Why go?
Bursting with savannah wildlife and experienced bush guides, Kenya is a renowned safari destination. However, with many visitors finding peace on the white sand of its turquoise coast, it’s clear that this East African wonder holds more than just the ‘big five’. Diani beach, in particular, is African paradise personified.
If you’re planning a safari trip with your teenagers, then Diani Beach is the perfect stop at the end of your holiday where you can find relaxation and downtime before heading back home.
Activities
Swimming and sunbathing are an obvious must or, if you’re partial to something a little more adventurous, try kite surfing, fishing or sailing. Wildlife enthusiasts should also make time for a snorkelling or scuba diving trip to explore Diani’s stretch of Indian ocean.
If you’re travelling with smaller children and want a mini-safari experience, base yourself at Forest Dream Resort and bush guides will take you and your family on a full day trip to Shimba Hills, a small reserve and rainforest.
If you want to see the big cats though, the hotel will organise an overnight safari experience to Tsavo National Park where you’ll also see elephants, zebra and giraffe.
Don’t miss: The Angolan Colobus monkeys. Pay a visit to the volunteer-run Colobus Trust where primates are abundant; you’ll easily spot their distinctive white manes bounding through the canopy. The trust care for injured Colobus and aim to protect Diani’s monkey population.
Travel advice
Top tip: In this part of Kenya, you will be at risk of malaria, so make sure you take the necessary precautions for you and your family before you travel.
Safety: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all but essential travel to within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border, so many holiday makers have opted for Diani Beach (as well as beach resorts such as Tiwi and Galu) in recent months because it’s south of Mobassa and a long way from the border.
Accommodation
Diani’s gorgeous setting has attracted a host of top-notch resorts all offering families a unique experience; from Swahili style villas to modern suites. A luxurious yet eco-friendly vibe is at the heart of Forest Dream Resort. Water Lovers Beach Resort is equally beautiful but more activity orientated. Or book into Diani Reef Resort and Spa to sample tropical relaxation at its finest.
Stay at Forest Dream Resort where kids are more than catered for with a big swimming pool complete with a water slide – and a sunken pool bar for parents. There’s also a tennis court, free bicycles to explore nearby village and beaches, and a small nature reserve. On request the hotel will also provide a babysitting service and activities for children throughout the day and evening, should mum and dad want some down time.
The lowdown
How to get there: Most visitors to Diani go on safari from Nairobi before moving overland to the coast; fly London to Nairobi with British Airways from £707 return. Kenyan Airways offers short flights from Nairobi to Mombasa, Diani’s closest airport.
Travel time: Flying from London to Nairobi takes approximately 8 hours 30 minutes. A flight from Nairobi to Mombasa is just 1 hour and Diani is a 45 minute drive from Mombasa airport.