The beach is about 17 kilometres (11 mi) long, from the Kongo river to the north and Galu beach to the south (the southern point of reference is an old Baobab tree). Diani is one of the most prominent tourism resort areas of Kenya. The indigenous people of the area are the Digo, one of the nine ethnic communities known as the Mijikenda. Today the area includes Kenyans of various ethnicities who have migrated to Diani, drawn by the tourism related economy.[1] With a population of over 100,000 inhabitants, the Diani/Ukunda urban area is one of the largest at the Kenyan coast and forms part of the larger Mombasa metropolitan region. A small airstrip - Ukunda Airport - is located between the beach area and the Mombasa-Lunga Lunga road. The water remains shallow near shore, with some underwater sandbars near the surface which allow wading with a clear view of the sandy bottom. Inland from the beach, there is extensive vegetation (see photo at right), including numerous palm trees which cover the coastal areas, unlike the dry acacia trees of the mountainous Kenyan Highlands. The Mwachema River flows into the sea at Diani Beach.[2]
The general area is known for its coral reefs, black-and-white colobus monkeys, and for the closely located Shimba Hills National Reserve, a wildlife reserve which looks out over the Indian Ocean. Diani Beach has restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and several shopping centres.
Diani Beach is also a popular kitesurfing, jet skiing, and snorkelling location.
The 16th century Kongo Mosque is located at the Northern tip of Diani Beach, where the Kongo river flows into the ocean. It is the last remaining ancient Swahili structure...
Read moreI spent three nights at Diani Beach, and it was an unforgettable experience. The pristine white sand stretches for miles, meeting the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean in a breathtaking display of natural beauty. The beach itself is serene and well-maintained, perfect for long walks or simply relaxing under the swaying palm trees.
During my stay, I found the local hospitality to be warm and welcoming. The accommodations were comfortable and offered stunning views of the ocean. Whether it was enjoying fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurants or engaging in water activities like snorkeling and kite surfing, every moment was filled with relaxation and adventure.
Diani Beach is not just about the sand and sea; it also offers a vibrant cultural experience. The local markets and shops are filled with unique souvenirs and crafts, giving a taste of the rich Swahili culture. The friendly locals and their laid-back vibe made my stay even more enjoyable.
In conclusion, Diani Beach is a perfect escape for anyone looking to unwind and soak up the natural beauty of Kenya’s coastline. Whether you're after adventure or simply want to relax by the sea, this destination has something for everyone. I can't...
Read moreReview for Diani Reef Beach Hotel, Kenya
Our stay at the Diani Reef Beach Hotel was a mixed experience. On the positive side, the hotel staff was exceptionally friendly and attentive, truly making us feel like part of their family. They consistently went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed, and their efforts deserve a full 5 stars for cleanliness and hospitality.
However, the resort itself shows signs of being outdated and in need of significant updates, particularly the pool area. While the rooms and beds were clean, the beds were uncomfortably hard, and we encountered ants in our room despite not having any outside food.
The evening entertainment provided a few laughs and helped pass the time, but it was quite underwhelming for a resort of this stature.
In summary, the hotel's staff made our stay pleasant with their dedication and care, but management should consider giving these hardworking individuals a raise and investing in renovations. With these improvements, Diani Reef Beach Hotel has the potential to be a great destination for luxury...
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