DIANI, THE ULTIMATE PARADISE

Diani beach is located along the Kenyan coast, about 19 kilometers south of Mombasa. The stunning beach is about 10 kilometers long, with a beautiful 12 mile stretch of sand and shallow waters near the shore. It is bordered by the stunning Indian Ocean, delicate silky white sands, warm turquoise waters, lavish greenery with palm-lined streets, and the shinning emerald blue that emerges from the crystal-clear waters. Diani Beach is undoubtedly stunning and therefore one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Kenya. It is known for its coral reefs, black and white colobus monkeys, and for the closely located Shimba Hills National Reserve, which looks out over the Indian ocean. In addition, Diani has an airstrip that makes it easily accessible using direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport in Nairobi. It is also a little more than an hour’s drive from Mombasa and a 4 – 5hour train ride on the recently operational Nairobi-Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway making road and railway transport possible alternatives. Noteworthy is the fact that Diani beach has for five consecutive years been awarded as Africa’s leading beach destination!                                          

Fasten your seatbelt and let’s explore Diani Beach–everything that comes to mind when you think of a tropical paradise. In this article, we will look at some of the activities and experiences, that make Diani the ultimate paradise.

1. Skydiving in Diani

Skydiving is one of the most fun and enjoyable activities to do on the planet. While skydiving, endorphins, adrenaline, and serotonin, known as the feel-good chemicals, are produced by the brain essentially making people feel very happy. Skydiving at Diani is a popular attraction for people all over the world and the ever-clear skies make the sport extremely enjoyable.

Every March and November, Skydive Diani organizes the weekly boogies festivals during which, tourists get a chance to enjoy advanced skydiving antiques and an exclusive training session. To make your experience even more exhilarating, Skydive Diani offers the off-planes package, where divers jump from an airplane, of course with the help of a guide.

A group skydiving in Diani

2.  Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Boat Trips in Diani Beach

Boat trips, Snorkeling, and scuba diving are all exciting ways to enjoy the richness and diversity of marine life hosted in the Indian Ocean. The key difference between scuba diving and snorkeling is how deep you go into the water. While scuba diving and snorkeling, you get the opportunity to explore the world underwater and therefore, stand a chance to interact with marine animals like green sea turtles, hawksbill sea turtles, killer whales, humpback whales, and many more. 

A scuba diver in Diana

3. Visiting Chale Island

Right at the heart of Msambweni bay, 12 km south of Diani Beach, lies Chale Island. It has a spectacular white sand beach and is beautifully fringed by coral reefs, making it a haven for tourists seeking a more romantic treat. From its adequately equipped water sports center to fascinating boat excursions, Chale Island ultimately has something to offer to everyone. While on your visit to Chale Island, you can participate in activities like boat snorkeling, beach snorkeling, kayaking, local catamaran sailing, game fishing and so much more.  

In the middle of the Island, lies Maisha Poa spa and you can agree with me that nothing beats a professional massage over some soothing music, after a long day on the beach. Here, all the energies of the tidal lake, coral caves, ancient mangroves and gentle breeze cumulate, offering you the right atmosphere to facilitate relaxation. 

About 20km south of the Island, lies Wasini Marine reserve which is endowed with several marine animals. And on the western side of Chale Island, lies Gazi, a local village that is most popular for fishing. Here, you can sample some of the authentically cooked fish and other marine animals as you enjoy the view of the big coconut plantation and mangrove swamps. An excursion to this village is enough to feel the traditional setting of the Kenyan society. 

4. Relax at the Spas in Diani

Diani Beach is the home to award-winning spas that offer the most relaxing spa and massage experience. Some also provide henna paintings, which is the traditional way of enhancing beauty in women among the locals. A perfect example of a world-class spa at Diani Beach is the Uzuri SPA Diani, which offers treatments with both European and African products to suit both men and women. Uzuri Spa and Fitness is located at the Leopard Beach resort. Just like its name suggests, uzuri (goodness), this spa is a sanctuary for people who want to enjoy tranquillity and experience body, mind and soul rejuvenation at its best. 

Some of the facilities at the spa include the Afya Gym ( a state of the art) a fully equipped workout facility alongside an aerobics and yoga pavilion, as part of their workout department. If you need a break from the ordinary salty water, you can unwind on their steam bath, sauna, and outdoor Jacuzzi. There is also a health bar, which is close to the pool and offers different fresh juices, healthy salads, light meals, and smoothies. What a way to end your day!

5. A Visit to Shimba Hills National Reserve

Diani is home to East Africa’s second-largest coastal forest, Shimba hills. The National reserve is only 45 minutes from Diani Beach, making it worth the visit during your stay in Diani. It presents a different kind of experience with a beautiful view of local villages, wildlife and so much more, hence a much needed break from all the water activities at Diani Beach. Shimba Hills National Reserve is famous for being a home to animals such as elephants, sable antelopes, Genets, leopards, civet cats, waterbucks, hyenas, buffalos, bush pigs, bushbuks, white Columbus and coastal black, bush duiker and so many others. It harbors reptiles such as Pythons, Lizards, Cobras, and Geckos and is also home to more than 111 bird species including the African Hawk, Ostrich Eagle, Quail, Sunbird, Crowned, Hornbill, Honey Guide, and Uluguru.

Elephants in Shimba Hills National Reserve

There are several other activities, including but not limited to: playing golf, visiting forty thieves beach bar and bistro, visiting the Diani Beach art gallery, touring the Kongo mosque and touring fort jesus, a combination of which makes Diani the ultimate paradise. It is perfect for both relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal tourism destination for all in need of a beautiful escape or get away. 

In case you’re wondering where to travel to next, Diani beach is definitely ideal and worth the consideration. Book your trip to Diani Beach with Swanair Travel and Safaris, to experience all the above and more, by simply visiting www.swanairtravel.com or reaching out through info@swanairtravel.com and +256776515014. With Swanair Travel and Safaris, planning your travel will not only be easy and quick, but also, in accordance with your personal wishes. You will undoubtedly be able to experience your most deserved memorable get away, at a subsidized cost and without breaking a sweat. Let’s travel and explore Kenya together!