Diani Beach
Diani Beach is Kenya's premier beach destination — a 17-kilometre stretch of powder-white coral sand on the south coast, backed by swaying palm trees and warm turquoise Indian Ocean waters. The reef offshore provides excellent snorkelling and diving, while the nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve and Colobus Conservation centre offer wildlife encounters just minutes from the beach. Diani is a natural extension to a Kenyan safari, combining effortlessly with Masai Mara or Amboseli for a classic bush-and-beach itinerary.
Attractions & Wildlife
Diani Beach
The beach itself — 17 kilometres of pristine coral sand, turquoise water, and the gentle waves of the Indian Ocean with palm trees overhead.
Colobus Conservation
The Colobus Conservation project protects the endangered Angola colobus monkeys that live in the forest backing Diani Beach — guided walks through the forest with these striking primates are memorable.
Shimba Hills Day Trip
The forested Shimba Hills National Reserve just inland from Diani contains sable antelope (found nowhere else in Kenya), elephants, and leopards accessible on a day trip from the beach.
Our Insider Tips
South coast is cheaper than Watamu. Diani offers good value compared to Watamu and Malindi further north — accommodation across a full range of budgets, and the beach is arguably finer.
Best beach for families in Kenya. The shallow reef lagoon makes Diani's waters very safe for children and non-swimmers. The reef itself is accessible by snorkel from the beach at low tide.