A Brief History

Diani, and perhaps, the whole of Coastal Kenya is believed to be the origin of East African Civilization. Little is known about Diani’s specific history but shreds of evidence suggest that her history can be traced back to the 8th Century AD.

In the 9th century, the Indian and Arab traders started to mingle with the indigenous population to create unique Swahili cultures, much of which are still thriving until this day. During this period, the whole Coastal region of Kenya enjoyed a golden age of trade. In the 15th Century, the Portuguese arrived at the Kenyan Coast and effectively dominated the region for 2 centuries after which the Oman Arabs took over.

At the turn of the 19th century, the British established a foothold and declared the coast a British Protectorate. Jadini Beach Hotel was the first tourist hotel to be built in Diani Beach back in 1937. It was formerly a cottage. Trade Winds and Two Fishes followed later as tourism took off in Diani.

Today, Diani is regarded as one of the best beach destinations in the World as well as the leading beach destination in Africa.

PEOPLE & CULTURE

The indigenous people of Diani are the Digo Community which is the second-largest tribe of the 9 Mijikenda tribes. With an estimated population of 400,000, the Digo are concentrated on the southern coastal strip of Kenya specifically Diani, and the border of Tanzania. The Digo people speak chidigo, which is a Bantu language closely related to both Swahili and the other Mijikenda languages. Over 90% of Digo people are Islam.

Diani boasts a vibrant culture drawn from the different communities and nations who live here. Despite the cultural mix that Diani boosts, the indigenous locals’ culture remains alive, known for their warmness and accommodating nature, the locals hold visitors in high regard as visitors are believed to be a source of blessings.

As vibrant as the culture, so is the nightlife, as the sun fades away, Diani transcends to become the life of the party. Endowed with various nightclubs and great music, her people rise to the occasion with unreserved energy making the most of each moment, this is how memories are made here.

GETTING AROUND DIANI BEACH

Diani has plenty of TukTuks, Motorbikes, and taxis. Besides that, you can also self-drive or ride by hiring bike and car rentals from the shopping center.

There are at least a hundred taxis around Diani Beach that are easily accessible. Using a taxi around Diani is much the same as in other places. The easiest places to find taxis are Barclays Shopping Center, Bazaar, Petro, Diani Shopping Centre, Ushago, and the area around Nomad Hotel. Taxis along Diani Beach are very clean and most are in excellent condition. The drivers are very friendly, helpful, honest, and knowledgeable about the area.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The matatu (minibusses) culture in Kenya is an attraction by itself. Matatus offers fast and reliable transport for short-range travel. While in Diani Beach, you will find Matatus on the following routes.

Leisure -Ukunda (these take you to the left side of Diani Beach)
Pavillion-Ukunda (these take you to the right side of Diani Beach)
Likoni- Ukunda(From the Likoni Ferry)
Shimoni-Ukunda-Likoni

Matatus have irregular travel times and are normally available all day from dawn (6 am) to nightfall. They also stop almost anywhere. In Diani Beach, you can catch a matatu at designated stops which are the pick-up points but also you can find them cruising around and a simple wave of the hand will bring them to a halt. Before boarding, it is advisable to confirm the charges to your destination.