If you're searching for things to do in Diani Beach , you've possibly already seen the photos of that blindingly white sand and turquoise water. It's easily a single of the nearly all beautiful spots upon the Kenyan coast, but there's way more to this particular place than simply focusing on your bronze. Whether you're the total adrenaline junkie or someone who just wants to eat fresh seafood until you can't shift, Diani has a bit of everything.
I've spent a lot of time roaming around this part of the entire world, and what can make Diani special is definitely the vibe. It's laid-back, individuals are extremely friendly, and even though it's a favorite tourist destination, it still feels like it offers a spirit. Let's dive directly into some of the best ways to spend your time here.
Get out on the particular water at Kisite-Mpunguti
You can't come to Diani and remain on the shore the whole time. One of the particular absolute highlights is taking a day trip to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Country wide Park . It's a bit of a trek—you'll usually take a dhow (a traditional wooden boat) from Shimoni—but it's worth each second.
The snorkeling here is world-class. The water is so obvious it feels such as you're swimming in an aquarium. You'll see everything through bright parrotfish to sea turtles, and if you're fortunate, a pod associated with dolphins might determine to swim alongside the boat. Many tours include the massive Swahili-style lunch time on Wasini Island afterward, which usually involves more crab and ginger lime green juice than a person can handle. It's a long day, but it's very easily one of the top things to do in Diani Beach.
Try your hands at kitesurfing
If you keep an eye out at the horizon on the windy day time, you'll see tons of colorful kites dancing over the dunes. Diani is truly a worldwide hotspot for kitesurfing, thanks to the consistent trade gusts of wind and the flat water protected with the reef.
When you've never attempted it, don't get worried. There are many great schools right on the beach, like Quest Kiteboarding or H2O Extreme. Even if a person aren't probably the most sports person, taking a finding lesson is a fun time. Just be ready to swallow some saltwater and end up with some very sore muscles the following day. But hello, that's part associated with the fun, ideal?
Explore the particular Shimba Hills State Reserve
Sometimes you need the break from the salt and sand. Luckily, Shimba Hills National Reserve is just a short drive away from the coast. It's one associated with the largest seaside forests in East Africa, and it's a totally various world compared to the beach.
The landscape will be all rolling hills and dense greenery. It's mostly of the places you can observe the rare Sable Antelope. You might also spot elephants, giraffes, and lots of monkeys. My favorite part, though, is definitely the hike straight down to Sheldrick Falls. It's an exercise, especially using the dampness, but standing below that cold design at the end feels amazing. Simply make sure you bring decent shoes and boots; flip-flops won't cut it on all those trails.
Dinner in a cave at Ali Barbour's
I generally try to prevent places that experience too "touristy, " but Ali Barbour's Give Restaurant is definitely an exception you have to make. It's a cafe set in an exceedingly naturally formed coral give that's estimated to be about 120, 000 to one hundred and eighty, 000 years old.
The roof is definitely open to the night time sky, so you're literally dining underneath the stars while surrounded by ancient rock walls lit by candlelight. It's incredibly romantic, even in case you're just generally there with friends. The particular food is mainly seafood-focused and very top quality. It's definitely around the pricier side intended for Kenya, but with regard to the atmosphere by yourself, it's one associated with those essential things to do in Diani Beach.
Visit the Colobus Conservation center
Keep close track of the trees while you're walking around Diani, plus you'll likely observe the beautiful black-and-white Colobus monkeys. Unfortunately, they face plenty of challenges from visitors and power lines. The Colobus Conservation center does some incredible work protecting these primates and the local habitat.
You can take a guided walk via their grounds to learn about the particular different types of monkeys in the area plus see the "colobridges" they've built across the roads to assist the monkeys cross safely. It's an easy way to spend several hours, and the entrance fees go straight toward helping the animals. It's a nice way to give back to the community that's hosting your vacation.
Sunset drinks at a beach club
There is a very particular kind of magic that occurs in Diani around 5: 00 PM. The heat starts to crack, the sky becomes shades of pink and orange, and everyone heads to the beach pubs.
Forty Thieves is the traditional spot—it's been around forever and provides a very calm, "toes in the sand" vibe. If you want something a little bit more modern, The Salty Squid or Nomads are fantastic. There's nothing quite like sitting down with a chilly Tusker beer (the local favorite) and watching the dhows sail past as the sun goes lower. It's the ideal way to decompress after a day time of exploring.
Learn some background at Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
If you want to understand the cultural center of the area, head to Kaya Kinondo . This isn't just a forest; it's a holy site for the Digo people, 1 of the 9 tribes of the particular Mijikenda.
You have to check out with a nearby guide, and generally there are certain rules you have to follow—like wrapping the black sarong (kaniki) around your waistline to show regard to the spirits. Walking through the ancient trees while hearing concerning the rituals and good the particular forest is really a powerful experience. It's silent, cool, and seems a million miles away from the particular busy resort pieces.
Take the glass-bottom boat to the sandbar
You don't usually have to continue a full-day expedition to Kisite to see the reef. Many local boat operators offer shorter trips on glass-bottom boats right from the main beach. They'll take you out to the "sandbar" that seems at low tide.
It's a great option if a person have kids or even if you aren't a strong swimmer. You can see the coral and fish through the floor associated with the boat, then hop out into waist-deep, crystal-clear drinking water in the middle of the sea. The boat captains are usually figures, full of tales and jokes, producing the entire trip a lot of enjoyable.
Shop from the local marketplaces
While there are plenty of high-end boutiques in the shopping malls, the particular local markets are usually where you'll get the real treasures. You will discover beautiful hand-carved wood bowls, colorful kikoy wraps, and complex beadwork.
Don't be afraid to haggle a bit—it's expected and generally carried out with a great deal of smiling and back-and-forth. Just remember to keep it friendly. A few extra shillings may not imply much to a person, but it can produce a big difference to the person who spent days making that item.
Try the local Swahili foods
You can find excellent pizza and teigwaren in Diani, but you'd be lacking out if a person didn't dive directly into the local Swahili cuisine. Search for areas serving Pilau (spiced rice), Biryani , and Mahamri (sweet cardamom donuts).
One of the favorite things to do in Diani Beach is to find a small local "hoteli" and order fish in coconut sauce ( samaki wa kupaka ). The blend associated with African, Indian, plus Arabic influences in the food the following is incredible. It's flavorful, aromatic, and generally very affordable.
Wrapping it upward
Honestly, the best thing regarding Diani is that will you can do as much or less than you want. You can invest your morning diving and your mid-day hiking, or you can just flower yourself on a sun lounger along with a book and a cocktail rather than move for three days.
It's a spot that rewards those who are willing to explore a little deeper. Don't just stay inside your vacation resort walls. Move out, talk to the locals, try the street food, and embrace the slow pace of "pole" (slowly, slowly) life. Anything you end up doing, Diani has a way of sticking with a person long after you've left the beach behind.