Gary’s Tiwi & Diani Beach Guidebook

Gary
Gary’s Tiwi & Diani Beach Guidebook

Sightseeing

Star Fish Safari at Sand Island – Turn right out of Mkelekele driveway and head up the Tiwi beach track. Drive for no more than ten minutes and turn right back towards the beach at ‘Sand Island Beach Cottages’. Head down to the beach and a few metres out towards the reef you will find a stunning shallow area filled with lots of colourful starfish. Although not an official marine conservancy, the locals protect the starfish as they bring in tourism. You don’t have to pay to wade out to see them, but the guys on the beach there will be keen to show you exactly where they are for a small fee.
Sand Island Beach Cottages
Star Fish Safari at Sand Island – Turn right out of Mkelekele driveway and head up the Tiwi beach track. Drive for no more than ten minutes and turn right back towards the beach at ‘Sand Island Beach Cottages’. Head down to the beach and a few metres out towards the reef you will find a stunning shallow area filled with lots of colourful starfish. Although not an official marine conservancy, the locals protect the starfish as they bring in tourism. You don’t have to pay to wade out to see them, but the guys on the beach there will be keen to show you exactly where they are for a small fee.
Dhow and snorkelling trips to Wasini Island Wasini Island is around a one hour 45 minute drive south from Tiwi Beach. Just south of the island is the Kisite Marine National Park, which covers 28 square kilometres of pristine coral reefs. If you have the time, it is worth the journey for great diving and snorkelling, with frequent dolphin and turtle sightings. The marine park is accessible by dhow tour from Diani Beach or private boat hired in Wasini.
61 locals recommend
Wasini Island and Kisite Marine Park
61 locals recommend
Dhow and snorkelling trips to Wasini Island Wasini Island is around a one hour 45 minute drive south from Tiwi Beach. Just south of the island is the Kisite Marine National Park, which covers 28 square kilometres of pristine coral reefs. If you have the time, it is worth the journey for great diving and snorkelling, with frequent dolphin and turtle sightings. The marine park is accessible by dhow tour from Diani Beach or private boat hired in Wasini.
Pilli-Pippa Dhow Safaris – a family run company offering small-group day trips to Kisiti Marine National Park for diving, snorkelling and dolphin watching. Fabulous lunch with crab, wine and Swahili food. They supply all equipment and transport, +254 (0) 722 205 120 or +254 (0) 724 442 555, www.pillipipa.com, email: info@pillipipa.com or pillipipa@dianibeach.com
23 locals recommend
Pilli Pipa Dhow Safari
23 locals recommend
Pilli-Pippa Dhow Safaris – a family run company offering small-group day trips to Kisiti Marine National Park for diving, snorkelling and dolphin watching. Fabulous lunch with crab, wine and Swahili food. They supply all equipment and transport, +254 (0) 722 205 120 or +254 (0) 724 442 555, www.pillipipa.com, email: info@pillipipa.com or pillipipa@dianibeach.com
Charlie’s Claw – offers a range of dhow trips at Kisite Marine Park with seafood lunch, +254 (0) 722 205 155 or +254 (0) 722 205 156, email: enquiries@wasini.com
Charlie Claw'S
Charlie’s Claw – offers a range of dhow trips at Kisite Marine Park with seafood lunch, +254 (0) 722 205 155 or +254 (0) 722 205 156, email: enquiries@wasini.com
Visit for a day trip and chill out on their private beach. Snorkel, explore the rock pools, take a dip in one of their three swimming pools and enjoy a buffet lunch. Chale island is a 30 minute drive away from Ukunda airport. Get in contact with them to book a day trip to the island: reservations@thesandsatchaleisland.com www.thesandsatchaleisland.com info@thesandsatchaleisland.com +254 725 546 879 +254 728 333 310
Chale Island
Visit for a day trip and chill out on their private beach. Snorkel, explore the rock pools, take a dip in one of their three swimming pools and enjoy a buffet lunch. Chale island is a 30 minute drive away from Ukunda airport. Get in contact with them to book a day trip to the island: reservations@thesandsatchaleisland.com www.thesandsatchaleisland.com info@thesandsatchaleisland.com +254 725 546 879 +254 728 333 310
Walk right at low tide along the beach from Mkelekele House and continue around the headland - you'll arrive at Amani Resort. It's a great option if you're looking for a spa, gym, tennis court, pool - simply enquire about purchasing a day pass which enables you to use all their facilities.
Amani Tiwi Beach Resort
Tiwi Beach Rd
Walk right at low tide along the beach from Mkelekele House and continue around the headland - you'll arrive at Amani Resort. It's a great option if you're looking for a spa, gym, tennis court, pool - simply enquire about purchasing a day pass which enables you to use all their facilities.

Neighborhoods

Stunningly white long beach - walk for miles. Great restaurant options below: Nomads Beach Bar and Restaurant – 4.8km south of Tiwi Beach. Beautiful beachside spot serving a range of tasty snacks and meals. Pizza oven too, +254 (0) 738 333 888 Leonardo’s – Not beachfront, but Italian restaurant serving authentic pizzas and delicious homemade gelato ice-cream. Turn left at the T-junction when you reach Diani beach road and it is not far, +254 (0) 720 501 707, see online menu: www.leonardos-restaurant-diani.com Kokkos Café and Bistro – Opened in 2014, Kokkos serves great coffee, homemade cakes and a wide selection of other tasty snacks and dishes. It also has free Wi-Fi. Not beachfront but great for a quick bite on a shopping trip! +254 721 565567, see www.kokkoscafe.com for a menu.
6 locals recommend
Diani
6 locals recommend
Stunningly white long beach - walk for miles. Great restaurant options below: Nomads Beach Bar and Restaurant – 4.8km south of Tiwi Beach. Beautiful beachside spot serving a range of tasty snacks and meals. Pizza oven too, +254 (0) 738 333 888 Leonardo’s – Not beachfront, but Italian restaurant serving authentic pizzas and delicious homemade gelato ice-cream. Turn left at the T-junction when you reach Diani beach road and it is not far, +254 (0) 720 501 707, see online menu: www.leonardos-restaurant-diani.com Kokkos Café and Bistro – Opened in 2014, Kokkos serves great coffee, homemade cakes and a wide selection of other tasty snacks and dishes. It also has free Wi-Fi. Not beachfront but great for a quick bite on a shopping trip! +254 721 565567, see www.kokkoscafe.com for a menu.
Galu Beach (the next headland over from Diani) - amzaing for LONG walks and great restaurants. Two recommendations below: Sails Beach Bar & Restaurant – delicious seafood. A little way to drive (34 minutes) but worth it! It is best to book a table as they do get busy +254(0) 716 863 884 or +254 (0) 717 073 953, www.almanararesort.com Lymington's Bar and Restaurant – this is located at Kenyaways kite surfing school and serves a yummy selection of fresh sea food and other dishes. Book lunch tables in advance during high season. +254 (0) 732 900 700, www.thekenyaway.com
Galu Beach
Galu Beach (the next headland over from Diani) - amzaing for LONG walks and great restaurants. Two recommendations below: Sails Beach Bar & Restaurant – delicious seafood. A little way to drive (34 minutes) but worth it! It is best to book a table as they do get busy +254(0) 716 863 884 or +254 (0) 717 073 953, www.almanararesort.com Lymington's Bar and Restaurant – this is located at Kenyaways kite surfing school and serves a yummy selection of fresh sea food and other dishes. Book lunch tables in advance during high season. +254 (0) 732 900 700, www.thekenyaway.com
Beach walks – Need we say anymore?! Turn right on the beach for a lovely walk around the headland to Tiwi River mouth – across the river you will see the beginning of Diani beach, which you can wade across to at low tide. Reef walking / reef pools – Put on your best old trainers (because there are sea urchins) and walk left along the beach at low tide. At the end of the beach, follow the coral cliff edge and after about ten minutes you’ll see the first of two lovely reef pools. One is known as the ‘Africa pool’ because its shape is similar to the continent. They are refreshingly cool for a dip. Take goggles with you to explore the cave and marine life. Amos is a friendly beach guy who will happily guide you there and back for a small fee – ask the house staff to contact him. Boat trips / snorkelling – These can be arranged with a local boat guide. They are local operators and are not licensed, so the operation is a little ‘rustic’ and taken at your own risk! Rates are open to negotiation. Gym / tennis – For the energetic fitness enthusiasts among you there is a well equipped gym and tennis court available at Amani Tiwi Beach Resort. This can be reached by walking along the beach at low tide – turn right and continue around the headland, it takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, drive there in 5 minutes. For KES 3,500 (US$ 35) per person you can spend the day there with access to all the facilities (pool, tennis, gym), inclusive of lunch and afternoon tea.
Tiwi Beach
Tiwi Beach
Beach walks – Need we say anymore?! Turn right on the beach for a lovely walk around the headland to Tiwi River mouth – across the river you will see the beginning of Diani beach, which you can wade across to at low tide. Reef walking / reef pools – Put on your best old trainers (because there are sea urchins) and walk left along the beach at low tide. At the end of the beach, follow the coral cliff edge and after about ten minutes you’ll see the first of two lovely reef pools. One is known as the ‘Africa pool’ because its shape is similar to the continent. They are refreshingly cool for a dip. Take goggles with you to explore the cave and marine life. Amos is a friendly beach guy who will happily guide you there and back for a small fee – ask the house staff to contact him. Boat trips / snorkelling – These can be arranged with a local boat guide. They are local operators and are not licensed, so the operation is a little ‘rustic’ and taken at your own risk! Rates are open to negotiation. Gym / tennis – For the energetic fitness enthusiasts among you there is a well equipped gym and tennis court available at Amani Tiwi Beach Resort. This can be reached by walking along the beach at low tide – turn right and continue around the headland, it takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, drive there in 5 minutes. For KES 3,500 (US$ 35) per person you can spend the day there with access to all the facilities (pool, tennis, gym), inclusive of lunch and afternoon tea.

Food scene

Awesome cocktails, fun vibe and yummy food!
28 locals recommend
Tiki Bar
Diani Beach Road
28 locals recommend
Awesome cocktails, fun vibe and yummy food!
I highly recommended a meal out here for top quality sea-food and delicious cocktails! Arrive early and stroll down Galu Beach at sunset before heading into the restaurant which is beside the beach. Be sure to book a table as it get's busy. It takes 25 minutes by car from Mkelekele House.
45 locals recommend
Sails Beach Bar & Restaurant
Diani Beach Road
45 locals recommend
I highly recommended a meal out here for top quality sea-food and delicious cocktails! Arrive early and stroll down Galu Beach at sunset before heading into the restaurant which is beside the beach. Be sure to book a table as it get's busy. It takes 25 minutes by car from Mkelekele House.
Top notch food and great vibe on one of Kenya's best beaches - Galu Beach. Book ahead during high season as it's popular. This place is about a 25 minute drive from Mkelekele House.
51 locals recommend
The Salty Squid Beach Bar & Restaurant
51 locals recommend
Top notch food and great vibe on one of Kenya's best beaches - Galu Beach. Book ahead during high season as it's popular. This place is about a 25 minute drive from Mkelekele House.
Dreamy ocean views and delicious food, including pizza oven and homemade ice-cream. Easy to while away several hours here! Around a 20 minute drive from Mkelekele House.
43 locals recommend
Nomad Beach Bar & Restaurant
43 locals recommend
Dreamy ocean views and delicious food, including pizza oven and homemade ice-cream. Easy to while away several hours here! Around a 20 minute drive from Mkelekele House.
Great coffee and quick bites when out and about in Diani. Perfect pre or post shopping trip! This place also has free wi-fi.
46 locals recommend
Kokkos Cafe And Bistro
46 locals recommend
Great coffee and quick bites when out and about in Diani. Perfect pre or post shopping trip! This place also has free wi-fi.
A short walk down the beach from Mkelekele house. Restaurant and cute rustic beach bar - try the local 'dawa' cocktail of vodka honey and lime - it's delicious! There's a pool here too.
Coconut Beach Lodge
A short walk down the beach from Mkelekele house. Restaurant and cute rustic beach bar - try the local 'dawa' cocktail of vodka honey and lime - it's delicious! There's a pool here too.

Traveler advice

Don't miss

Kenyan Kikoys and Kangas

If you want to buy kikoys or kangas, Mama Muja will come to the house with an enormous sack to choose from! She can make kikoy towels (the same as the beach towels in the house), trousers, cushions etc. +254 (0) 722176132
Book before you go

Kite-surfing Lessons

Kite-surfing – Kenyaways has a great kite-surfing school with beginner, intermediate and advanced courses, as well as equipment for hire. Check out their website for prices. There is also a great beach bar serving yummy cocktails and meals for spectators! +254 (0) 712 121 974, ww.h2oextreme.com/kitesurf-3, email: info@h2o-extreme.com
Book before you go

Sky Diving

Sky Diving – Tick off that bucket list and get a fabulous view of Kenya’s stunning coastline (as well as a serious adrenalin rush!) +254 (0) 701 300 400, www.skydivediani.com
Customs and culture

Ladies' delicates

Laundry – The house staff are happy to do laundry for you, just ask. Due to cultural reasons and an all-male staff, ladies, please wash your own undies.
Customs and culture

Drinking water

Drinking water – Do not drink the tap water. It is from a local borehole and is fine for cooking / boiling, however it is advisable to purchase mineral water for drinking directly.
Customs and culture

Tipping

Tipping – Tipping the staff is entirely at your own discretion. Having said that, it is always a huge morale boost and is really appreciated by them if you feel they have provided you with great service. Staff at Mkelekele - There are three full-time staff employed at Mkelekele House: Hamisi - general house manager Zablon - cook Alfonse- nightguard
Don't miss

Tiwi Riverside Watersports

Hire SUP boards and more right on the corner of Tiwi Beach and Tiwi River mouth. 1,500/- a hour, great fun to explore up the river. Call Hamisi on +254 (0) 715 291 549 or just walk along the beach to enquire.