The Maji

Top choice in Diani Beach


Among the loveliest of Diani's beachfront boutique hotels, the Maji – which means 'water' in Swahili – is simply gorgeous. The water feature in the beautiful Swahili lobby is surrounded by West African carvings, with welcome touches of contemporary art throughout. Each of the 15 rooms has its own vibe, but all have enormous beds, high ceilings and lovely bathrooms. Bliss.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Diani Beach attractions

1. Kongo Mosque

1.38 MILES

At the far northern end of the beach road (follow the faded sign behind the Jacaranda Resort) is the 16th-century Kongo Mosque – Diani’s last surviving…

2. Colobus Conservation Centre

4.87 MILES

Notice the monkeys clambering on rope ladders over the road? The 'colobridges' are the work of the Colobus Conservation Centre, which aims to protect the…

3. Kaya Kinondo

8.33 MILES

This forest, sacred to the Digo people, is the only one of the area's sacred forests that's open to visitors. Visiting this small grove is a nature walk,…

4. Marere Dam

11.4 MILES

A watering hole that attracts animals, including elephants. Also a great birdwatching spot.

5. Sheldrick Falls

11.78 MILES

These pretty 21m-high falls are laced with lianas and greenery, and have a natural plunge pool. Free, two-hour, 2km walks, organised by the Kenya Wildlife…

6. Shimba Hills National Reserve

13.41 MILES

This park is among the easiest to visit in Kenya, within spitting distance of Diani Beach, with numerous driving routes and a couple of hiking trails. Its…

7. Elephant Hill

14.92 MILES

With the best viewpoint in the reserve, this hill is the place to see elephants. It affords lovely views out over the valley towards the ocean. Armed…

8. Holy Ghost Cathedral

15.77 MILES

The Christian Holy Ghost Cathedral is a very European hunk of neo-Gothic buttressed architecture, with massive fans in the walls to cool its former…