Diani beach is a beautiful beach on the Indian Ocean and undoubtedly holidaymaker’s favorite destination while on Kenya safari. It is credited for its stunning white sands, scenic greenery and magnificent shade of emerald blue which emerges from its clear warm waters. Diani beach holiday is one interesting experience most holidaymakers on Kenya safari come to enjoy and you too shouldn’t miss out.
Location of Diani beach
Diani beach is one of the most scenic beaches found along the Indian Ocean just at the coast of Kenya, about 30kms South of Mombasa. It is a spectacular beach and a famous destination for honeymooners, beach lovers on Kenya safari. This beach extends up to 17kms from River Kongo to the North and Galu beach to the South.
ACTIVITIES TO DO IN DIANI BEACH.
Boasting of its beautiful white sands and clear water, Diani beach in Kenya has plenty of interesting activities to keep you busy on your beach holiday. Here are some of the most amazing things you should count a must-do on Diani beach holiday.
Boat trips/scuba diving/snorkeling
Diani beach is an amazing place to experience the best of Africa’s boat cruise, scuba diving and snorkeling. If you are interested in exploring and experiencing the distinct marine species along the Indian Ocean then don’t miss the Diani beach holiday. The boat rides are best done along the calm water of the Indian Ocean.
Snorkeling experiences and scuba diving are excellently carried out along the Indian Ocean. These offer you a great chance to encounter the unique marine species including among others the hawksbill sea turtles, green sea turtle, humpback whales and others.
Sky diving
Sky diving is one most exciting experience any holidaymaker shouldn’t miss out at Diani beach. Millions of holidaymakers come to Diani beach purposely to engage in the sky diving expedition.
Fort Jesus tour
One of the amazing places you shouldn’t miss to pay a visit on Diani beach safari is the Fort Jesus. This is one of Kenya’s ancient historical and tourist sites set just a few minutes from Diani beach. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site established towards the end of the 16th century; from 1593 to 1596. This was under the command/reign of Portuguese King Philip I and the Spanish King Philip II.
Fort Jesus is one of the distinct architectural sites along the coastline just next to Mombasa. The establishment of Fort Jesus was purposely to safeguard Mombasa Town that served as the trade transit route or the historical trade.
Visit the nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve
Set about 45 minutes’ drive from Diani beach lies Shimba Hills National Reserve a home to the big game (buffaloes, elephants, leopards), hyenas, bush bucks, sable antelopes, bush duikers, red duikers, serval cats, Sykes monkeys. This reserve also protects an estimated population of about 111 species of birds including honey guide, sunbirds, African hawk, hornbill, ostriches. There are also some incredible reptiles including cobra, python, lizard and others.
Tour Diani beach art gallery
The Diani beach art gallery displays unique art pieces made from the talented African artists. While at the art gallery, expect to explore variety of art pieces, beautiful sculptures or purchase some at affordable rate.
Kongo mosque tour
The Kongo mosque is one unique site Diani beach is popular for. This mosque serves both as a religious site and as a tourist attraction. It is the oldest mosque in East Africa dating about 14th century when it was constructed by the Arab traders.
Visit Chale Island
Located within the Msambweni Bay 12kms South of Diani beach Kenya, Chale Island is one splendid island you should expect to explore on Diani beach holiday. This island is popular for its thrilling experiences including beach snorkeling, boat snorkeling, game fishing, kayaking and others. Chale Island is both a magical attraction and heed place for the native residents at the coast who use it as a worshiping place.
Playing golf
Diani beach holiday also includes golf matches at Leisure Lodge Golf Course which sits on 6084sq.m. This is one memorable activity for holidaymakers on family retreat and offers a chance for you to sight several interesting birds, monkeys that thrive in the nearby forest.
Chill at the spas
Diani beach is known for its exceptional spas that provide a world-class relaxing spa and massage experience. They include among others the Uzuri Spa Diani that provides anti-ageing treatments, waxing, manicure, pedicure and others. You can as well go swimming pool.
HISTORY OF MOMBASA.
Mombasa features a distinct history offering holidaymakers insight on its establishment up to what it is today. It is a beautiful city and also Kenya’s chief port lying suitably along a Coralline Island in a bay of the Indian Ocean.
History of Mombasa can be traced back to the 16th century when most traders tried to enforce their governance on the town given its strategic location where Arab influences are still felt up-to-date. Mombasa Town still remained a central point for Arab Trade for ivory and slaves especially from 8th to 16th century. Arab traders at the time, sailed down up to the Kenyan coast from the 1st century AD and strengthened trade on Mombasa and Lamu ports.
Prior Mombasa becoming fully established as a significant port for trade across the Indian Ocean, the whole area had served as a settlement site for the Bantu speaking people. In 1331, the Arab traveler Ibn Battutah visited Mombasa and later in 1498, Vasco da Gama also became the first European to have visited the area. Being strategically located, fights continued up to 1840 when the Sultan of Zanzibar took over. In 1928, Mombasa became a municipality and in 1959, it assumed council status.
In 1698, the Portuguese took over Mombasa city and later, the Omani Arabs. It was in 1895 when the British took over Mombasa. This was after establishment of the British East Africa Protectorate. Mombasa was penetrated by colonial influence leading to promotion of European cultures in the town and other islands in Kenya. In the early 1900s, the railway line from Mombasa to Uganda was completed and still remains the main landmark in Mombasa’s history today. Mombasa served as a capital of the British East Africa Protectorate from 1887 to 1907.
It was until 1963 when Kenya gained her independence that the British rule came to an end even in Mombasa. It should be noted that Mombasa is comprised of 2 ports; Mombasa Old Port along the island’s east part and Kilindini Harbour to the West.
The old port is presently used by dhows and small craft, promoting trade from Arabia, the Persian Gulf and India. It is in the old port where you can find the Fort Jesus that was set up by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1595.
The Fort Jesus is currently a museum however, there are also other roman catholic and Anglican cathedrals. In 1952, the Hindu temple was constructed making Mombasa a remarkable place with numerous historical cultural sites.
Kilindini is a modern port with varied berths in a landlocked anchorage. Generally, Mombasa is a main market for farm products such as sugar, sisal, cotton, coconuts, kapok, vegetables and fruits in the adjacent region and most of these are exported to other countries.
Unlike other cities/towns, Mombasa is entirely a tourism-based city in Kenya boasting not only for its extra-large port but also has an international airport. This makes it a significant tourism centre in East African region. Mombasa lies along the East coast of Kenya-East Africa and it is a second capital of Kenya.
Climate: Mombasa experiences both the tropical wet and tropical dry climate. The rainfall amount received varies depending on the season with the highest amount recorded from the month of April to May and minimal rains are recorded from January to February each year. Mombasa lies near the Equator crossing and temperatures range from 28 to 33.7 degrees Celsius.
BEST TIME TO VISIT DIANI BEACH, KENYA
For beach enthusiasts, the best time to visit Diani beach Kenya is during the months of July, August, and September. It is very hot during from the months of January, February or early March.
High number of holidaymakers confine at Diani beach between January and February. These are ideal for holidaymakers who are interested in swimming or relaxing in the cool water at Diani beach.
Accommodation
Diani beach holiday never disappoints when it comes to accommodation facilities. You can choose from budget to luxury with the notable ones include Diani Sea Resort, Baobab Beach Resort, Diani Reef Beach Resort, Swahili Beach Resort. Other places to stay include Diani Backpackers, Leopard Beach Resort and Spa, Water lovers Beach Resort, Afrika Pearl and Spa.
Access to Diani beach for a beach holiday.
Diani beach is 9 to 10 hours’ drive away from Nairobi capital city of Kenya. By air, it is possible to connect to this beautiful beach from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and you land in at Ukunda Airstrip.
