Diani Beach: Multi-day Trips and Tours from Mombasa

Covered in gloriously soft sands, surrounded by glistening waters and set to a cacophony of howling monkeys, and swaying palms, Diani Beach is a dream destination for many.

This stretch of coastline is constantly being shortlisted for global awards and the area features historic monuments from over 600 years ago.

If 1 day doesn't seem quite long enough to discover this patch of heaven, you should consider participating in a multi-day trip to Diani Beach from Mombasa.

Here's all you need to know about Diani Beach, one of the most exciting multi-day trips from Mombasa.

How to get to Diani Beach from Mombasa?

Diani Beach is located along the Indian Ocean on the southern stretch of Kenya's coastline. The beach destination is approximately 30 kilometers away from the city of Mombasa.

From Mombasa to Diani Beach by car

The jaunt to Diani Beach by car takes just over an hour and is an easy drive. You'll head south of the city, take a ferry to the mainland and then drive along the A14 for most of the journey. Look out for signs to Diani Beach as you approach the coast.

Guided tour to Diani Beach from Mombasa

Participating in a guided excursion to Diani Beach is ideal for those without a vehicle. You can choose from a plethora of tours, from those that last a single day to others that last a week.

You'll benefit from a convenient hotel or airport pickup, and enjoy a host of pre-planned activities without lifting a finger.

What is the typical itinerary of a multi-day tour to Diani Beach from Mombasa?

As multi-day tours to Diani Beach range considerably in duration, their itineraries also vary significantly.

However, most excursions begin in Mombasa on the morning of the first day and cover the short stretch of road to Diani Beach in just over an hour.

Some trips will take you on a walking tour of Mombasa, where you'll explore its Old Town, religious monuments and Central Market, before making the journey to Diani Beach.

Additionally, you may stop at Watamu National Marine Park, which boasts an abundance of marine life, including dolphins and humpback whales.

Arriving at Diani Beach, you may visit the Kongo Mosque, which overlooks the Indian Ocean, followed by a cruise along the Kongo River.

You'll have free time to soak up the rays on Diani Beach, dip into its turquoise waters or walk along its sandy shores. During this time, you may be given the exciting opportunity to ride a camel.

Longer Diani Beach multi-day trips include excursions to destinations in the surrounding area, such as Funzi Island and Wasini Island.

What kinds of tours are available?

Diani Beach multi-day tours vary significantly, depending on how much time you have to spare in Kenya.

Day trip to Diani Beach from Mombasa

Leaving Mombasa behind on this day trip to Diani Beach, you'll visit the ancient remains of the Kongo Mosque, built in the 14th century.

Let your stresses slip away as you gently meander along the dazzling waters of the Kongo River, before feasting on a local meal.

Once you've refueled, you'll hop on the back of a camel to pace along the white sands and look out over the best beach in Africa. No Diani Beach day tour is complete without a visit to the nearby Robinson Island to snorkel through thriving coral reefs.

3-Day tour to Mombasa plus Watamu and Diani Beach

On this 3-day tour, you'll stay in the city for the first day of your tour to discover Mombasa's most fascinating landmarks, such as the Swaminarayan Temple and the city’s marketplace — Marikiti.

The following day, you'll travel to Watamu National Marine Park, where turtles and dugongs glide happily under the ocean's surface. Relax on the pristine shores of Diani Beach on the final day of your tour and bathe in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

7-day trip to Diani Beach from Mombasa

Multi-day tours to Diani Beach that last a week provide you with the ultimate balance of relaxation and exciting activities. Alongside sunbathing, you can participate in a day tour to Wasini Island to spot the numerous dolphins that surround its shores.

Additionally, cruise down the Kongo River at sunset and listen as birdsong is replaced with the buzzing of cicadas. While in Diani Beach, take a trip to the mangrove-covered islands that form Funzi, inhabited by the Shirazi tribe.

How much does it cost?

If you wish to participate in a day trip to Diani Beach from Mombasa, you can expect to pay US$120 per person.

Those with a little more time to spare may choose a multi-day trip. A 3-day tour of Mombasa, Watamu and Diani Beach costs US$580 each. This includes accommodation with breakfast, entry fees and a guide for the duration of your excursion.

Alternatively, choose a week-long tour that includes accommodation with breakfast, as well as several day trips to various nearby attractions. This type of multi-day trip to Diani Beach costs US$4,100 per person.

What will you see?

Diani Beach

Diani Beach is a 17-kilometer stretch of dazzling sands along the southern coast of Kenya. Its swaying palms, idyllic shores and crystal-clear waters have led Diani Beach to be named the best beach in Africa for the past 5 years.

The waters off the coast are comprised of two thriving coral reefs, where divers can spot a variety of sea life including lionfish, nudibranchs and starfish.

Many tourists flock to Diani Beach for its friendly community of turtles that can often be seen swimming offshore.

Back on land, you'll find black and white colobus monkeys swinging through the palms or attempting to steal a treat from an unsuspecting tourist.

At Diani Beach, you can participate in a multitude of water sports, from leisurely kayaking and paddleboarding to thrilling windsurfing.

Kongo River

The Kongo River that runs to Diani Beach is not to be confused with the world-famous Congo River that snakes across western Africa. Nevertheless, the Kongo River Estuary holds its own charm.

Mangroves line the river banks, while an assortment of marine life thrives in this freshwater environment.

Bird watchers will be in paradise as they cruise the lake, as over 30 species reside in this corner of Diani Beach. Watch out for crocodiles as you drift along the small yet magnificent waters of the Kongo River.

Kongo Mosque

The Kongo Mosque is situated next to the eponymous river, making it easy to reach on a multi-day trip to Diani Beach.

This 14th-century place of worship was abandoned by the Arab community that left the shores of Diani Beach, and the mosque fell into disrepair.

The Kongo Mosque was named after Sheikh Mwenye Kongo, who rehabilitated the religious landmark in the 18th century and is now said to be buried on this holy ground.

Today, the mosque has returned to ruin. However, visitors can wander alongside its walls and learn about the history that surrounds it.

When is the best time to visit Diani Beach?

The best time to plan a multi-day trip to Diani Beach depends upon the type of climate you prefer. Visit between January and March to experience highs of 32 degrees Celsius, and long, sunny days.

Alternatively, head to Diani Beach between July and September for slightly cooler conditions, with temperatures that hover between 25, and 30 degrees Celsius.

Travel tips

• There are many sandflies and mosquitoes hovering around the Diani Beach area. Cover yourself in a strong insect repellent to avoid bites.
• Purchase reef-safe sunscreen before embarking on your multi-day tour to Diani Beach to ensure you cause no harm to the underwater environment.
• Consult your doctor before traveling to Diani Beach, as the area is a malaria zone.