Getting to and around Diani Beach
Located 30 kilometers South of Mombasa, Diani Beach is one of the best beach destinations in the world and has been awarded the best destination Africa for 5 years running.
Diani Beach boasts a magnificent stretch of 25 kilometers stretch with flaunting white sands and smooth oceans waves and welcoming blue sky, the beach has conducive weather which is perfect for the beach life.
Diani Beach attracts millions of visitors traveling to this beautiful beach for a beach holiday or honeymoon, if you are wondering how you will get to Diani Beach for a beach holiday this article offers full information on how to get to Diani Beach and how to get around.
Getting to Diani by Air – Getting to and around Diani Beach
FLYING TO KENYA
The are many direct flights to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya from numerous European hubs, USA and Arab Countries as well as Asian Continent. The most popular ones are
- Frankfurt by Lufthansa
- New York -by Kenya Airways
- Zurich by Swiss
- Amsterdam by KLM
- London by British Airways and Kenya Airways
- Paris by Kenya Airways
If you do not intend to spend some of days in Nairobi City or go for a safari in some of the amazing destinations in Kenya once you have landed, it is best to fly off directly to Ukunda, Diani from Jomo Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Flying to Diani Beach
If you opt to fly directly to Diani Beach from Nairobi or Mombasa, there are three options that is flying from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport using chartered or domestic flights by Safarilink and Silverstone, fly from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport using Jambo jet and flying from Moi International Airport in Mombasa by flight offered by Mombasa Air Safari.
Getting to Diani by Road
Self driving
For travelers who prefer self – driving, it is possible to comfortably drive to Diani Beach from any part of Kenya, self-driving is another adventure of its own kind as you dictate where to go and when to go. During the driving trip, you necessarily do not to pass through Mombasa which saves you some time.
To avoid Mombasa traffic jams and the Likoni Ferry Bottleneck, you have to branch off Mombasa Highway in Samburu and then drive through the Shimba Hills.
Traveling to Diani by Bus from Nairobi
There are at least two buses leaving from Nairobi to Ukunda in Diani that is Chania and Simba. However, if you are looking comfort during the trip, opt for buses leaving Nairobi from Mombasa.
Getting to Diani by Sea
Sailing on the Indian Ocean to get to Diani Beach is the least common mode of transport to get there, this is normally done by seafarers from Zanzibar who important merchandise through the Shimoni Port. From Mombasa, one can hop on a private boat to get to Diani Beach.
Diani by Ferry from Mombasa
To travel from Mombasa to Diani Beach, you will need to use the Likoni ferry to reach Diani Beach. It is a five – minute crossing done regularly throughout the day. After getting off of the ferry, the drive to Diani is roughly about 30 minutes on a relatively good tarmac road.
There are numerous Matatus operating the route from the Likoni ferry in Mombasa directly to Ukunda, take the junction for Diani and onwards to Msambweni.
Getting around Diani Beach
Diani Beach has plenty of Tuk Tuks, motorbikes and taxis, also you can self-drive or ride on hired bike or rented car from various agents in the shopping center.
There are at least a hundred taxis around Diani Beach, using a taxi around Diani is much easy, the easiest places to find taxis are Barclays Shopping Center, Bazaar, Petro, Diani Shopping Center, Ushago and the area around The Nomad Hotel.
Taxis along Diani Beach are very clean and most in excellent condition, the drivers around the beach are very friendly, helpful, honest and knowledgeable about Diani and the surrounding area.
Public Transport
The Matatus (minibuses) are a common mode of transport, these minibuses are an attraction themselves offering fast and reliable transport for short range travels.
In Diani Beach, Matatus are found on the following routes
- Leisure -Ukunda (these take you to the left side of Diani Beach)
- Pavillion-Ukunda (these take you to right side of Diani Beach)
- Likoni- Ukunda(From the Likoni Ferry)
- Shimoni-Ukunda-Likoni
Note: Matatus have an irregular travel time and are normally available all day from dawn – 6 am to night fall, also they can stop almost anywhere. You can catch a matatu at designated stops which are the pick-up points, you can also find them cruising around. All you got to do is simply wave a hand which will bring them to a halt.
Before boarding, it is advisable to confirm the charges to your destination.
