Morning Star Diani
7.9 out of 10 from 160 reviewsDiani Beach
Full kitchen · 60–105 m² · Sleeps 10
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Aparthotels & serviced apartments in Diani Beach
12 stays · 11 aparthotels and 1 serviced apartments
Diani Beach is a long stretch of Indian Ocean coast in Kwale County, and aparthotels and serviced apartments suit it because holidays here tend to be relaxed, family-oriented and several days or weeks long. A flat with a kitchen lets you cook with local produce, keep children's meals flexible and avoid eating out every night, and extra space helps when a group shares one booking.
12 stays
Where to stay in Diani Beach
Central Diani Beach
- beach
- families
- first-time visitors
The middle of the beach is a practical base. Wikipedia says the water is shallow near the shore at low tide, with underwater sandbars near the surface, so swimming conditions change with the tide. Colobus Conservation, a primate rescue and education organisation, has its address on Diani Beach Road and lists visiting hours from Monday to Saturday.
Stays in or near Central Diani Beach
- Manyatta Hotels and Apartments · about 400 m away
Ukunda
- shops
- long stays
- airport access
Ukunda lies immediately west of Diani Beach, according to Wikipedia, and is the local town. The article says it is on Highway A-14, which runs south from Mombasa, and has its own airport. Wikipedia also notes a supermarket branch at Gate Mall, which makes it practical for stocking a kitchen on a longer stay.
Galu Beach
- quiet stays
- beach
- couples
Galu Beach marks the southern end of Diani Beach, according to Wikipedia, and Wikivoyage places it about 10 kilometres south on the coast. It is generally quieter than the middle of the beach, so it suits guests who want space and are happy to travel for shops and restaurants.
Northern Diani and Kongo
- heritage
- quiet stays
- beach
Wikipedia says the 16th-century Kongo Mosque is at the northern tip of Diani Beach, the last remaining ancient Swahili structure in Diani. Wikivoyage lists Tiwi Beach as the neighbouring beach to the north. This end of the coast is further from Ukunda, so it suits visitors who prefer a calmer base.
Stays in or near Northern Diani and Kongo
- Micmoll Paradise · about 900 m away
- Chrystal Baharini · about 1.1 km away
Getting around Diani Beach
Wikivoyage says international visitors typically arrive at Mombasa airport, or fly to Nairobi first. It says the transfer takes about 2 hours from landing in Mombasa to reaching the hotel, and that a small airport at Ukunda offers direct flights between Ukunda and Nairobi. Wikipedia describes Ukunda Airport as a small airstrip between the beach and inland roads.
Wikipedia says visitors historically reached Diani through Mombasa on the Likoni Ferry, and that the Dongo Kundu Bypass Highway, the Mombasa Southern Bypass, was completed in 2024. Wikivoyage says the ferry operates around the clock, and Wikipedia says it carries both pedestrians and vehicles across Kilindini Harbour. Locally, Wikivoyage lists matatus, tuk-tuks, boda-bodas, regular taxis and ride-hailing apps as the main options.
Living in Diani Beach for longer
Diani suits stays of a week or more, particularly if you choose an apartment near Ukunda or along the main beach road where shops are close. Wikipedia notes the supermarket at Gate Mall in Ukunda, and the town is the practical place for food shopping. Ask before you book how far the apartment is from the beach and from the shops, since the coast is long.
For days away from the sand, Wikipedia describes Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, near Shimoni in Kwale County, covering 39 square kilometres and managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service, with dolphins, turtles and many reef fish. Colobus Conservation welcomes visitors during its published hours. To compare formats, read what is an aparthotel and travelling with kids.
When to visit Diani Beach
Wikivoyage says late November to mid-March offers pleasant conditions, and recommends avoiding April to June, the main rainy season, and October to November, when rainfall and humidity are higher.
Kisite-Mpunguti has seasonal visitors such as humpback whales and whale sharks, according to Wikipedia, which makes the timing of boat trips worth checking with operators before you book.
Wikipedia places Diani Beach 30 kilometres south of Mombasa and says the beach is approximately 17 kilometres long, running from the Congo river in the north to Galu Beach in the south. The Ukunda and Diani area had 70,788 inhabitants in 2015. The notes below cover where to base yourself, how to arrive and when the weather is best. For the wider country see Kenya, and for the nearest large city see Mombasa.
Long-stay tips for Diani Beach
Of the 12 properties here, 1 offer an in-apartment washing machine, 3 list a laptop-friendly workspace, 5 include some form of housekeeping and 5 have a 24-hour front desk. Each property page has a facts box, so you can compare apartments before you book.
9 properties list a full kitchen and 3 only a kitchenette, so check the room type if you plan to cook more than simple meals.
Where room sizes are published, the median apartment here is 78 m².
Moving for work? Our guide to serviced apartments for relocation explains what to look for.
Other cities in Kenya
Planning a longer trip? See aparthotels in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Mtwapa, Nanyuki, Syokimau, Malindi and Kitale.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Diani Beach?
Central Diani Beach is a practical base for the beach and families. Ukunda suits stays where shops and the airport matter, and Galu Beach is quieter.
How do I get to Diani Beach from Mombasa?
Wikipedia says visitors historically reached Diani via the Likoni Ferry, and that the Dongo Kundu Bypass Highway was completed in 2024. Wikivoyage lists matatus from the ferry to Ukunda and taxis.
Is there an airport near Diani Beach?
Ukunda Airport is a small airstrip near the beach, and Wikivoyage says it has direct flights to Nairobi. Wikivoyage says the transfer from landing at Mombasa airport to the hotel takes about 2 hours.
When is the best time to visit Diani Beach?
Wikivoyage recommends late November to mid-March, and suggests avoiding April to June and October to November, which are wetter.
How long is Diani Beach?
Wikipedia says the beach is approximately 17 kilometres long, from the Congo river in the north to Galu Beach in the south.
How many aparthotels are there in Diani Beach?
We currently list 12 aparthotel and serviced apartment properties in Diani Beach.
Do aparthotels in Diani Beach have kitchens?
12 of the 12 properties we list have a kitchen or kitchenette in at least one apartment type.
Which aparthotels in Diani Beach have a washing machine?
1 property lists an in-apartment washing machine. Use the facts box on each property page to check.
Sources
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