that you get to visit and swim in the Sheldrick waterfall, take a guided walk on Shifoga nature trail, and later catch the sunset on a vantage viewpoint.
Tsavo East National Park Full Day Safari Trip
Tsavo East National Park is only a few hours drive from Diani and provides an exceptional and unforgettable game-viewing experience. Being one of the largest parks in Kenya, you’ll have the chance to see all the African big five animals, including the “Red” Elephants, and learn about the legend of the Man-eating Lions. It’s also one of the few parks in the country where you can see the white and black rhinos.
Beach Activities
The beach in Diani stretches approximately 17 kilometres long from Galu in the south to the Kongo River in the north. When you want to take a break from all the sightseeing adventures and enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, here are a few low-effort activities you can do in Diani:
Traditional cooking by the beach
Camel riding
Beach horse riding
Water Sports and Activities
Various centres offer first-timers and seasoned water adventure seekers an opportunity to experience the constant trade winds and gentle waves of Diani.
Some water sports and activities to try include:
Kite surfing
Kayaking
Stand-up paddle boarding
Swimming at the Africa’s pool at Tiwi beach
Tandem skydiving
Book Your Experience in Diani Beach Today
Whether you’re a backpacker or a luxurious traveller, on a solo trip or holiday with family and friends, Diani has many things to do, places to visit, and attractions to see.
To book or learn more about any of these experiences, write to us at support@kaaribu.com or send us a WhatsApp text at +254732905343. We also create custom tour packages based on individual preferences to ensure you get the full Diani experience.
