When most people hear of Kenya, they imagine dope pictures with giraffes, safaris in old-school land rovers, and African markets. While these things provide most travelers with that “authentic African feel,” they are not all that the East African nation has to offer.

Related: Nairobi Hotels: From Hidden Gems To Airbnb

I had the opportunity to travel to Kenya in December. It was my top choice for my annual birthday trip. I spent a few days in Nairobi doing the things mentioned above, but the highlight was traveling to Kenya’s coast. I’m a beach lover at heart, so it was necessary to be near water during my trip.

After a short 50-minute plane ride, we landed at the Ukunda airstrip in beautiful Diani Beach on the south coast of Mombasa. I booked my stay at Swahili Beach Resort.

When we entered the gates to the resort, I was suddenly introduced to a whole new world. The resort grounds were amazing and the earth-toned buildings truly made me feel like I had been transported to Arabia. However, when I looked around, all of the staff looked like me. I was greeted with several “welcome home, my sister” from every person that I passed.

Swahili Beach resort was a resort like no other. It sat on its own private beach and featured nine pools that cascaded down a slope. It had three restaurants on the property and a spa that provided one of the best views of the beach.

While many flock to Zanzibar or even the Seychelles to get their fix of crystal blue water in Africa, Diani Beach also sits on the Indian Ocean. Depending on the time of day, you could sit out and look at waters so blue, you may have thought you were dreaming. During low tide, you could see rock formations peek out from the ocean floor that provided never-ending walkways out into the middle of the ocean.

 

I couldn’t believe that a gem like this existed in Kenya. The staff members mentioned that it isn’t often that they get Black Americans at the resort, let alone in Diani. As I looked around at the other guests, and even those in the town, I realized that they were right.

I hope that one day, Diani Beach will truly get the shine it deserves.

 

Submitted by: DeAnna Taylor- @brokeandabroadlife