TRAVEL AFRICA
Along Kenya’ s south coast, about 30km south of Mombasa, Diani Beach is a versatile coastal destination: reefs, forests, culture and, yes, those vibrant blue tones.
The shoreline itself stretches for about 17km, from the Kongo River to Galu, allowing plenty of space to spread out without stepping on someone else’ s sarong. As one traveller said,“ Perfect beach. White sand and turquoise water. Very pleasant for swimming … amazing sunset at Kongo River.” It’ s the kind of view you don’ t need to dress up; it’ s simply true.
Diani beach kite surf
Diani has fully embraced responsible travel. Here you’ ll observe lodges investing in solar energy, for example, Almanara Boutique Hotel offsets most of its daytime power consumption, while Baobab Beach Resort & Spa heats water using solar power and tracks energy use. The long-established Marine Education Centre at The Sands works with local conservation groups.
Kitesurfing, stand up paddle and diving are organised by local schools that care about the reef as much as the ride. You might meet the team from Diani Turtle Watch patrolling the coast to protect nesting sites or the crew at REEFolution nurturing coral back to life in the Shimoni-Wasini channel.
For those who favour the deep blue, the Pemba Channel, one of East Africa’ s iconic big-game waters, offers marlin and tuna runs that can humble even the most experienced anglers.
An inland hop takes you to Shimba Hills National Reserve – a lush coastal rainforest, waterfalls, vibrant birdlife, elephants and Kenya’ s sole population of sable antelope. Trails and viewpoints replace salt air with cool, leafy shade.
Remove your shoes and walk quietly through the Kaya Kinondo
KITESURFING, STAND UP PADDLE AND DIVING ARE RUN BY HOME- GROWN SCHOOLS WHO CARE AS MUCH ABOUT THE REEF AS THE RIDE.
Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest
DECEMBER 2025 / INBOUND SA 89