The best things to do in Diani and Msambweni are spread along a short stretch of Kenya’s South Coast. YU Resort sits on the beach at Msambweni, about 25 km south of Diani and 30 minutes from Ukunda Airstrip. That puts you close to Diani’s wildlife parks and forests, and even closer to the quieter islands, reefs and mangroves further south.
Here are ten day trips and experiences to plan around your stay, with rough travel times so you can build a realistic week.
| Experience | Where | Time needed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kisite-Mpunguti and Wasini Island | Shimoni, south of Msambweni | Full day | Dolphins, snorkelling, families |
| Funzi Island and mangroves | Just south of Msambweni | Half day | Calm boat trips, birds |
| Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest | Diani | Half day | Culture, forest walks |
| Colobus Conservation | Diani | 1 to 2 hours | Wildlife, families |
| Bora Bora Wildlife Park | Diani | Half day | Giraffe feeding, children |
| Shimba Hills National Reserve | Kwale, inland | Full day | Safari, forest, elephants |
| Maji Moto hot springs | Near Lunga Lunga | Half day | Something different |
| Quad biking | Around Diani | 2 to 5 hours | Adventure seekers |
| Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus | Mombasa | Full day | History, Swahili culture |
| Evenings in Diani | Diani | Evening | Restaurants, a night out |
Times are approximate and depend on traffic, tides and the operator you choose.
This is the South Coast’s classic day out. Boats leave from Shimoni for Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, where you snorkel over coral gardens and often see dolphins on the way. Dolphin sightings are common but never guaranteed. Most trips include lunch on Wasini Island, where you can walk the village and the coral gardens on foot.
From Msambweni, you are much closer to Shimoni than guests staying in Diani, which means a shorter drive before the boat.
For a gentler boat trip, head to Funzi Island just south of Msambweni. Mangrove channels, sandbanks and quiet beaches make this a relaxed half day. Go on a rising tide, when the channels are easier to explore. It is a good choice for birdwatchers and anyone who prefers calm water to open sea.
Kaya Kinondo is one of the sacred Mijikenda forests, part of a group of sites listed by UNESCO as World Heritage. A local guide walks you through the forest and explains its traditions, plants and history. Dress codes apply, so ask about them before you go. It is a quiet, respectful visit and one of the most meaningful things to do in Diani.
Diani is home to the Angolan colobus monkey, and Colobus Conservation works to protect it. A guided visit explains the threats these monkeys face along the busy beach road, and what is being done about them. It is a short, easy trip that children enjoy, and your visit supports the work.
Bora Bora Wildlife Park in Diani offers guided walks among giraffes, zebras and ostriches, plus a chance to see Nile crocodiles. The giraffe feeding is the highlight for most visitors, especially families. Allow half a day, and go in the morning before the heat builds.
You don’t need to fly to the Maasai Mara to see wildlife. Shimba Hills National Reserve sits inland in Kwale County, within day-trip distance of the resort. Forest and grassland here hold elephants, sable antelope and around 300 bird species. Leave early, pack a lunch and pair it with the viewpoints over the coast.
Near Lunga Lunga, south of Msambweni, warm springs rise from the ground in the Maji Moto area. It is far off the usual tourist route, which is part of the appeal. Go with a local guide who knows the springs and the community, and pair it with a drive through rural Kwale.
If you want an adrenaline fix, several operators near Diani run quad bike tours on village tracks and bush trails. Rides usually range from about two hours to half a day, on single or double bikes. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dusty, and choose an operator that provides helmets and a safety briefing.
Mombasa is a full-day trip, so plan it with an early start. Fort Jesus, built by the Portuguese in the 1590s, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow lanes of Old Town show the city’s Swahili, Arab and Indian history, and the spice shops are worth the detour. Allow extra time for the drive and the crossing onto the island.
YU Resort is quiet at night by design. When you want some energy, Diani’s restaurants, beach bars and live music are a short drive north. Book a driver for the return trip, and head home to the sound of the sea.
Some days, the best plan is no plan. At the resort you can book a massage at the spa, join a yoga session, try kitesurfing in the right season, go fishing, or end the day with a campfire or a candlelit dinner on the beach. See our full list of activities at YU Resort, or read our guide to kitesurfing in Msambweni.
Mix one or two full days out with slower days at the resort. A good five-day plan might be Kisite and Wasini on one day, Shimba Hills on another, and short Diani trips to Kaya Kinondo, Colobus Conservation and Bora Bora in between. Keep a free day for the beach and the pool.
Choose your base to match your trip. The Upper Resort rooms sit in the gardens by the pool, while the Beach Villa suites put you right on the sand. Contact YU Resort and we will help you plan your days on the South Coast.