Diani, South Coast
Exploring your destinations
Beach Holidays
The Kenyan coast and Zanzibar
Most clients come to the coast after a safari rather than instead of one. After several early starts and long drives, a week where nothing is scheduled is usually welcome.
The Kenyan coast runs for several hundred kilometres, with a reef offshore for much of its length. That reef keeps water calmer and shallower inside it, which is what makes these beaches different from open-ocean coastline.
Plan My SafariWhere to Go
Diani
South of Mombasa, Diani is the best known: wide white sand, a good range of accommodation and enough going on that you are not restricted to your hotel.
01
Watamu and Malindi
Further north, Watamu and Malindi are quieter. Watamu sits beside a marine national park and suits snorkelling and diving.
02
Lamu
Lamu is different again: an old Swahili town with no cars, reached by boat, and a slower pace than anywhere else on the coast.
03
Zanzibar
Zanzibar combines Stone Town with beaches on the north and east coasts, and works well at the end of a Tanzania safari.
What There Is to Do
Snorkelling and diving at Kisite Marine Park and around Watamu. Dhow trips, usually at sunset or to Wasini Island for the day. Kitesurfing at Diani during windy months. Deep-sea fishing from Watamu and Malindi.
Inland from Diani, the Shimba Hills are a short drive away and hold sable antelope and elephants.
If you would rather do nothing at all, that works too.
When to Go
December to March is hot, clear and the most popular period. The sea is usually calm, and underwater visibility is often at its best.
June to October is cooler and breezier, which suits kitesurfing but can make water less clear. It is also generally quieter and better value.
April and May bring the long rains. Some properties close, while others discount heavily.
Ramadan can affect opening hours and the availability of some services in Lamu and Zanzibar. We will tell you if your dates fall within it.
Getting There
From Nairobi, the SGR train to Mombasa is comfortable and takes most of the morning. Flights connect Nairobi with Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu and Diani's airstrip.
If you are coming from safari, we often route the trip through Tsavo rather than sending you back through Nairobi.
Safaris
Beach Holidays we plan
Plan a Beach Holiday
Tell us how you want to spend it
Send us your dates and whether you want somewhere lively or somewhere quiet. We will suggest accommodation that matches.