Stretching along Kenya's Indian Ocean coast like a ribbon of brilliant white, Diani Beach is a gorgeous setting for a beach vacation. Against the backdrop of forests echoing with the cries of wildlife, visitors can relax in a truly idyllic destination.
The centerpiece of Diani Beach isn't a mystery: the resort built along its eponymous beach, a pure white strand of sun-baked sand.
Diani Beach is a magnet for water sports fans, with the opportunity to windsurf, water ski, jet ski, swim, snorkel, kayak, sail, and dive.
Visible from the beach, the Shimba Hills National Reserve is a haven of biodiversity where you can glimpse elephants and sable antelopes, and hike to gorgeous waterfalls.
Diving is a big deal in Diani Beach, where you can take "diving safaris" on traditional dhows, including excursions to the Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Reserve - home to a huge dolphin colony.
If you are a land-lubber, Diani Beach delivers as well, with golf courses, great shopping centers, and - for the most adventurous - a popular skydiving school.
The area around Diani Beach experiences a couple of rainy seasons - one from April to May and another in November and December. Any time from June through October should guarantee fine weather.
If you are flying from abroad, you are likely to touch down at Mombasa's Moi International, about 30 miles north of Diani Beach. Companies like SunTransfer offer shuttles to the resort, which charge around KSh4,000.
If you choose to drive from Mombasa, just follow the A14 directly to Diani Beach.
Privately run shuttle buses ply the route between Moi Airport and Diani Beach, and bus connections take around six hours to travel from the capital, Nairobi.
Diani Beach offers some superb accommodation options, including the Southern Palms Beach Resort and the Sands at Nomad Hotel.
Diani Beach - the core of the resort itself, Diani Beach has plenty to offer, including the Diani Beach Shopping Centre, where you can stock up on souvenirs at the Diani Beach Art Gallery.
Galu Kinondo - a couple of miles south of Diani, Galu Kinondo is home to a couple of the plushest resort hotels and excellent eateries like Lymington's Bistro on the Beach.
Maweni Beach - North of Diani, Maweni is much quieter, but almost as attractive and provides great access to the Shimba Hills.
Public transportation is thin on the ground in Diani Beach, and most people rely on taxis or their own vehicles.
Taxi companies like Chideri operate in the Diani Beach area. Expect to pay around KSh1,000 per mile.
Rental companies include Cool Auto Hire and Glory Car Hire. Rates start at around KSh700 per day.
Central Diani Beach is the place to shop. To be more exact, head to the Diani Beach Shopping Centre, where works of art, clothing, and locally crafted jewelry are all available.
Grocery shopping options include M Supermarket and Chandarana. To give an idea of prices, expect to pay around KSh250 for 12 eggs.
Great dining establishments can be found along Diani's seafront. For some of the best food in town, book a table at Lymington's (where the seafood is sublime), or try Swahili Pot, which cooks up meat dishes marinated in authentic Swahili sauces. Expect meals to come to around KSh3,000.