Diani Beach: from the awesome beach to the stunning island, with love

There are first times in life, and there are things that you do over and over again and still enjoy it like it’s your first time. A trip to Diane Beach, coupled with an incredible day long excursion to Wasini Island is one that you can certainly do over and over again and still cherish every trip like it’s your first time in life. Here is how you can do it:

Located just 30 kilometers south of Mombasa in the Kwale County, Diani Beach is one of Kenya’s major resort beaches on the Indian Ocean. The 10 kilometers long Diani Beach is known for its stunning white beaches, coral reefs and the nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve, among others. But it is also a beach home to some of the most popular tourist accommodations.

Organizing a trip to this magnificent place can’t get any easier; with a small airstrip located between Diani beach area and the Mombasa-Lunga Lunga road, Diani is right across the 100, 000 plus people town of Ukunda, where, as a tourist, you will find nearly everything that you need from high-class restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and several shopping centers to night clubs, and bars.
This 10 kilometers beach has lodgings of varied choices too and is home to one of the most amazing beach resorts in the whole of Kenya: Leopard Beach Resort and Spa. Voted Kenya’s Leading Resort for five consecutive years (2010 to 2014) at the prestigious World Travel Awards, Leopard Beach Resort & Spa has a reputation for excellence. As well as enjoying prime position on Diani Beach, the resort has extensively upgraded accommodation and facilities making it the preferred destination for holidaymakers and business travelers alike.

Accommodation comprises air-conditioned standard and superior rooms, suites, cottages and luxurious private villas with exclusive swimming pools. The resort offers a diverse range of wining and dining options including a Chaine des Rotisseurs grill room, a stir-fry beach restaurant, a fresh pizza and pasta restaurant, a nyama choma (Kenyan barbecue) restaurant and a pool bistro. It also boasts several bars including Marco’s al-fresco bar where a wonderful selection of cocktails can be enjoyed whilst overlooking the pool and ocean below.

For total self-indulgence, the Uzuri Spa and Fitness Forest offers a wide range of treatments and therapies as well its own adult only private pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and fully equipped gymnasium. For the business traveler, state-of-the-art conferencing facilities make Leopard Beach the perfect venue to combine business with pleasure in a most stunning location.

While at Leopard Beach, enjoying the precious hospitality of the Chui (Swahili for Leopard) team, you have plenty of chances to launch your next excursion.
A day long excursions to a nearby Wasini Island where there are no cars or roads but just one of Kenay’s well preserved assets, the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park.
The popular full day Wasini Island Dhow tour starts in the early morning when you are picked up from your Mombasa Kenya coast hotel or self-catering cottage. You will then depart for the South coast, crossing the Likoni ferry en-route and heading to the South coast of Mombasa. On your way, you will have an opportunity to see coastal homesteads and palm tree plantations.
On arrival at the Shimoni Jetty you will board a traditional Arabic dhow and sail into the Wasini Channel. The day throughout the day, you will do nothing but viewing stunning and colorful surroundings. Before you disembark dhow you are in for an unforgettable treat of snorkeling and dun diving at the Kisite Marine Park to spot dolphins (and probably take a swim with them), and possibly turtles.
On the Island is Charlie Claw traditional Swahili restaurant waiting for your tired and excited self with a mix of delicious Swahili sea food (famous for its crabs). While you are on the Island, take a tour around Wasini fishing village and the Shimoni Slave Caves where slaves were “stored” before being shipped off to Arabia in the early 18th century.

The end of this magnificent day comes when you get on board once again on your dhow and head directly to Diani beach to your hotel, apartment or beach resort on a short, about 30 minutes ride, on the boat.