Your packing list for Diani Beach – 5 basic essentials

Whenever you are going to a new holiday destination you are faced with the nightmare of packing, what to carry and what to leave out. But if you have been to Diani Beach then you know what to carry especially this partially cold season.

I decided to draft this list for first time visitors to Diani Beach to make your visit worth. The items in my list are randomly prioritized and they include:

1. Camera- A holiday without a camera,video or still can never be remembered especially with family and friends. Make sure you have either or both with back up power. You don’t want the juice on your camera dying off just as you are capturing the most breath taking moment. If you use a digital still camera with rechargeable battery carry your power charger pack. You can access power in all hotels at Diani Beach. For cameras using regular batteries dont carry batteries because local stores like Nakumatt Supermarket stock them, all you need is sufficient memory cards. Remember Diani Beach power voltage rating is 240v and the plugs are English type. Oh, don’t leave your lenses behind because long shots will be your best bet to capture the wild animals if you take a safari.

2. Clothing – The kind of clothing you bring to Diani Beach is dictated by two factors. One, season, are you coming during the cold rainy season between April and July or the warm August December period. Secondly will you go on Safari to various reserves around Kenya? If you itinerary dictates your coming to Diani Beach over the rainy season  as the only stop then going back home, carry warm clothing but don’t carry winter clothing it isn’t that cold. If you are to embark on a safari to the reserves like the Mara,  have some trousers with you for night wear because all through the year night times are characterized by low temperatures plus the mosquitoes are most active then. The beach calls for loose clothing, shorts, t-shirts or swim wear for the ladies and sunglasses but you are advised to prepare according to season and destination. A hat to shield you from the rays will go a long way. Carry enough clothing for your stay because some lodges don’t have laundry services.

3. Medication -This can be anti-malarial tabs, anti diarrhea tabs, anti-fever tabs some of which you can get from local drug stores at Diani Beach. You will need plenty of sunscreen and mosquito repellent in its various forms. You can carry a repellent that will  keep both sand flies and mozzies at bay. Sand flies are a menace that can ruin your holiday.

4. Toiletries are a matter of preference because you can grab some from the local stores but if you have a specific brand then carry it with you.

AN assortment of toiletries

5. An easy attitude and an open mind.  With that you are well on your way to a fabulous holiday at Diani Beach.

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