KENYA'S BEST Hostel!

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Amenities
Not only does our hostel offer the best accommodation in Diani Beach, but we also have the following amenities . . .
Swimming Pool with Free Towel Service
Poolside Bar and Restaurant. Check-out our Menus here!
Free High Speed Fiber WiFi
24 Reception, Security
+ of Course, Awesome Team !
Friday & Saturday Party Time till late! (Follow our Insta)
The "Diani Beach"
Diani Beach (5 minute walk)
Laundry Service
Laundry service (500ksh per load)
Airport pickup
Transfers:
MSA Airport- 4000, Ukunda Airstrip - 600, SGR - 4500 (WhatsApp John @ +254715696931)
Check out our reviews  :)
Awards
2015 Hoscar Award for Best hostel in Kenya2016 Hoscar Award for Best hostel in Kenya2018 Hoscar Award for Best hostel in Kenya
AwaRDS

live

We have the following accommodation options lined up for you, all including linen, towel and a mosquito net. All rooms are equipped with fans. Click on the option you’re interested in to check prices and make a reservation. We use dynamic pricing, so the sooner you book the better for you! (All prices inclusive of 16 % VAT + 2% Catering Levy) 😃

Baobar Dorm

14
Beds
This room accommodates 7 bunk-beds wrapped around a Massive Baobab tree. Fun fact: This dorm used to be the bar in our first year of existence! You'll truly connect with nature and past party vibes in this unique dorm. Bathrooms are shared.
From 1600 ksh per night
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International Dorm

16
Beds
Our International dorm can sleep 16 and is still somehow our most spacious dorm. It's nestled in our tropical garden with a view of the pool. Direct access to the pool (4 meters) for early healthy people or hangovers to be washed away. Bathrooms are shared.
From 1500 ksh per night
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Jacuzzi dorm

6
Beds
Our smallest dorm sleeps six. It has its own en-suite bathroom. It's private and perfect if you like the small scale dorm life or if you're with a small group. The room is inside the Villa, close to the kitchen so you'll be waking you up with bacon and pancake smells in the morning!
From 1800 ksh per night
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Master Dorm

8
Beds
This Awesome dorm sleeps eight. The former master bedroom of the Villa is close to the bar and has a spacious private bathroom. It fits you best if you want to be close to the action and are likely to quickly need refreshments in the morning.
From 1700 ksh per night
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Budget Private

1
Beds
Double bed
Basic but clean private room equipped with a fan, and a shared bathroom nearby.
From 2500/3500 ksh single/double
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En-Suite Private room with A/C

1
Beds
Double bed
Freshly renovated, cozy, air-conditioned rooms with a King size bed and an en-suite bathroom (w/ hot showers) inside the Villa. Look through the window and have a global vision of what is happening in the main pool and bar area to assess the dilemma whether you should go join or remain in your comfy cocoon!
From 5000/6000 ksh single/double
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Garden Cottage

1
Beds
Double bed
Shared shower
A super comfy cottage with a Queen size bed, a fan and a sofa. From the veranda you'll have a first row view of our beach volleyball pitch. There's an extra single bed in this room that can be booked for a third person. Bathroom is shared.
From 3500/4500/5500 ksh single/double/triple
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Garden Cottage with private shower & toilet

1
Beds
Double bed
Private shower & toilet
A cute little cottage with a King size bed and a fan with a private shower and toilet just a few steps away from its veranda.
From 3500/4500 ksh single/double
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Garden Cottage, Private outdoor Shower

1
Beds
Double bed
Private shower
A basic but cozy cottage with a Queen size bed and a fan, tucked away in the corner with its very own en-suite outdoor shower. It's also closest to the Party on weekends! 🥳
From 3500/4500 ksh single/double
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Tent

Pitch your tent in our beautiful garden or fold open your roof tent on our spacious parking lot. Bring your own tent and beddings though! Towels provided.
From 800 ksh per person
People jumping into a swimming hole in KenyaAerial view of Diani Beach

Explore

Diani Beach is often used as the collective term for a bunch of interconnected beaches south of Mombasa. The main two beaches are Diani and Galu Beach, an 15km stretch of powdery white sand. On the Diani side are most of the big(-ish) hotels whereas Galu Beach is home to some smaller hotels and residential plots. Diani Backpackers is situated at the beginning of Galu Beach which can be reached in just a couple of minutes walks from our gate. The entire beach is Public.

In Diani you’ll find a great choice of supermarkets, coffee shops, bars, restaurants and banks for all your first world needs and of course plenty of curio shops for your souvenir needs! Just ask at our reception for advice.

The unique, blinding-white and ultra-fine sand of our beautiful beach can at low tide be as wide as 150 meters. It is protected by a shallow a lagoon followed by the coral reef that sits at about 1km from the low water mark. Not only do these offer protections against the ocean, they also provide ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and watersports like kite and wind-surfing.

Where in Diani are you located?
Coming into Diani from Ukunda take a right at Carrefour supermarket junction. Follow the road for about 6km until you see ‘KFI supermarket’ on your left. This is just after a speed-bump and just before the tarmac road goes narrow. You’ll see our sign there on the road to the right. Follow this road for about 150m to find our gate on the right. You can’t miss it!

How do I get to Diani?
That depends on where you’re starting off from!

From Nairobi you can get here via road, rail or air.

Air: By far the quickest way to get here from Nairobi is to hop on one of the many flights that go from both Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta airport straight to the Diani airstrip. Once landed you’ll be mere minutes away from our gate and a drink at the bar! Information about flights can be found at Jambojet or on Skyscanner.

Road or Rail: There are many busses that can be booked locally in Nairobi that will take you on an ‘adventurous’ 10 to 12 hour drive to Mombasa through the night. Although this is of course an option, the new SGR train that opened in 2017 offers a much safer, quicker and in most cases cheaper alternative. The SGR takes you from Nairobi to Mombasa is just over 4 hours in the daytime through beautiful scenery and national parks. You can find more information about the SGR and book tickets here.

From Mombasa you can either jump in a taxi and they’ll know where to take you. Alternatively, you can take a boda, tuk tuk or matatu to the Likoni ferry, cross by foot and do the same on the other side to Diani.
We can of course help you with your travel arrangements. Just give us a shout!

Do you offer airport/airstrip pickup service?

Yes, we can arrange a meet and greet pickup from Mombasa Airport or Diani Airstrip for you. Just let us know after you’ve booked your stay with us so we can arrange it for you. Provide us with flight details and we’ll make sure your ride will be waiting for you! The price from the Diani Airstrip is 600 ksh, and 4000 from the Mombasa airport.

What is your booking and cancellation policy?
This depends on the channel that you booked through. Please check the respective booking site to find out. If you’ve booked directly via us, you can modify or cancel any booking free of charge up to 72 hours before arrival. After which point any changes or cancellation will be charged at 100% of the reservation price. In case of no shows, 100% of the reservation price will be charged. We require a 50% deposit to confirm any reservations.
What is the average age of guests at Diani Backpackers and are certain age groups excluded?
We are proud to say that people from all age groups enjoy staying with us. The age group that is most heavily represented is 18-35 but we often welcome guests of more ‘senior’ ages that have an equally great time with us. Unfortunately, due to regulations we can’t allow children under the age of 16 to stay overnight. In the daytime they are most welcome though if accompanied by an adult.

Can I pay by credit/debit card at Diani Backpackers?
Yes you can. We accept all major credit and debit cards. The bank charges a fee of 4% when you pay by card though. We have no control over that so don’t hate us for it!

Can I pay cash and which currencies do you accept?
Yes you can pay with cash. We accept Kenyan Shillings.

Can I pay via Mpesa?
Of course!

Do you exchange money?
We do not, however there are many banks in Diani where Forex is available.

Can I run a tab for drinks at the bar and food?
That is indeed how we roll! Everything you consume during your stay will be added to your tab which you will pay for at the end of every week.

Are there other money exchange offices in Diani?
There aren't currently any Forex bureaus in Diani, however most banks exchange currencies.

Do the rates include breakfast or any other meals?
Our rates do not include breakfast or any other meals but the chefs in our kitchen can whip you up a mean meal of any kind for very friendly prices! You can find all of our food and drinks menus here. All prices are inclusive of 16%VAT and 2% Catering Levy.

Where are your private rooms?
The private rooms are both inside the main house and throughout our beautiful garden. Inside the house the en-suite privates are decked out with a king size bed and all the other fancy stuff you need including air conditioning, and hot water. The outside privates are cozy little cottages with Queen size beds, mosquito net and fan. Check out the details of our private rooms here.

Where are your dorms?
The Dorms are both inside the main house and outside in the garden. We have a lot of choice, depending on how close you want to be to the action! There are photos and descriptions of all of our rooms just above the FAQ section.

Do you have a kitchen where I can prepare my own food?
Unfortunately we don’t, but the chefs in our kitchen are SUPERB and our prices are at a level that you’d be crazy to be slaving away in the kitchen yourself anyway! Our menus can he found here.

Do you serve meals?
Absolutely. Our professional chefs can cook meals with fresh ingredients from local suppliers for any time of the day from our ever-changing menu against very friendly prices. We can guarantee you that you’ll find yourself hanging around for our food as opposed to heading out for dinner more often than not! Most nights the kitchen closes at 9, but if we have any fun events a night our Chefs usually hang around to serve anyone who is hungry. You can find all of our menus here.

Do you cater to vegans?
Our menu indeed caters to vegetarians and vegans!

Do you cater to people with gluten or other food allergies?
Yes we do. Please consult with the Chefs before ordering.

What are the opening hours of your bar?
Our bar is staffed and stocked 24hrs of the day.

Do you have Internet/WIFI access?
Hell yes, we do! We are connected to a high-speed fiber network that will be free for you to use throughout your stay with us!

Can I book Safaris, tours and adventure stuff with you?

You sure can! We have partners in all categories who cater to all budgets so just come see one of our team members when you’re with us or get in touch with us beforehand so we can get you booked up!

Can I leave my luggage with you if I’m going on overnight tours?
Yes you can. If it’s just for up to a few nights we’ll store your stuff safely at no additional cost.

Do you have a pool and/or foosball table?
Come on… What self respecting hostel doesn’t??

Do you have parking facilities?
Yes, we have (limited) secure parking facilities on the compound, available free of charge.

Is there public transport in Diani?
Yes. The most common way of getting around Diani is by Boda Boda (motor bike taxi) or Tuk Tuk. Both are cheap, safe and plentiful available. Usually there are some parked just outside our gate, but otherwise two minutes down the road there are plenty more. If you would like a taxi, call or Whatsapp John at +254715696931.

Is it safe to walk around outside of the hostel like to town or the beach?
Absolutely! In the daytime we encourage you to walk anywhere you like. At nighttime we advise to take a taxi, Boda or Tuk Tuk from our gate which we can organize for you and will be there within minutes.

How far is the walk to the beach?
The beach is about 300m and one straight walk from our gate. Within minutes your feet will be touching the World-famous powdery white sand of Diani / Galu beach!

How close are the shops and restaurants?
Diani is basically an 17 km long road with all sorts or restaurants and shops scattered along it. We don’t really have a ‘town center’ where everything is concentrated. The nearest shops and restaurants are minutes away but there are others that are a bit further. But when you jump on the back of a Boda or into a Tuk Tuk everything becomes minutes away!

Are there banks and ATM’s in Diani and how close is the nearest one?
We have a wide variety of banks in Diani and each of them comes equipped with an ATM. All of them take Visa and a few of the also take Maestro/Mastercard. The closest one is situated at Chandarana shopping center about 7 minutes by taxi/Boda/Tuk Tuk from our gate.

What is there’s a medical emergency? Is there a doctor or hospital nearby and is my (travel) insurance any good there?
Diani has multiple hospitals that are fully equipped for any type of medical emergency, minor or major.  24hr A&E and ICU units and ambulance service for transfer to their facilities if necessary. They accept all types of (travel) insurance.

Can I get a job at Diani Backpackers?
Maybe! Anyone interested in joining our team is encouraged to send their CV and motivation letter to jobs@dianibackpackers.com
We will keep your info on file, and be in touch if a position opens and we think you're a good fit. Due to Kenya's strict labour & immigration laws, only Kenyan citizens and residents who already have a valid work permit will be considered.

Is there anything else I need to know?
Not that we can think of! But feel free to contact us at any time if you have any questions! Our e-mail address is info@dianibackpackers.com and our phone / Whatsapp number is +254700713666

Diani Backpackers is located in Diani Beach, Kenya. The region is locally often referred to as ‘South Coast’ because of its geographical position south of the historical harbor town of Mombasa. From the gate of the hostel you are only minutes away from the walking onto bright white beach sand and dipping your toes in the warm water of the Indian Ocean.

The un-official birth of Diani Backpackers took place many years ago when by chance a bunch of individual travellers met in a bar in Diani. Each of them had initially intended for their stay to be a short one but as is often the case in Diani, they had fallen in love with the place. Looking for a way to be able stick around for a while, they joined forces and rented a house with a big garden and a pool. Word soon got out and people travelling through Diani started flocking to this house to chill, drink and crash on beds, sofas, pool loungers etc. Not long after that a make-shift bar was built in the garden (which now serves as our Baobar Dorm) and the idea for the hostel you see today was born.

Since those early days we have evolved into an award winning, professionally run hostel with all the amenities the modern-day backpacker needs. We have built an amazing team that truly feels like family and who will make sure your stay will be unforgettable. There are many things we could tell you about us but one that we are especially proud of is that quite a few love stories originated at our very bar. We even get word every now and then of new generations of backpackers born from those love stories and that's just ... awesome!

But even though we have evolved into a professional business, we have always managed to stick to our roots: To be that house with a pool and a bar where people from all corners of the world come together to chill, talk, drink and enjoy. Don’t take our word for it, though. Come check it out for yourself and book your stay now!

Camel rides, motorbike rentals to cruise around, Scuba diving in the Indian Ocean, Dhow trips to Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Wasini island, Kite surfing, Safaris from our gate. There are countless activities for all budgets and we can help you book everything.

The proximity to Shimba Hills national park allows us to take you to hidden places with the most dazzling views you can hope for when heading to Africa. With Mombasa being just a taxi (or matatu if you feel adventurous) ride away, you can experience the busy, noisy but amazing city where you can walk the Old Town markets and check out the many cultural monuments on the island.

Check out our extensive activities book that will be waiting for you upon arrival and all that Diani and surroundings have to offer will be revealed.

The nightlife is another story. Let’s not say that the options are infinite but there are quite a few places that welcome whoever is keen to head to the sunrise. But wherever the night takes you, it all of course starts our own bar! We can always suggest alternatives but in the end there’s no place like ‘home’. To put it in a nut shell: try a night out with us and we promise that missing your flight or ride the following day won’t be a downer!

meet our Friends!

Tulia House hostel just outside of Mombasa town in the sunlight with several palm trees

OCEAN TRIBE SCUBA

Scuba Dive & Snorkel Diani Kenya With Ocean Tribe.
Go to Ocean Tribe
Scuba diver off the coast of Diani Beach in Kenya

Pilli Pipa Dhow Safari

"The ultimate snorkeling and diving experience in Kenya" Visit the beautiful Kisite Marine Park on this wonderful all inclusive day trip!
Go Diving
Kitesurfer dressed in an orange wetsuit gliding over the water

Savanna hippo safaris

Kenya’s leading Safari operator offering tailor-made Safaris to Kenya's beautiful National Parks and Reserves. (Tell Stanley YOU are from Backpackers
Safari Njema!
Group of children in uniform with one adult to the right

Colobus Conservation Trust

Colobus Conservation is a Conservation Organisation designated to promoting the Conservation, Preservation and Protection of Primates in Kenya.
Go to Colobus
Children on the beach walking toward the ocean with a small boat in the background

Kilifi Ecolodge & Backpackers

Nestled in stunning Kilifi, Distant Relatives is a shining example of what an ecolodge and backpackers should be.
Go to Kilifi
Kitesurfer dressed in an orange wetsuit gliding over the water

H20 Extreme

Kenya’s leading Safari operator offering tailor-made Safaris to Kenya's beautiful National Parks and Reserves. (Tell Stanley YOU are from Backpackers
Safari Njema!
Group of children in uniform with one adult to the right

Colobus Conservation Trust

Colobus Conservation is a Conservation Organisation designated to promoting the Conservation, Preservation and Protection of Primates in Kenya.
Go to Colobus
Tulia House hostel just outside of Mombasa town in the sunlight with several palm trees

Tulia House, Nyali, Mombasa

Scuba Dive & Snorkel Diani Kenya With Ocean Tribe.
Go to Ocean Tribe
Children on the beach walking toward the ocean with a small boat in the background

Kilifi Ecolodge & Backpackers

Nestled in stunning Kilifi, Distant Relatives is a shining example of what an ecolodge and backpackers should be.
Go to Kilifi
Scuba diver off the coast of Diani Beach in Kenya

Pilli Pipa Dhow Safari

"The ultimate snorkeling and diving experience in Kenya" Visit the beautiful Kisite Marine Park on this wonderful all inclusive day trip!
Go Diving

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Contact

We are located at 14 KFI Road, Diani Beach, Kenya.
P.O. Box 5554-80401 Diani Beach, Kenya
365 days / 24 hours
+254 (0) 700 71 36 6,
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Directions

Arriving in Diani from Ukunda take a right at Carrefour supermarket junction. Follow the road for 6km until you see KFI Supermarket on your left (which is just after a speed-bump). You’ll see our sign-board on the road to the right. Follow the road for 150m to find our gate on your right. You can’t miss us!

We wOULD LOVE to hear from you!

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