The name Diani Beach broadly covers almost 40 miles of the south Kenyan coast where the Indian Ocean coral reefs are near enough to be within sight, yet far enough to allow easy bathing from broad stretches of white sand beach even at low tide. Parts of it have local names such as Shelly Beach and the exclusive Tiwi Beach Resort (near Mombasa) which has its own private beach or Galu Beach further south.
To reach the heart of Diani Beach, turn left off the main road south at Ukundu-Diani for about a mile to the T-junction that meets the coastal strip road. Turn right here for the Diani Shopping Centre and Baharini Plaza with banks, tour offices and information.
Hotels north along the coast road include the Leopard Beach Resort and Spa, Kaskazi Beach Hotel, Leisure Lodge Hotel and Club and the Southern Palms.
Hotels south include the Diani Sea Lodge, Diani Sea Resort, Baobab Sea Resort, some high-end luxury accommodation such as The Sands at Nomad, the coast’s first boutique hotel, and Chale Island Resort with a private beach.
Beach chalets are dotted here and there, and the airstrip for safari flights is not far from Baharini Plaza.
Pinewood Village Beach Resort and Shimba Hills National Reserve
Continuing south, the multi-award-winning Pinewood Village Beach Resort is on Galu Beach, and is noted for its Swahili style suites where visitors have the services of their own cook and maid, the use of extensive gardens and a lovely beach front. Pinewood Village Resort will arrange one or two-night trips to Shimba Hills National Reserve. Advance booking is advised.
The main road goes on to Msambweni and yet more resorts before it runs out at Shimoni near the Tanzanian border.
