Diani on a budget: how to do the coast by SGR

Before the standard gauge railway, getting to Diani from Nairobi meant an overnight bus or a flight. Now it is a comfortable five-and-a-half-hour train ride, and a weekend on the beach is genuinely affordable.

The train

The Madaraka Express runs twice daily in each direction between Nairobi Terminus (Syokimau) and Mombasa Terminus (Miritini). The morning express is non-stop; the afternoon service stops at the intermediate stations. Economy seats are comfortable and air-conditioned; first class gives you more legroom, a table and a quieter carriage. Book on the Kenya Railways app or website as soon as your dates are fixed; weekend and holiday trains sell out days ahead. Carry your ID, arrive 45 minutes early for security, and pack snacks because the on-board menu is limited.

Getting from Mombasa Terminus to Diani

This is where people get stuck. Miritini is on the mainland, a long way from the South Coast. You have three options:

• Private transfer via Dongo Kundu bypass. The new bypass road avoids the Likoni ferry completely. About 90 minutes door to door. This is what we include in our packages.
• Matatu and ferry. Cheapest but slow, and the ferry queue can add an hour.
• Taxi app to the ferry, then matatu. A middle option if you are travelling light.

Where to stay

Diani has everything from backpacker hostels in Ukunda town to five-star resorts on the beach. For value, look at the guesthouses and apartments a few minutes’ walk from the beach, or ask us about half-board resort deals, which often work out cheaper than paying for meals separately.

A realistic weekend budget

For one person sharing, travelling Friday to Monday: first-class train both ways around KES 9,000, transfers KES 5,000, three nights in a mid-range beach hotel on half board KES 25,000 to 35,000, meals and activities KES 8,000. Roughly KES 50,000 all in, which is what our 4-Day Diani Getaway is built around. Travelling midweek or in May and June can cut that by a third.

Do not miss

• The sunset from the Kongo River mouth at the north end of the beach.
• Snorkelling at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park from Shimoni, with a seafood lunch on Wasini Island.
• Colobus monkeys at the Colobus Conservation centre.
• Shimba Hills for a half-day safari with sable antelope and elephant.

budget travel Diani Kenyan coast SGR