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Diani Beach or Lamu
Get ready for clear waters, sandy beaches, a multitude of activities and a bucket full of Swahili charm
Kenya has a diverse and picturesque coastline along the Indian Ocean, stretching approximately 536 kilometers. The coastline is known for its stunning landscapes, white sandy beaches, coral reefs, and a mix of cultural influences. Here we compare the Lamu Archipelago in the North against Diani Beach in the South.
Diani Beach: Kenya’s Big Beach
Located 30 km south of Mombasa, Diani Beach is the crown jewel of Kenya’s south coast – a picture-perfect stretch of powdery white sand, lapped by the warm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Fringed by swaying palm trees and backed by lush coastal forests, Diani offers a blissful escape where the days are spent sunbathing, snorkelling, and spotting dolphins and sea turtles in the crystal-clear shallows.
A Coastal Playground with Endless Adventures
While Diani’s beach is undeniably the star attraction, there is plenty more to explore. Beneath the surface lies a vibrant underwater world, teeming with colourful coral reefs and exotic marine life, making it a haven for divers and snorkellers. For thrill-seekers, activities like kite surfing, jet skiing, and deep-sea fishing provide an adrenaline rush against a backdrop of endless blue.
From Laid-back Lodges to Luxe Retreats
As the epicentre of tourism on Kenya’s coast, Diani offers a diverse range of accommodation. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly beach resort, a charming boutique hotel, or a luxurious private villa, Diani caters to all tastes and budgets. The area is also home to world-class beach clubs, stylish restaurants, and lively bars, creating a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment.
Shimba Hills National Reserve: A Wild Escape
Just an hour inland from Diani lies the Shimba Hills National Reserve, a 300 km² rainforest sanctuary brimming with wildlife. Here, you can spot elephants, sable antelope, colobus monkeys, and countless bird species against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush vegetation. The reserve offers a perfect day-trip escape from the beach, combining scenic nature walks with incredible wildlife encounters.a
Lamu Archipelago; A Trip Back In Time
When compared to the busier and more developed central and southern parts of Kenya's coast, the Lamu Archipelago offers a more tranquil, 'away from the crowds' beach holiday where life moves at the pace of a donkey or a dhow. The Lamu Archipelago is home to archeological sites indicating towns have existed on these islands since the 13th century, making them important sources for knowledge about pre-colonial Africa. The three largest islands are the sandy isthmus of Lamu Island, the coralline Manda Island and the less-visited Paté Island.
Lamu Island: a Unesco World Heritage Site
Lamu Island, a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2001, has been a centre of Swahili and Islamic culture for over 700 years. It is the most popular and most developed of the islands. As a result, most visitors to the archipelago base themselves here, attracted by the bustling Lamu Town with it's narrow streets, medieval stone buildings and 12km-long white sand beach. The Old Town here is the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, characterised by the simplicity of structural forms enriched by such features as inner courtyards, verandas and elaborately carved wooden doors. Lamu has hosted major Muslim religious festivals since the 19th century, and has become a significant centre for the study of Islamic and Swahili cultures.
Manda Island: home to Manda Bay
The less developed Manda Island, just across the narrow channel from Lamu Island, offers a more exclusive feel. Almost uninhabited until recently, it is home to the private (and privately owned) Manda Bay. As well as the pristine beach, Manda is the location of the old ruined towns of Takwa and Manda, where excavations have revealed their historical legacy, finding Chinese porcelain and Islamic pottery. It is also the site of the main airstrip on the islands.
Paté Island: a fascinating excursion
The mysterious Paté Island, with traditional villages and captivating ruins, is accessible only by dhow or motorboat at high tide and makes a fascinating excursion.
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