Diani Beach, Kenya: Best Beach Tourism Destinations in Africa
Diani Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Indian Ocean coast in Kenya (East Africa). This beach is located 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Mombasa, in Kwale District. This beach has been named the best beach tourism destination in Africa for the fifth time since 2015.
Diani Beach is about 17 kilometers (11 miles) long, from the Congo river in the north to Galu beach in the south (the southern reference point is an old Baobab tree). Diani Beach is one of the most famous tourist areas in Kenya. The indigenous people of this area are the Digo tribe, one of nine ethnic communities known as Mijikenda. Today, the area is also inhabited by Kenyan people of various ethnicities who are attracted by the tourism-related economy.
The area is also known for its coral reefs, black-and-white colobus monkeys and nearby Shimba Hills National Park, a nature reserve overlooking the Indian Ocean. Diani Beach has restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and several shopping centers. Diani Beach is also a popular location for kitesurfing, jet skiing and snorkelling. The 16th-century Congo Mosque is located at the northern end of Diani Beach, where the river Congo flows into the sea separating Diani Beach from the Tiwi. This is an old Swahili structure left in Diani.
Local Activities or Attractions Along With Ticket Prices
There are many local activities or attractions that you can enjoy while visiting Diani Beach. Here are some examples:
Kitesurfing: You can rent kitesurfing equipment and coaches at some of the kitesurfing centers in Diani Beach, such as H2O Extreme, The Sands at Nomad, or Kenyaways Kite Village. You can enjoy challenging winds and waves while gliding over the water with a colorful kite. Equipment rental prices range from USD 30-50 per hour, while training costs USD 50-80 per hour.
Snorkeling: You can explore the underwater beauty of Diani Beach by snorkeling around its coral reefs. You can see various types of tropical fish, turtles, dolphins and even whale sharks if you are lucky. You can rent snorkel equipment at some hotels or local tour operators, such as Pilli Pipa Dhow Safari or Charlie Claw’s Wasini Island. Equipment rental prices range from 10-20 USD per day, while prices for snorkeling tours range from 50-100 USD per person including transportation and lunch.
Safari: You can visit Shimba Hills National Park, which is located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Diani Beach. You can see various types of wildlife, such as elephants, zebras, antelopes, hippos, and leopars. You can also enjoy
scenic view of Sheldrick Falls, a 25-metre (82-foot) waterfall that cascades into the rainforest. You can book a Shimba Hills safari at several hotels or local tour operators, such as Diani Tours and Safaris or Julius Tact Safaris. Safari prices range from 100-150 USD per person including transportation, entrance fees and lunch.
Colobus monkey: You can see the rare and cute black and white colobus monkey at Diani Beach. This monkey lives in palm forests and is often seen jumping from tree to tree. You can join Colobus Conservation, a non-profit organization that aims to protect and preserve the colobus monkey and its habitat. You can participate in the volunteer, educational or research programs they offer. You can also donate or adopt a colobus monkey to help with their conservation efforts.
Congo Mosque: You can visit the Congo Mosque, a historical and cultural site located at the northern end of Diani Beach. This mosque was built in the 16th century by Swahili traders and is one of the oldest mosques in Kenya. The mosque has a distinctive architecture with rock walls, thatched roofs and square minarets. This mosque also has ancient tombs in its courtyard. You can learn about the history and traditions of the Swahili people who live in this area and don’t forget to visit our site for other interesting information by the page here