Beaches:
Kenya's beaches are amongst the most beautiful in the world. Kenya has strived hard to promote its tourist industry over a number of years and this has particularly focused on the protection of the environment and wildlife for all to enjoy. On the beaches you will encounter 'beach boys' selling a variety of products including sea shells, safaris, boat trips and handicrafts. It is illegal to collect live sea shells. If you are found with sea shells when leaving the country they will be taken away from you and you may be subject to a fine. As a result of Kenya's efforts to preserve its marine life the coral gardens and sea life has thrived and this can be enjoyed by trips in glass bottom boats, snorkeling or scuba diving. It is not recommended that you arrange trips or safaris with the beach boys. Our caretaker can arrange trips for you at discount rates with reliable companies and can give good, honest advice on the best trips at very reasonable prices.
Handicrafts/souvenirs and shopping:
Diani beach area has a wide range of handicraft shops and stalls. You are expected to bargain: do not pay the asking price. We would recommend that you offer one third of the asking price as an opening offer. If this is not accepted, walk away.. you will get want you want at a realistic price. Tee shirts, handmade jewellery, paintings, wooden carvings and furniture are all popular and widely available around Diani beach. The local currency is the Kenya Shilling, there are approximately 135 KSH to the British pound. If you are self-catering it may be worth stopping at one of the larger supermarkets in Mombasa before arriving in Diani. There are a number of small supermarkets in Diani where you can buy fresh produce at reasonable rates. There are also butcher shops, bakeries, vegetable markets and a fish markets. If you like seafood, the caretaker can arrange fresh fish and shellfish at very good prices. If feeling lazy let our cook produce a tempting surprise dinner for you
Local Amenities and travel requirements:
Diani beach has a sizable expatriate community which has resulted in a wide range of facilities being available. There are a number of pharmacies, a private hospital with good facilities, dentists, banks, restaurants, bars and clubs. There are numerous Internet cafes, but the connection can be slow or interrupted. From most internet cafes it is possible to buy an international calling card should you need to make international calls at reduced rates. It is possible to buy discount charter tickets direct from UK or Europe to Mombasa (Monarch Airlines have regular flights). You will need a Yellow fever vaccination certificate. For most nationalities a visa can be obtained on arrival at the airport for USD50 per person. You may be able to arrange this through your travel agent. Internal flights are cheap, safe and well organised. Diani has a small airstrip where flights to Malindi, Lamu and Zanzibar can be booked. English is widely spoken, the people are warm and friendly. Enjoy!
Other Activities:
Big game fishing, glass bottom boating, safaris, nature trails, marine safaris
marks the location of the property in Kenya
