Diani Beach is a resort area on the Indian Ocean in Kenya, 30 km south of Mombasa.

It is the most tourist-oriented beach of the so-called South Coast. It is separated from the Tiwi Beach to the north by the Kongo River. 10Km south of Diani Beach is Galu Beach, 20 km south Gazi Beach, 30 km south the Msambweni Beach and 50 km the south the Mwazaro Beach.

People who want to spend their holidays at the wonderful beaches of Kenya and to go on a safari tour have to decide whether to go to South Coast or North Coast, which simply means south or north of Mombasa. While the South Coast has the nicer beaches and more primordial nature the North Coast around Mombasa offers much more activities. Some of the hotels at South Coast are quite isolated offering tranquil holidays at beach and pool which might become boring. Others are closer to night-life and shopping centres. In contrast the beaches of the North Cost that are close to Mombasa are more crowded but offer a lot of action and activities, sightseeing, sports, night-life . The beaches further north (Kilifi, Watamu, Malindi) are like South Coast, primordial and tranquil, not as long and broad as Diani Beach but even more photogenic.

There will be many cultural differences that often lead to misunderstandings between guests and locals. It's advisable to inform yourself..

Kenya is known for sex tourism too. Along the beach, in beach bars or in the huts along the beach offering massage you will get in contact with Kenyan women and men, who try to bind themselves to a tourist in search of a better life. One should always be aware that money, not sympathy, is what they are looking for. Take the usual precautions against HIV infections!

By plane

There is a small airport called Ukunda, international travelers will probably use the airport in Mombasa instead.

By taxi

Taxis from Mombasa city center will be around 30$ or 3000 Ksh. From the airport a little more (35-40$, 3500-4000Ksh). Taxi can be a good choise because with public transport you have to change 3 times.

By bus

The cheapest way to get to Diani Beach is by local bus-taxis (Matatus). From Mombasa town to Likoni Ferry is about Ksh 30. From the Likoni Ferry, take another matatu to Ukunda (30 kms) for about Ksh 60. From Ukunda to Diani Beach, take another matatu about 5 kilometers at the cost of about Ksh 30.

Coming from Tanzania, you can get a bus going to Mombasa and ask the driver to be dropped in Ukunda to better enjoy.