Diani
Diani
Diani is Kenya’s best-known beach destination. Its 15-kilometre stretch of white sand is lined with cafés, restaurants and bars, yet the town has still managed to keep its relaxed, barefoot atmosphere. Getting around is easy, with tuk-tuks readily available throughout the area.
On weekends, Diani attracts a lively mix of Nairobi residents, expats, travellers, digital nomads and watersports enthusiasts. Nearby Galu Beach is particularly popular for kitesurfing, thanks to its steady afternoon winds, warm waters and reliable sunshine.
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Things to do
- Go snorkelling or scuba diving and explore the coral reefs along the coast.
- Try kitesurfing or windsurfing at Diani or nearby Galu Beach.
- Join a dolphin-watching trip, often combined with a visit to Wasini Island.
Restaurant tips
- Jolly Pizzeria. The best pizza in town, at least in our opinion. Small, local restaurant, but definitely such good pizzas! And the staff is also very friendly.
- Ali Barbours Cave Restaurant. It is a restaurant located in a natural cave. The food isn’t that spectacular, but the location is. There are two time frames you can reserve, and we recommend reserving the first at 17:30 PM. You can experience the restaurant by daylight and leave in the dark. A reservation is really recommended as it’s a popular restaurant.
- Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant. One of Diani’s best-known beachfront restaurants, popular for fresh seafood, cocktails and sunset dinners.
- The Salty Squid. A relaxed beachfront restaurant serving seafood, continental dishes and excellent sundowners.
- The K Korean Restaurant. A good option if you’re looking for something different, serving authentic Korean cuisine.
- Tribearth. A popular vegan café and community hub with a laid-back atmosphere. Regular live music events are held here throughout the week. We recommend the plant-based wraps.
- Colobus Shade. A simple local restaurant known for its fresh fish and seafood dishes.
- Estuary Beach Restaurant. Located near the Kongo River at the northern end of Diani Beach. A relaxed spot for lunch or sunset drinks. On Sundays, local families often gather on the nearby beach for picnics, creating a lively atmosphere.
To: Kilifi
Approx. 2 – 3 hours | 110 km
There are two routes to travel from Diani to Kilifi:
- Via the Likoni ferry.
- Via the newly opened Dongo Kundu Bypass, which avoids the ferry altogether.
Which route should you choose?
- Travelling during weekends or public holidays? Take the bypass. Queues for the Likoni Ferry can become very long.
- Travelling by taxi or with your own car? We also recommend the bypass for a quicker and more comfortable journey.
- Travelling by tuk-tuk or looking for a fun local experience? Take the ferry.
To: Moi International Airport
Approx. 1 – 1,5 hours | 50 km
Moi International Airport is 50 km (90 minutes) from Diani.
Depending on your travel plans, your accommodation may arrange your airport transfer.
Need to catch a flight from Nairobi? You can take a domestic flight from Moi or Diani or choose the comfortable Madaraka Express train back to Nairobi, which brings you back to Nairobi in six hours. The train leaves from Mombasa (SGR) Terminus in Miritini.
To: Watamu
Approx. 3 – 4 hours | 160 km
There are two routes to travel from Diani to Watamu:
- Via the Likoni ferry.
- Via the newly opened Dongo Kundu Bypass, which avoids the ferry altogether.
Which route should you choose?
- Travelling during weekends or public holidays? Take the bypass. Queues for the Likoni Ferry can become very long.
- Travelling by taxi or with your own car? We also recommend the bypass for a quicker and more comfortable journey.
- Travelling by tuk-tuk or looking for a fun local experience? Take the ferry.