Swahili Beach Hotel

Diani Beach


Just south of Palm Ave, this elegant resort is all Moorish chic, with latticed screens, soaring ceilings, Moroccan-style mihrab headboards and reflecting pools that resemble those at the Taj Mahal. Five excellent restaurants, three pools (including one for scuba diving and one infinity pool), vast rooms with sunken tubs, beach bar, and spa are among the perks.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Diani Beach attractions

1. Kongo Mosque

2.38 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

3.82 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

7.29 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

10.9 MILES

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

5. Sheldrick Falls

11.32 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

13.16 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

14.53 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. Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary

16.25 MILES

This sanctuary is a good example of community-based conservation, with local people acting as stakeholders in the project. It was opened in October 1995…