There is a Saying in Kenya.”Safari for the Soul, Beach for the Body.”
After a week of early wake up calls and dusty game drives in the Masai Mara, nothing feels better than the humid salty air of the coast. But Diani Beach is not just a beach destination. It is a cultural one.
At The Expat Tours, we do not just put you in a generic hotel. We select Swahili Style Resorts that reflect the rich history of the coast. It is a blend of African, Arab, and Indian influences that you can feel in the architecture, the food, and the hospitality.
1. The Swahili Aesthetic
You will know you are on the Kenyan coast the moment you arrive.
The look is distinctive. Think whitewashed walls made of coral stone, intricate carved wooden doors which are a Lamu tradition, and sweeping arches that frame the sea. These resorts are designed to catch the Kaskazi and Kusi trade winds. Open air lounges with daybeds and billowing white curtains create a sense of effortless cool even in the tropical heat.
2. Diani: Africa’s Leading Beach
Diani has been voted Africa’s leading beach destination for years running and for good reason.
The sand is powder white and so soft it squeaks under your feet. The water features a protected coral reef just offshore keeping the waves calm and creating a turquoise lagoon perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or kitesurfing. Do not be surprised if you see a Colobus monkey swinging through the baobab trees by the pool. The beach is still wild.
3. A Feast of Spices
The coast is where the spice trade routes met. The food here is noticeably different from the mainland.
Expect coconut crusted fish, Wali wa Nazi or coconut rice, and curries rich with cardamom, turmeric, and cloves. Dining under the stars in a cave restaurant like Ali Barbour’s or on a traditional Dhow boat cruise is a culinary highlight of any trip to Kenya.
4. Beyond the Sunbed
While relaxing is mandatory, the culture here is deep.
Staying in Diani gives you access to Mombasa Old Town just a short trip away with its Portuguese Fort Jesus and narrow alleyways. You also have the Sacred Kaya Forests which are ancient forests held sacred by the Mijikenda people and full of medicinal plants and spiritual significance.
The Perfect Safari Finale
Wash off the safari dust in the warmest ocean you will ever feel.
⛵ The “Dhow” Sunset Ready for the turquoise? We know the resorts that offer the best stretch of beach avoiding the rocky areas and the most authentic Swahili charm. Book your Diani Beach stay with us, and we will arrange a private sunset Dhow cruise on your final evening. You will be sailing the reef on a traditional wooden sailboat with cocktails and bitings or snacks as the sun dips below the horizon.
