Tips for first time visitors to Diani Beach

It is that time of the year when you are scouting for your next tour destination and you probably haven’t been to Diani Beach. This should be your first stop this time round for a horde of reasons. First time visitors to Diani Beach are either acquainted (for those who have travelled to Kenya before) or clueless about regulations and immigration screens on entry.

For new visitors your travelling documents have to be in order and that includes your visa and passport. However expect friendly immigration officials at either Moi International Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International airport, the two airways entry points. Alternatively the Mombasa port  is another option if you are coming via sea.

If you opt to obtain your visa upon arrival at the airports or port expect a slight delay of between 15 and 20 minutes as the documents are processed. You are advised to carry cash in dollars, Euro or pounds for fees payment. After the checks you will most probably be headed for your hotel and some of these hotels offer airport pick up services while others don’t. Confirm with your hotel if they provide the services.

But just before you dive into the nearest taxi (cab) you might want to change currency for easy transactions which begin instantly. Both Moi and Jomo Kenyatta airports have foreign exchange bureaus.

Most offer quick and smooth transactions for the following currencies:

•    USD
•    Sterling pounds
•    Euro
•    Australian dollar
•    Canadian dollar

Therefore it is advisable to travel with any of the above mentioned currencies so that you will be served quickly. Exchange rates are displayed on prominent boards and you can be assured you will get current rates.

Afterwards, if you are travelling to Diani Beach by taxi expect a charge of between 30 – 40 USD (between 2500 and 4,000 Kenya shillings) which is an approximate cost. Confirm with the driver before leaving the airport. You can also check our taxi charge rates.

Alternatively you can either hire a car from the following companies; Avis, Europcar and Hertz charging between 50 – 100 dollars depending on the car’s features and model. Another option is flying on either of the local airlines like fly540 or Jetlink. The two operate direct flights to Diani Beach from Nairobi via Wilson airport. The national carrier, Kenya airways also operates flights to Mombasa International airport but you will have to get a connecting flight to Diani Beach upon arrival at Moi International airport.

Likoni Ferry

If you opt for road transport you will cross the Likoni water channel aboard the Likoni ferry a rather exhilarating experience.

Once you get across to Diani Beach expect to experience warm tropical weather that is only interrupted by rains between April and May. Your holiday indulgences could start right away. The hotels by the beach are numerous offering different levels of hospitality. You can visit our hotels and villas section for a comprehensive review to arrive at an informed choice.

Some of the precautions we can give first time visitors to Diani Beach are:

•    Carry sun protection creams to avoid sun burns
•    Carry insect repellants to guard against sand fly and mosquito bites.
•    Take anti malaria tablets before leaving your home country
•    Incase of emergency make sure you are in the company of somebody who knows the area well if you need the hospital or security issues that require the attention of the police at the nearest police station
•    Don’t travel after dark without a guide

Beyond that, a repertoire of activities awaits you to commence your holiday. These includes; water sports like kite surfing, deep sea fishing, golfing, safaris to game reserves and parks like the Maasai Mara among others.

You can get acquainted with what activities are on offer in and around Diani Beach at our activities section. We also have an up to date events calendar on the home page where you can catch latest events happening in Diani Beach.
Local transport around Diani Beach is either by tuk tuks, taxis or matatus with each being favorable in different conditions and circumstances.

Your stay will be truly worth your last cent when you visit Diani Beach.

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