Diani Beach and the Coast

Kenya's Indian Ocean coast offers a tropical paradise to complement its safaris, and Diani Beach, south of Mombasa, is its finest stretch, a long ribbon of powder-white sand fringed by palms and lapped by warm turquoise water. Protected by an offshore coral reef that calms the sea and offers snorkelling and diving, it is the perfect place to relax after a safari, near the old Swahili port city of Mombasa with its historic Fort Jesus.

What you actually see

• The white-sand beach - the long palm-fringed beach and turquoise water.
• The coral reef - the snorkelling, diving and dhow trips.
• The colobus monkeys - the rare colobus monkeys of the coastal forest.
• Old Mombasa - the Swahili old town and Fort Jesus nearby.

When to go

December to March for hot, dry, sunny beach weather, and July to October as a drier, slightly cooler season; the long rains of April and May are best avoided. It pairs perfectly as a relaxing few days after a safari.

Honest expectations

Seasonal seaweed can wash up on the beach at certain times of year, and the reef means the sea can be shallow and the tide goes far out, so it is more about relaxing than dramatic swimming at low tide. Some resort areas see beach vendors and 'beach boys' who can be persistent. It is a lovely, warm finish to a safari trip.

Nearby

Mombasa and Fort Jesus, the Shimba Hills and Wasini Island are nearby.