Traveling to East Africa is synonymous with the Great Wildebeest Migration, vast open landscapes and unmatched game viewing, but delve a little deeper and you will discover one of the world’s most unique coastal destinations – Diani Beach.

Lying 19 miles south of Mombasa and spread across 11 miles of pristine coastline, Diani Beach sets the stage for an idyllic beach getaway paired with thrilling water sports, immersive wellness experiences and classic safaris around the corner. With countless activities to pursue, we have compiled an insider’s guide to the best things to do in Diani Beach, Kenya. Discover our top 7 recommendations below and start curating your itinerary for your next visit to Alfajiri Villas.

Let’s start from the top: Skydive Diani
An activity for the thrill-seeking traveler, skydiving in Diani Beach is by far the most exciting way to experience the Kenyan coastline. Renowned for being the only permanent skydiving club in Kenya and in operation since 2013, Skydive Diani offers solo or tandem jumps as well as AFF training courses in one of the most spectacular dropzones in the world. The club is ideally located only 6 miles from Alfajiri Villas which makes it easily accessible to guests looking for adventure.

Sun, sea and submerge: Snorkeling and Scuba Diving with Diani Marine
Whether you are an avid diver or are just starting out, you are bound to be mezmerized by the abundant marine life along the coastline of Diani. Start your journey as a scuba diver by completing your Padi Open Water qualification at Diani Marine, one of Kenya’s top diving centres, or take your chance at spotting whale sharks between the months of November and February. The centre offers daily dive trips to the Diani reefs dropping to a relatively shallow depth of 30 metres as well as wreck dives for the more daring. If you prefer to stay above water, snorkeling is an equally great way to explore the coral reefs and tropical marine life at your own pace. Diani Marine is situated only 2 miles from Alfajiri Villas which makes it the perfect option for our guests.

Wind and Watersports: Kitesurfing with H20 Extreme Sports
Considered to be one of the best kitesurfing destinations in Africa for its ideal wind conditions, shallow reefs and warm Indian Ocean water, there is no better place than H2O Extreme to put your skills to the test. Founded in 2003, H20 Extreme is the leading kitesurf centre in Kenya with international teaching and safety standards. Along with kitesurfing, the centre also offers windsurfing, stand-up paddling, surfing, kayaking, bodyboarding and skimboarding. H20 Extreme is a short 5-mile drive from Alfajiri Villas and by far one of the best things to do in Diani Beach!

Bring your ‘A’ game to Africa: Golfing at Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf Resort
Golf enthusiasts traveling to Alfajiri Villas will be delighted to hear of the 18-hole championship course located only 1 mile from the property. Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf Resort is home to one of East Africa’s finest golf courses known to challenge players with its water and sand obstacles. Day visitors have the option of using the driving range, renting equipment or taking professional lessons but playing on the course will require you to have a handicap of at least 28 or a playing certificate from a recognized club. Stretching over 3 miles, and surrounded by lush vegetation, the golf course lures a variety of beautiful birdlife and monkeys for a true ‘Out of Africa’ golfing experience.

Primate Eco-Tours at Colobus Conservation
Travelers with an interest in wildlife conservation programs should look no further than Colobus Conservation Centre. Functioning as an office, information centre, primate rescue centre and residence for volunteers, the organization offers the only guided primate eco-tour in Kenya. Home to a habituated troop of Colobus monkeys, vervets, sykes and baboons, the guided tour takes visitors along a nature trail to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. The tour continues with an educational talk in the information centre followed by an overview of the various conservation initiatives in action.

Sea to Safari: Day trips to Shimba Hills National Reserve
Combining your beach adventure with a quick escape to the bush is on the top of our list of best things to do in Diani Beach. Shimba Hills National Reserve is a wildlife reserve located only 28 miles from Diani and offers rare sightings of the Sable Antelope, Colobus Monkeys, and the highest density of African elephants in Kenya. The reserve is also home to over half of Kenya’s indigenous plant populations and attracts spectacular butterfly and bird populations to the area. Other attractions in the reserve include the Sheldrick Falls, various viewpoints and the Mwaluganje Forest. A day trip to this wildlife haven is a must if you won’t be pursuing an extended safari in Kenya’s many wildlife destinations.

Catch and release: Deep-sea fishing with Shuwari Sport Fishing
Tick off ‘big game fishing’ on your bucket list alongside the experts at Shuwari Sport Fishing. Considered as one of Kenya’s most reputable fishing charters with over 30 years in the industry, Shuwari facilitates sustainable catch and release fishing trips along the Kenyan coastline on a 33 feet Bertram Sportfisher. Depending on your schedule and experience level, you can choose between a half-day, full-day or night charter adventure with the opportunity to catch sailfish, Black Marlin, Blue Marlin or yellowfin tuna. The charter departs at 6:30am (only 3.6 miles from Alfajiri Villas) followed by a comprehensive safety briefing before heading to the fishing grounds. After an exciting day at sea, snacks and drinks are served to celebrate the ‘catch’ of the day.


Want to incorporate one or more of these experiences to your stay at Alfajiri Villas?
Get in touch with our team to coordinate your itinerary today.