Diani is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Diani?
You should plan to spend around $69 (KES8,945) per day on your vacation in Diani. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $35 (KES4,510) on meals
- $15 (KES1,923) on local transportation
- $46 (KES6,000) on hotels
A one week trip to Diani for two people costs, on average, $969 (KES125,230). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$485
KES62,615
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$969
KES125,230
-
One Month
Per person
$2,077
KES268,350
-
One Week
For a couple
$969
KES125,230
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,938
KES250,460
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,154
KES536,700
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Diani cost?
A one week trip to Diani usually costs around $485 (KES62,615) for one person and $969 (KES125,230) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Diani on average costs around $969 (KES125,230) for one person and $1,938 (KES250,460) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Diani will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Diani on average costs around $2,077 (KES268,350) for one person and $4,154 (KES536,700) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Diani expensive to visit?
Diani is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Diani has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $30 (KES3,913) per day, mid-range travelers spend $69 (KES8,945) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $133 (KES17,093) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Diani.
Within Africa, Diani is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Agadir or Chefchaouen.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Diani Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Diani?
The average Diani trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Diani travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Diani cost?
Diani on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$10
(KES1,313)
|
$23
(KES3,000)
|
$44
(KES5,733)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$7
(KES841)
|
$15
(KES1,923)
|
$28
(KES3,674)
|
|
Food 2
|
$15
(KES1,973)
|
$35
(KES4,510)
|
$67
(KES8,619)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$6
(KES828)
|
$15
(KES1,891)
|
$28
(KES3,614)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
(KES252-755)
|
$4-13
(KES575-1,725)
|
$9-26
(KES1,099-3,296)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Diani. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Diani on a Shoestring Budget?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $30 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Diani, such as Diani Backpackers, Galu Backpackers & Ecolodge, and Kijani Cottages Diani, Hostel. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Many who visit Diani will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $69 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $133 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the destination, prepare for a luxury price tag.
Accommodation Budget in Diani
Hotel rates in Diani vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $232 to $433. Expect prices to range from $96 for budget hotels to $1,205 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Diani for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $46 (KES6,000). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $23 (KES3,000) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Diani? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Diani include:
- Waterlovers Beach Resort starting at $283
- Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa starting at $230
- Baobab Beach Resort & Spa starting at $199
- Sunset Villa Boutique Resort starting at $70
- African Dream Cottages - Diani Beach starting at $53
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip ), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Diani
Diani lacks an efficient public transit system.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (KES1,923) per person, per day, on local transportation in Diani. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Diani is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
KES1,923
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private transfer to Diani Beach from Mombasa for $65 details
- From Mombasa Airport: Diani transfer in a minivan (5 pax) for $75 details
- Airport hotel transfer for $36 details
How much does it cost to go to Diani? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Diani will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Diani
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Diani can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Diani is $35 (KES4,510) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$35
KES4,510
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Diani is around $35 (KES4510) per person, with previous travelers spending from $15 to $67. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Diani are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $11 to $25
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
The traditional food of Diani, is typical to most cuisine in Kenya. It is mixed and diverse and is an exciting combination of flavors to experience. The main staples of Diani cuisines are: Maize meal (called Ugali when cooked and unga when raw) and rice. Ugali is usually served as a white stiff porridge, good for dipping in stews or making into a makeshift spoon when you eat with your hands. Rice can be served in so many different ways, but usually it is plain boiled rice. Sometimes, the rice is transformed into a wonderful fragrant mound of colorful hues infused by the spices added like saffron, turmeric and cayenne plus nuts and dried fruits, it is a celebration of food, known as pilau rice. Stews are popular and they can either be vegetarian like maharagwe (a tasty bean dish with onions, tomatoes and spices all boiled together, making a thick bean sauce) or a meat stew, normally goat. Served with the ugali and stew is a vegetable dish made from kale, onions and tomatoes called skuma wiki. Kale, like many vegetables, grows all over Kenya and is found in most gardens. As a treat, the stews are sometimes served with chapatis, which is an Indian flatbread, the dough is freshly prepared and then rolled very flat before being shallow fried in plenty of oil, served warm, they are soft and pliable but have a lovely crisp edge. Then there is "nyama choma" – which is a flavorsome Swahili barbeque. The meat is usually beef or goat and occasionally chicken. Kenya grows some amazing tasting fruits, plump mangoes, oranges, tree tomatoes, bananas, plums, grapes and passion fruit to name but a few. So for dessert, fresh fruit is often the main choice.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Diani, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Diani Beach: Special Dinner with a Local for $50 details
- A ROMANTIC BEACH BONFIRE DINNER SET UP for $58 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Diani
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Diani typically cost an average of $15 (KES1,891) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$15
KES1,891
The beautiful stretches of white sand beach and gorgeous blue waters of Diani Beach is the most popular sight and is what draws the majority of tourists, but there is more to see in Diani than award winning beaches.
Colobus Conservation, established in 1997, is a primate sanctuary, re-adaptation center, and orphanage for Angolan colobus in the Kwale County. If you want to see one of the six primate species in South Coast Kenya visit the colobus trust for an informative walk to spot one of the many wild primates. They work to promote conservation of the colobus monkeys and address threats to them. It can be an interesting and educational place to visit.
See the Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest to have some hours of relaxation and to get a spiritual lift. This is a special forest which can only be visited with a guide. It is better to phone ahead to confirm there is one, especially if you want to go early while it is still cool. Allow 2 hours for a full tour. It’s a place rich in cultural heritage as well as sacred ambience. One has to tie a black kanga as a sign of respect to the spirits residing in the holy forest. Through the nature trail you'll learn of different plants and a cleared area that shows the residence of the ancestors. After the long walk you can also enjoy a cultural dance. This sacred forest is a beautiful atmosphere surrounded by trees that are used in different medicines.
Visit Komboza Cave. The entrance is directly on the beach road near Southern Palms beach resort. The cave system runs from the entrance to the sea at Leisure Lodge in one direction and to the Mosque by Kongo river in the other. Or see the coral rock Slave Caves in Shimoni, the start and finish point for trips to Wasini Island. In these coral rock caves slaves were captured before they were sold in Zanzibar. A sad and yet interesting place. The caves now run as a community project. Short guided tours are offered.
Experience a wide range of watersport activities. For something different, learn the basics of kite surfing. There are also opportunities to experience paddle boarding and kayaking. Try snorkeling in some of the beautiful waters. You can even rent a jet ski and enjoy a day of riding around this tropical paradise.
A favorite activity here is to take a glass bottom boat tour where you can watch the fish and other ocean creatures in their natural world beneath you.
This is also a great opportunity to learn and experience skydiving, if you enjoy a good rush of adrenaline.
There are also several opportunities to book tours in the area. It is easy to book many tours right on the beach, though it is advisable to research ahead or ask at your hotel for reputable tour options. Tours are available for dolphin watching, safari's, snorkeling, sailing trips, Dirt road tours, tours to coral gardens and slave caves, river cruises, tours to a nearby island, and many more are available.
A nice way to explore destinations in Diani is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Diani Beach: Village tour on a bike with hotel pick-up for $64 details
- Diani bush tour for $75 details
- Wasini Island Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour for $100 details
Nightlife Budget in Diani
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $8.90 (KES1,150) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Diani per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$8.90
KES1,150
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Diani. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Diani,Mombasa Nightlife And Pub Crawling Guided Tour. For $42 details
Traveling in Diani
Diani is a major beach resort town on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. It is located 30 kilometers south of Mombasa and the beach has been voted Africa’s leading beach destination several times. With a flawless, long stretch of white-sand beach hugged by lush forest and kissed by surfable waves, it’s no wonder Diani Beach is so popular. This resort town scores points with a diverse crowd: party people, families, honeymooners, backpackers and water-sports enthusiasts. But Diani also has some of the best accommodation in Kenya, from budget party hostels to funky kitesurfing lodges and intimate honeymoon spots. Most places are spread along the beach road, hidden behind a line of forest. When lazing in a hammock gets tiring, visit the coral mosques with their archways that overlook the open ocean, venture into the sacred forests where guides hug trees that speak in their ancestors' voices, or take in the monkey sanctuary – all are good ways to experience more of the coast than the considerable charms of sun and sand.
Neighborhoods & Around
Diani Beach/Town
The most popular area of Diani is the world famous, award winning beach. The water invites you to jump in for a leisurely swim and modern hotels populate the coastline with relaxing amenities. A place of wonder and excitement with lines of hotels that create the booming tourism industry that is the backbone of the area. There are shops, restaurants, and activities found at resorts and around beach areas since tourism is the main economy here, but the larger shopping area is in neighboring Ukanda.
Ukanda
Ukunda, the gateway region to Diani, is a bee hive of activities with all sorts of businesses established. These range from Mobile Money transfer services, boutiques, electronic shops, hotels and guest houses, and micro finance institutions. It is also home to Ukunda Airstrip managed by the Kenya Airports Authority to serve the tourism sector.A drive through Ukunda is a display of sales talent with many Kenyans selling beautiful African Kanga or Lessos depicting African culture, carvings, ornaments and paintings that are designed to capture the eyes of the tourist with rich colors. The plum trees line up their long leaves in welcome as they move to the ocean breeze.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.