Choosing Diani for my vacation was a risky decision but I don’t regret any bit! For a while, I had been breathing in the desert air trying to convince myself that sand, beige and dust can replace the blue skies, green leaves and the fresh cool air. I genuinely was in search of the peace of mind, serenity, adventure and wild sea that Diani offered me…
Situated on the South Coast of Mombasa, the 25 Kilometer strip is made up of Tiwi, Diani, Galu, Kinondo & Chale Island. The pearly-white sands blend into the turquoise warm waters of the Indian Ocean creating a perfect backdrop of tranquility for a truly memorable Kenyan getaway. The large tidal movement on Diani Beach creates a width of up 200m of white sand at low tide resulting to marvelous scenery hence a major Kenyan tourist attraction.
Dotted along the beach are elegant upscale hotels and glamorous villas, and most have been attractively and sensitively-built using local materials such as palm-thatch and coconut wood and are set in large flowering gardens. With a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere, brilliantly-blue swimming pools, hammocks strung among the trees, and just steps away from the beach, they are the perfect place to kick back and do nothing!
The most popular activity is frolicking in the clear aqua-blue water of the deliciously warm Indian Ocean and numerous water-sports are on offer. Marine reserves off the coast protect important species of marine life, and the colorful coral reefs teem with fish, dolphins and turtles. Divers are spoilt for choice and over 30 dive sites within a half-hour boat trip from Diani Beach offer near perfect visibility.
Snorkeling can be done by simply walking into the sea with a guide when the water is shallow or “gone” as it allows a clear view of the sandy bottom. You can also enjoy the reefs by snorkeling from a dhow (traditional white-sailed boat) or, if you don’t want to get wet, watching the fish through a glass-bottomed boat. With wide uncrowded sand, flat water and cross- and side-shore winds, Diani has great conditions for wind- and kitesurfing and is particularly suited for beginners. Recently Skydiving was introduced; we really wanted to participate but learnt it was painfully expensive.
Away from the beach, Jadini Forest straddles the main coast road, and is a great spot for bird watching and many species of butterflies occupy the clutches of hardwood trees. It’s also home to lively troops of baboons, vervet monkeys and endangered Angolan black and white colobus monkeys, which can be seen on guided walks. Among several day trips from Diani, Shimba Hills National Reserve is one of Kenya’s largest coastal forests and has sweeping views over the ocean.
It features dense tracts of rainforest with distinct vegetation from giant knobbly baobab trees to tiny delicate orchids. Its home to warthog, giraffe and numerous antelope including the rare and graceful sable, and elephant and buffalo are likely to be seen while having lunch on the wooden balcony of the Shimba Hills Lodge.
Wasini Island is undoubtedly the most popular excursion on the south coast and lies one kilometer offshore within the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park. I will share with you in my next post our epic snorkeling experience and how lucky we were to be joined by turtles and dolphins – and why we ended up devouring the delicious barbequed seafood lunch at the famous Charlie Claw’s Restaurant.
Diani Beach is the quintessential tropical place for a relaxing beach holiday, and Diani Reef Hotel is the place to check in. Their accommodation, services and food is of high standard and their staff are kind and helpful.
Lots of love
XX
-Sea urchin