Handy Tips For First – Time Visitors to Diani Beach

Diani Beach is one of the best beach destinations in the world and Africa as well, for 5 years running Diani Beach has been awarded the best beach destination in Africa and was ranked as one of the top beaches in Africa by CNN.

Diani Beach is characterized by warm waters and long stretches of sandy shores with stretches of pure white sand dotted with swinging palm trees, the beach has a magnificent backdrop covered with green forests which are home to various wildlife. Diani Beach is situated on the Southern coast of Kenya in Ukunda (Kwale Country) in Kenya and is close to the border of Tanzania, Mombasa the beach is about 30 kilometers. The continuous strip of the beach runs between Likoni and Msambweni broken once or twice by a small river.

Diani Beach is a great beach destination visited by many visitors on a tropical beach holiday or honeymoon, the beach offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling,  swimming and scuba diving, camel rides, and exploring on foot. When visiting Diani Beach for a holiday most especially as a first-timer there is a several things you need to know about this great destination, here are some useful tips to help you get acquainted with Diani Beach.

1) TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Every visitor to Diani each most especially foreigners should have valid travel documents and they should be in order, travel documents require on your travel to Diani The beach includes a Kenyan Visa, a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, and a passport with at least three blank pages. The immigration officials at Kenyan Airports are usually very friendly and willing to help you in case of any issue. Having your documents ready will not only save you time but also improve your overall travel experience to Diani Beach. For security reasons, your hotel might also ask for your identification and in this case, it is your passport.

If you opt to obtain your visa upon arrival at the airports or any port, expect a slight delay of between 15 and 20 minutes as documents are processed. You should carry cash in dollars, Euros, or Pounds for payment of the fees. After the checks, you will meet your guide/travel representative and head to your resort in Diani that is if you booked your holiday with Jewel Safaris. If you are traveling on a self–organized holiday, inquire with your hotel or resort in Diani if they offer airport pick-up services while making your reservation.

2) TRANSPORT; AIRPORT TRANSFERS

From the Airport to your hotel or resort in Diani Beach, you can use a cab (taxi) either provides by the hotel you are staying at or just rent it from the airport. Expect a charge of between 25 – 40 USD (between 2500 and 4,000 Kenya shillings), before leaving the airport make it a point to confirm with your driver about the cost. if you have booked your Diani Beach Holiday with Jewel Safaris. Airport transfers will be included in the package. Local transport around Diani Beach is either by tuk–tuks, taxis, or matatus with each being favorable for different conditions and circumstances. There are also scooters that you can rent from Diani Beach Vehicle Rent next to Bandarini Plaza.

3) CURRENCIES

In Diani Beach, Kenyan currency is used which is why you might need to exchange it to Kenya shillings which are in dominations of 1000, 500, 200, and 100 shillings note. At Moi International Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, there are forex (foreign exchange) bureaus where you can change your money to Kenyan shillings. Exchange rates are always displayed on prominent boards and you will get current rates.

4) WEATHER

Diani Beach experiences warm tropical weather that is normally interrupted by rains between April and May, this provides favorable conditions for your Diani Beach Holiday. Diani Beach is located in the tropics. Therefore, all seasons are warm with tropical rains and high humidity aspects. The temperatures in Diani remain steadily hot for most of the year reaching around 30 degrees Celsius all year round, however, an ever-blowing sea breeze offers some cooling throughout the year.

The wettest months in Diani are April to May with some heavy rains experienced most of the days though not all the time. The short rainy season is from October to November.

If you are looking for the best time to visit Diani Beach, it is when the weather is mainly dry and sunny.

WHERE TO STAY IN DIANI BEACH

Getting the best accommodation facility to stay plays a great role in the experience you will have on your Diani Holiday, there is a variety of accommodation options in Diani The beach is categorized as budget, midrange, and luxury to fit the budget of every traveler.

Some of the best accommodations in Diani Beach include

 Stilts Tree Houses  Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa

 Bahari Dhow Beach Villas  Swahili Beach Diani Hotel  Sands at Nomads  Baobab Beach Resort  Afro Chic Diani Beach  South Palms Hotel Diani  The Sands at Chale Island among others

SAFETY

Diani Beach is a safe destination, however, like any other destination you need to the cautious. It is advisable to always make sure you are in the company of somebody who knows the area very well, most of the hotels and resorts in Diani will gladly recommend a local guide if need be.

In case you need to access a hospital, talk to your lodge guide or hotel safe and they will be glad to help. For security issues or concerns, you can reach out to Diani Police Station situated along Ukunda – Ramisi Road in Diani.

Last Remarks

 Remember to carry, sun protection cream on your Diani Beach Holiday to avoid sunburns and insect repellants to guard you against biting insects such as sandflies and mosquitos.

 Do not move alone after darkness

 If you will be on a Diani Vacation for a longer period, consider getting a travel insurance package to cover you in case the unexpected happens like getting sick or injured on your trip, in case your luggage gets lost or need an emergency medical evacuation. With all the above information, you are now ready to book your holiday to Diani Beach.