Indian Ocean Resort hotel on Galu Beach on the Kenya Coast, south of Diani.
Pinewood Beach Resort has been a Kenya coast staple for many years now. A classic all rounder, it has great facilities and sets consistently high standards of service.
Location: Set on the quiet southern stretch of Diani Beach, Pinewood Beach Resort & Spa enjoys a peaceful, unspoilt location with direct access to one of Kenya’s most beautiful coastlines. The beach here is soft, white, and uncrowded, with swaying palms and warm turquoise waters that invite you in for a swim or a stroll. While it’s tucked away from the busier resort areas, it’s still within easy reach of Ukunda Airstrip (about a 20-minute drive) and the surrounding attractions. This is the kind of place you come to properly unwind - surrounded by nature, lulled by the sea, and far from any rush.
Rooms: The accommodation is laid out in low-rise buildings spread across tropical gardens, just a short walk from the beach. Rooms are spacious and airy, with classic coastal styling - high ceilings, cool tiled floors, and wooden furniture crafted from local materials. Some rooms have garden views while others are closer to the beach, and there are also suites with private kitchens and dining areas for those who want a little extra independence. It’s relaxed and unfussy, with everything you need for a comfortable, barefoot-luxury stay.
Amenities: Pinewood is well set up for both couples and families, offering a generous range of amenities without losing its intimate feel. There’s a swimming pool with plenty of shaded loungers, a beach bar for drinks with your toes in the sand, and an in-house spa offering massages and treatments inspired by natural African ingredients. Dining here is a real highlight - the main restaurant changes themes nightly, and private chefs are available for suite guests who’d like to dine in. There’s also a small gym, watersports centre, and friendly staff who strike a good balance between attentiveness and laid-back charm.
Activities: There’s plenty to do on and off the water. Snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and diving trips to the coral reef can all be arranged through the beach team, and the nearby Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park is excellent for dolphin spotting and full-day boat excursions. For land-based adventures, guests can visit the nearby Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest or take a guided tour to local villages and markets. It’s also a great spot to simply do very little - read, swim, stroll the beach, and enjoy slow, sunny days by the sea.
Sustainability: Pinewood Beach Resort has taken commendable steps to reduce its environmental impact. They use solar power to heat water, treat their own wastewater for irrigation, and actively avoid single-use plastics where possible. The team works closely with local suppliers and artisans, and many of the ingredients in the kitchen come from nearby farms or their own herb garden. Waste is kept to a minimum, and the resort supports a number of community initiatives in the area - making it a thoughtful choice for guests who care about responsible travel in Kenya.
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When to go to Kenya
Find out the best time to visit Kenya with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is a great time for wildlife viewing. The landscapes are lush and green after the 'short rains' and newborn animals can been seen. It is hot, but brief afternoon or evening showers cool things down, without compromising your safari. Over on the coast the sea is clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling, and the days are warm and bright.
February
February is an ideal time to visit Kenya, and great for game viewing. The landscapes are green and thriving thanks to the short rains, and newborn animals will be hopping around the plains. There maybe a few afternoon showers which are welcome in the heat, and don't impact on wildlife viewing. Water clarify is excellent at the moment, which is good news for watersports enthusiasts. And if you want to spot a whale shark, now is the time to try.
March
Still a good option for wildlife viewing and diving, although with the 'long rains' just around the corner, expect wetter and hotter weather.
April
April brings the start of the 'long rains' which means game reserves and national parks become muddy and harder to drive around. Over on the coast it's hot and wet, so it isn't the best time of year to travel. Some camps and lodges close during this period.
May
The 'long rains' continue into May, making park tracks difficult to navigate in the mud, and the coast very warm and wet. There will be less accommodation choice at this time as several lodges and camps during this period.
June
June is a beautiful time of year to visit Kenya, with the rains receding to just light showers, and the long dry season not far ahead. The high grasses can sometimes make it more of a challenge to spot game, but the landscapes are lush and some animals may begin arriving early for the migration. At altitude nights can be cool, but elsewhere the temperature is pleasant.
July
July marks the beginning of the great migration into the Masai Mara, and with warm and generally dry weather, this is a great time of year to visit. Days are sunny, skies are blue and there isn't too much dust around, so it's a great time for photography.
August
The migration is now in full swing in the Masai Mara, with lots of river crossing action, so if you want to see those massive herds of wildebeest and zebra, now is the time to come. Game viewing in general is excellent and it's one of the most popular times of year to visit, so some of the main parks do become crowded. Temperatures are warm and dry.
September
Game viewing continues to be excellent, and the weather is generally dry so this is another ideal month to visit Kenya's parks. The bush is less dense and as animals gather around waterholes and rivers it makes wildlife spotting much easier.
October
October is a great time if you want to avoid the crowds and don't mind the temperature slowly starting to rise. There may be a few short showers, but game viewing remains excellent with the end of the migration, and it's a good time to holiday anywhere in Kenya.
November
November heralds the start of the 'short rains' and with hotter temperatures some camps are closed. The Mara however is still open, and despite sometimes stormy skies, game viewing is still good. Fewer crowds and lower prices make this an attractive month to visit. Over on the coast water clarify is good for snorkelling and diving.
December
The 'short rains' are bringing the landscapes back to life, and as the plains start to become green again, wildlife viewing remains good, and it's a great time for birding. Some camps are closed (mainly in the north of Kenya) but many others remain open. The showers tend to fall in the afternoons and don't impact greatly on a safari. Take advantage of reduced visitor numbers and lower prices.
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