Mombasa and Diani Beach Vacations
Mombasa and Diani Beach are located on Kenya’s gorgeous coast and offer a range of beautiful beaches bordered by the Indian Ocean.
When to Go
Best Time to Go
Visit Mombasa and Diani between July and October for the best experience.
Mombasa: situated on Kenya’s beautiful East Coast
Diani Beach: located on Kenya’s gorgeous South Coast
Close to a range of beautiful beaches
Perfect for a bush & beach safari combination
Great Add-Ons for a Kenya Safari
Mombasa’s location on the coast has long made it a hub for trade, attracting merchants from across the world with its spices, gold, and ivory. The city’s strategic value led to centuries of conflict, which have been documented by historic travellers like Ibn Battuta and Duarte Barbosa. Today, Mombasa remains a bustling port city with a diverse population, blending Swahili, Mijikenda, and influences from West Kenya, the Middle East, Somalia, and the Indian subcontinent. Its international airport and proximity to beautiful beaches also make it a key gateway for coastal tourism.
Just a short drive from the city, travellers can enjoy a wide range of watersports and pristine beaches, with Diani Beach on Kenya’s South Coast being the most popular. With its powder-soft sand, turquoise waters, and palm-fringed shore, Diani is perfect for a post-safari beach escape or a stand-alone vacation.
Activities
Mombasa and Diani beach offer a vibrant mix of culture, cuisine, watersports, and wildlife — both on land and sea.
Visit Mombasa’s Old Town
Enjoy the cuisine in Mombasa
Experience local music
Visit Mombasa Marine National Park
Watersports at Diani Beach
Day excursions
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Mombasa is a very interesting city to explore, especially for its old town and surrounds. Here you will find Fort Jesus, constructed by the Portuguese between 1593 and 1596 to guard the productive port. Viewed from the air, the fort is in the shape of a man, his head pointing towards the sea. Fort Jesus was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 and it is a must-see for anyone intrigued by the history of the city! Otherwise, there is plenty to enjoy in the more modern streets of Mombasa, not least the bustling fruit-and-vegetable markets and the 24-hour entertainment outlets on the northern shore, featuring bowling alleys, cinemas and waterparks.
This diversity of the city is echoed in Mombasa’s mix of restaurants. From fresh local seafood to fusion finds, Mombasa restaurant scene is as enticing as it is delicious. There are lots of lovely little coffee shops too, perfect for taking a break and watching the world go by.
Music is particularly prevalent in Mombasa. The joyful sounds of Zanzibar’s Taarab are most commonly heard in Mombasa’s bars and clubs, but many local genres are popular too – smooth Mwanzele, hectic Chakacha, blissful Bango. And more recently, hip hop, reggae, soul, blues and even salsa have come to town!
Explore the underwater world of Mombasa Marine National Park, where coral reefs, tropical fish, and clear waters make for fantastic snorkelling and diving adventures.
Activities on Diani Beach include windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, fishing, cycling, and simply soaking up the sun!
Many of the properties we sell are able to arrange an exciting assortment of day excursions. For example, you can sail by dhow to Wasini Island and Kiste Marine Park – the latter contains spectacular coral gardens and a plethora of sea life species, including delightful dolphins! The Colobus Trust is also highly recommended, home to a habituated troop of the characterful black-and-white monkeys.
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