This blog post uncovers 10 of the best things to do in Diani. In case you are planning on visiting Diani town soon but have no bucket list or things to while their, worry not! we got you covered.
Diani is a Coastal town that is located 54 kilometers South of Mombasa City. It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists when they visit Coast. Having been to Diani a few times, I would say it is among the best places to visit in Kenya.
In no particular order, here is a list of 10 Fun Things to do in Diani. Have fun!
Experience Diani Nightlife at Shakatak Disco
Experiencing Diani Nightlife is one of the best things to do in Diani. At the moment, Shakatak Disco is arguably the best club in Diani. According to the latest Google Rankings, this night spot has a Google rating of 3.9 stars after more than 600 Google reviews.
One of the best things about Shakatak Disco is that it is well-stocked with a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There is beer, spirits, gin, vodka, tequila, brandy, and wine just to name a few. In case you are not in the mood to take any booze, you can order fresh juices or soda.
Another good thing about Shakatak Disco is that it attracts a vibrant, inclusive and mature crowd. You can come as you are to this nightspot without any fear of judgement.
Finally, Shakatak Disco is a good club to experience Diani nightlife because the management hires some of the best DJs in Diani town to keep the crowd entertained. On my first visit to this spot, I danced a lot. I barely sat down because the DJs kept playing hit after hit.
Shakatak Disco Location
Shakatak Disco is located along Diani Beach Road, near the Diani Sea Lodge.
Shakatak Disco Phone Numbers
+(254) 748 75 48 28
Explore Diani Beach and Engage in Water Activities
Visiting Diani Beach is among the top things to do in Diani. Over the past couple of years, Diani Beach has been voted as the best beach in Africa including in 2023 and 2020.
Diani Beach is best known for its white sandy beaches, pristine and clear waters and palm trees just a few metres from the shoreline.
In case you are looking for a fun beach where you can be able to engage in water activities such as snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, jet skiing and water skiing, you should highly consider this beach.
Another good thing about Diani beach is that it is less crowded when compared to other beaches in the Coastal area. There is room for you to swim, bask the sun, or build sand castles without interruptions.
In case you are looking for accommodations or you need any help to get accommodations in Diani area, you can check out Zunguka Safaris for unbeatable offers.
Visit Shimba Hills
A visit to Diani is incomplete without visiting the nearby Shimba Hills. As a regular tourist to this destination, there are so many things to do.
Most people like to visit the Shimba Hills because it they want to see Elephants. However, this National Park has more than that to offer.
Below is a list of other fun things you can do in Shimba Hills.
- See the last Kenyan Sable Antelope
- Bird-viewing (Shimba Hills is home to over 100 bird species. Remember to carry your binoculars)
- View the Sheldrick Falls
- Camp at the Shimba Hills Reserve
- Enjoy a Picnic at the open grounds in Shimba Hills
In case you planning on visiting the Sheldrick Falls there are few rules or guidelines you must observe.
- You must be in the company of a Kenya Wildlife Service ranger because Buffalos and Elephants often come to this spot to quench their thirst.
- You need to pay an extra KES 300 as a guide fee after visiting hours (10:00 am to 3:00 pm)
Tour Robinson Island
Touring Robinson Island is one of the best things you can do in Diani. The Island can be accessed by glass boats that charge about KES 800 per trip. The charges apply to both adults and children.
Travelling by a glass boat is highly advised because you will be able to have a clear view of the fish and aquatic plants in Indian Ocean. During the short tour to the Island, you will be able to see starfish and Tiger fish.
Once you get to Robinson Island, there are several activities you can engage in. For instance, you engage in scuba diving at a rate of $150 for a duration of 3 hours. Snorkeling, swimming and fishing is also a popular activity done by tourists.
Sail Kongo River
Kongo River is arguably the most beautiful river in Kenya. It originates from the Shimba hills and gracefully flows into the Indian Ocean. At the moment, this river forms the border between Diani Beach and Tiwi Beach.
Sailing Kongo River is among the best activities to do in Diani because it is adventurous and you will be able to enjoys scenic views of Kongo River as it flows into the Indian Ocean as an estuary.
Another reason why you should sail through Kongo River is that you will be able to take instagrammable or beautiful pictures and keep for memories. The background served by Kongo River is one of a kind. No river in Kenya matches such beauty.
Point to Note: The sailing tour on Kongo River takes approximately 40 minutes.
Visit the Diani Beach Art Gallery
Visiting Diani Beach Art Gallery is also among our list of the most popular things to do in Diani. According to the latest Google rankings, this spot has a Google rating of 4.0 after more than 30 Google reviews.
Diani Beach Art Gallery is home to view art exhibitions done by some of the best artists not only in Diani but Kenya. If you like art, this is a good place to try out. If you are lucky, you will be able to meet some of these artists and have some artistic talks.
Diani Beach Art Gallery is located at Diani Beach Shopping Centre and it is open daily from 9:00 am to 6 pm except on Mondays when they open at 1:00 pm and close at 6:00 pm. On Sundays, the facility is closed through out the day.
Diani Beach Art Gallery Location
Diani Beach Shopping Centre, 80401 Diani Beach
Diani Beach Art Gallery Phone Numbers
+(254) 706 62 96 55
Skydiving
Skydiving is among the most popular activities to do in Diani. In case you are in the mood to engage in some adrenaline rush activities, you should highly consider skydiving.
At the moment, Skydive Diani is the best and most trusted company when it comes to offering skydiving services. On average, this company charges $350 or KES 45,0000 for a complete skydive.
In case you are new to skydiving, Skydive Diani has an instructor course and a team of experts who are ready to give you video debriefings and one-on-one instructions for you to be a professional. In 3 to 4 days, you will be ready to skydive at least 12,000 feet. Amazing, right?
Below is a list of the types of skydiving jumps offered by Skydive Diani;
- Tandem Jump
- Jump School
- Sky Gods
- Jump for Charity
Point to Note: In case you are a professional skydiver, all you need to do is produce your skydiving certificate
Ready to be a Sky God? visit Skydive Diani for more information.
Skydive Diani Phone Numbers
+254 701 300 400
Visit Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park
Kisite-Mpunguti is one of the few marine parks in Kenya. It is located just 51 kilometers south of Diani. The entry fee to this hidden gem is KES 100 for adults and KES 100 for children.
Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is among the best places to visit in Diani because it is home to a variety of marine life including Dolphins and Whales.
Having visited this marine park several times, I would say that the best time to visit is from early July to late September. Late December to Late February is also recommendable. In case you do not like crowds, you should try visiting Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park during the other months.
Point to Note: Entrance to the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park is open between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
Go for a Trip to Chale Island
Chale Island is a beautiful, unique and private Island that is best known for its sandy beaches, pristine, waters and unmatched serenity. According to a survey that was recently concluded, it was determined that Chale Island is not only among the best places to visit in Diani but also in Kenya. Amazing, right?
Bucket list activities you can do on your tour to Chale Island include the following;
- Swimming in the beautiful and calm waters of the Indian Ocean
- Go for deep sea fishing
- Relax and rejuvenate at Maisha Poa Spa & Wellness Centre located at the heart of Chale Island
- Go for a forest walk at the indigenous forest surrounding Chale Island
- Have a full moon dinner
- Building sand castles and Sun basking on the shores of the Indian Ocean
For accommodations within the Island, I still recommend you to find unbeatable offers tour from Zunguka Safaris.
Tour Diani Town
Touring Diani town closes our list of the best things to do in Diani Town. Despite being small, this town offers a wide range of fun activities you can do with your family, friends or spouse.
For instance, you can visit top eateries in Diani such as Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant, Asha Bistro and The Tangezi Restaurant just to mention a few. On my visit to Diani town, I had lunch at Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant and everything was in order. The nyama choma was juicy, well-seasoned with pepper and it was accompanied with ugali, fresh kachumbari and collard greens (Sukuma-wiki)
Asides from restaurants, you can also shop at the malls. Diani Beach Shopping Centre is the biggest shopping center in Diani. At the moment, these malls has the following shops; a supermarket, a grocery shop, a gift store, chemist, computer shop, properties firm, and a restaurant.