Swahili beach has 140 large sized rooms with views overlooking the pools, Diani beach and tropical gardens
Location: Swahili Beach Resort sits right on the powdery white sands of Diani Beach, one of Kenya’s most beautiful and sought-after stretches of coastline. Fringed by palm trees and looking out over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort enjoys a prime beachfront setting that feels both luxurious and laid-back. It’s just far enough from the busier parts of Diani to feel peaceful, but close enough for easy access to local shops, beach bars, and marine excursions. Whether you’re ending a safari or seeking a standalone beach escape, Swahili Beach strikes an ideal balance between indulgence and atmosphere.
Rooms: The rooms at Swahili Beach are stylish, spacious, and infused with character. Designed to blend Arabic, Indian, and Swahili influences, they feature high domed ceilings, carved wooden doors, arched windows, and cool stone floors - perfect for the coastal heat. Each room has a private balcony or terrace, en-suite bathroom with a deep bath and rain shower, and all the mod cons you'd expect from a high-end beach resort. The sea-facing rooms are especially lovely, with views that stretch out to the horizon and catch the early morning light.
Amenities: This is a resort with real presence. The tiered infinity pools are a standout feature - cascading down towards the beach and surrounded by swaying palms and sun loungers. There are several restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood and local Swahili dishes to international cuisine, plus a rooftop cocktail bar with sunset views and a laid-back beach grill for lunches by the sea. The resort also has a large and beautifully designed spa offering a full range of treatments, along with a well-equipped gym, conference centre, and boutique. Despite the scale, the service is warm and personal, and the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming.
Activities: You can do as much or as little as you like at Swahili Beach. Many guests come simply to relax - swimming, reading, and enjoying the peaceful beachfront - but for those who want more, there’s plenty to explore. Snorkelling and diving in nearby coral reefs, dhow sailing, kite surfing, and day trips to Wasini Island or Shimba Hills National Reserve can all be arranged. The hotel is also a great base for discovering Swahili culture and coastal history, with visits to local villages, historic sites, and vibrant markets. Evenings are often filled with live music or traditional dance performances, bringing a touch of Kenya’s rich coastal heritage into the experience.
Sustainability: Swahili Beach has invested in sustainable operations from the ground up. Its innovative water recycling system and energy-efficient infrastructure help minimise environmental impact without compromising guest comfort. The resort’s design reflects traditional coastal architecture, reducing the need for artificial cooling, and the gardens are landscaped with native plants that require minimal irrigation. There’s also a strong focus on supporting the local community, with employment, training programmes, and partnerships with artisans and producers from the surrounding area. Staying here not only supports responsible tourism, but also connects you to a deeper, more meaningful experience of the Kenyan coast.
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When to visit 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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