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If you want to know more about the recent history and traditions of the people who currently live in the coastal region, and particularly those near Diani, then you may like to visit this Eco-project situated about 15kms south of Diani. It is run by local people who are trying to conserve the little that remains of the indigenous coastal forest and the sacred trees that exist within the Kaya.
There are many Kaya, or sacred grounds dotted around the region, but the Kaya kinondo is one of the largest. The other kaya I visited was a small cave near a village. These Kaya must be respected by visitors and we were made to wear a black cloth around our waists. At the smaller kaya our guide carried an impressive knob-handled stick. Visitors are not allowed to damage the trees within the Kaya because it is considered that the village ancestors exist within them. We were encouraged to hug one of the trees to engage more closely with these ancestors.
Well we enjoyed our insight into how the villagers lived long ago. I also saw a Golden-rumped Tinkerbird which was an added bonus - a similar species to the one in my VT photo. The trees are very impressive and sadly it is only in these little pockets of preserved ground that you are going to find treasures such as these along the coast. Do try to add a visit to a Kaya as part of your Diani itinerary. These are community run projects and the entry fee goes back into the village.
The visitors are escorted around the project by a guide who will greatly appreciate a tip on top of the standard fee of KSh500 per person. Our visit took only about an hour - it was cut short by the arrival of the baboon troupe and our guide said it was the ancestors advising us we should leave!
Written Aug 27, 2011
As we were staying in a privately rented house we did not have access to a private section of this lovely white, coral sand beach. We found our way onto the public access part of the beach hoping to go for a swim and snorkel. Sadly the sea was too choppy that day and visibility was very poor.There was a fair amount of washed up sea weed to wade through which might put some people off as well.
It seems that every visitor will be approached by people selling something or looking to provide some sort of service: a trip out on the dugout canoe, a camel ride or perhaps a massage. Most of them however were looking to sell trinkets. They tended to be very persistent and would not readily take no for an answer. To be honest I think this is their strategy - wear the visitor down who will eventually either buy something or give them something just to get rid of the unwanted attention. One chap even said to me that if I gave him something he wouldn't bother us again and he would tell his mates to leave us alone as well. I reckon that is blackmail and it didn't make me feel well disposed towards these individuals. Needless to say we didn't go down to the beach very often. We found that a walk along the strand at dusk seemed to be a good time. On the two occasions we did this we were hardly bothered at all.
We also tried using the beach at the popular Ali Barbour's 40 thieves bar and restaurant. Unfortunately the unwanted attention was just the same here as it was elsewhere. At least we could retreat to the bar for a drink or a snack.
The photo shows a small stall set up by the main access point. Please don't buy shells here. It only encourages people to plunder the live animals from the reef. Anyway it's also illegal to take these shells out of Kenya. We were asked specifically about this at Mombasa airport.
The beach is lovely and a stroll along it is a real pleasure. With the waves crashing on the reef about 150 metres out to sea there is a lovely backdrop sound that adds to the atmosphere of this wonderful place. It should be enjoyed for what it is rather than as a place to exploit tourists.
Written Aug 13, 2011
I noticed a sign on a board near the Diani Post Office. It was advertising local birdwatching tours. As a keen birder I called up the guide and we arranged to meet the following morning at 6.30am with a view to hiring the services of a boatman who could pole us up the local Congo river. The river mouth on the coast served as the boundary between Diani and Tiwi beaches.
Paul, our guide, was extremely friendly and quite knowledgeable. I felt that between us we both managed to identify most of the birds we saw along the way including a species whose exotic sounding name is matched by its equally exotic appearance of irridescent green and scarlet - the Narina Trogon. Paul was as excited about this as I was.
The boat captain - who appears in one of the photos - was very patient with us and didn't try to hurry us in our examination of the different species as we madly flicked through our books for details of the birds we had seen.
I don't think you would need to be an enthusiastic birdwatcher to enjoy the trip on the dugout canoe. The slow pace up the river is a great way to take in the scenery and landscape. I felt it was well worth the cost - but of course you have to agree a price before you start off.
Written Aug 12, 2011
Safari is almost a "must" when you visit Kenya. I can recommend BUSHWORKERS TOURS Located in Diani. Daniel Mwai is the man to contact. He may arrange your trip, reasonable in price and with experienced safari-drivers through a reliable company (Janoland tours)
Take a look at the website below.
I always like to relax a few days at Diani Beach,before i go on a Safari trip -And Daniel is the man to get in touch with , to arrange it!
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Diani Beach Ukunda
Phone: +254 721 805603
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Reviews and photos of Ukunda attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Ukunda sightseeing.
Safari is almost a "must" when you visit Kenya. I can recommend BUSHWORKERS TOURS Located in Diani. Daniel Mwai is the man to contact. He may arrange your trip,...
Q: Does anyone know a reliable freelance local person (not belonging to an agency) who speaks English and can help me around near...
A: walk along the beach, and you will be hit by loads of freelancing guides - of course, whether they are reliable is a completely different cup of tea.... English is widely...
Read 7 Replies
1
Beach, hotels, road and not much else.
Ukunda is about 40 kms south of Mombasa and is part of the lengthy Diani beach area. Apart from souvenir shops, small superettes and bike hire places, all just outside the hotel compound gates, there...
2
Ukunda - played pool, helpful people, Lunga Lunga, shops everywhere, felt like 3rd world conditions. Diani Beach - over-rated, german tourists, touts every 100 metres, seaweed, sharp rocks, fell in,...
3
Ukunda is a small town on the main road south from Mombasa. It's about 30 minutes drive from the Likoni ferry. Heading south you turn off left along the smaller tarmac road to Diani and the white sand...
4
I've got some interesting experiences in Ukunda. I'd love to share with you the 1 tip I've written, the 18 photos uploaded, and 2 travelogues I've created.
5
Extract of my travel report. The next day we visit the public school (read: poor-kids-school) of Ukunda. The most beautiful dark colored children with big black eyes. Since there are only two...
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