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.

You have this lovely 9 month or older tot who you must take on your Kenyan Safari at Diani Beach but are torn between dropping the trip and facing the numerous facets of baby travel. Take that trip without a doubt but first, some words of advice.

It all begins with packing proper clothing depending on the destination, Diani beach it is. Anti malarial shots and any other necessary vaccine should be first on the pre-travel check list. Emergency medicine for the cautious parent like fever tabs, play toys and diapers to boot.  Before you can do your own packing your luggage should be exceeding your airline’s weight limit.

A huge chunk of your time will be spent on the beach and kids of this age are hard to contain. You could spend a better part of your time panicking when you see an oncoming wave, running for cover and grabbing things from their mouths. Therefore a portable crib or playpen will come in handy to contain the ever wandering toddlers plus it also serves as the baby’s beach bed when they need to take a nap. Remember to carry an umbrella to shield the baby from the sun and a hat to cover them when they are awake and raring to crawl around. Sunscreen is also vital.

Take off on your flight to Diani beach could be the onset of your first problems with the baby if it is a first time flight. Ear pressure as the plane takes off and descends could be a source of discomfort for the young one. A simple trick of breast feeding at take off and landing does the trick or with the alternative of a suckling bottle. Older kids of three years or there about can do with chewing gum to tone down the anomaly.

You need a smaller bag with some of the basic necessities nearby during the flight containing change of clothes medication and baby food where necessary.

a small baby bag is necessary on long trips

Depending on when you decide to come down to Diani Beach you could be greeted by warm or cool weather. Weather changes agitate kids and they could turn cranky before adjusting to the new weather and environment. Pray that your baby sleeps soundly for most part of the trip probably until you get to your hotel room. Actually, the hotel room is another point of concern. Ensure that the hotel you are booking into offers child sitting services incase you need to leave the baby behind.

The room has also got to be child friendly with all the hazards taken care of like broken tables and sharp objects removed or replaced or better yet covered.
Before venturing out to the beach upon arrival it is advisable to give your child time to adjust to the new surrounding having found comfort in the familiar home territory. You can however bring a few home items like their favorite toy, blanket or photo to calm them down. Once they adjust, you can hit the beach with vigor.

Remember Diani beach just like any other beach has tiny shells or stones that could pose a choking hazard to the curious baby who will collect stuff and instantly sample with their mouths. Keep a watch before they choke on foreign elements.

Don't let the baby sit on the beach without a blanket

If you are in the company of another adult, take turns to watch over the baby to reduce the pressure on the mother being the sole minder. You are at Diani Beach for a holiday and not an extension of your home stay.

Ask your hotel if there is a resident doctor incase you need one and if not ensure there is a good hospital nearby. At Diani beach some of the hotels employ a resident doctor but without one the nearby Diani Hospital is safe and well equipped to handle most emergencies.
Finally when using a vehicle to get around, use a baby car seat at the back.

A baby's car seat

Hope those tips help to make your trip to Diani Beach with your baby uneventful and memorable.