Diani Beach

Our first trip to the Swahili coast and the Indian Ocean took place this week. We had a wonderful time, staying in an AirBnB built in the airy, Swahili manner, with it’s own pool. Our first full day, we went on an excursion to Kisite Marine Reserve on a traditional Dhow boat, and delighted in the snorkeling around some well preserved reefs teeming with life. We also had an amazing lunch on Wasini Island. We were especially proud of Willa for overcoming the initial discomfort of the snorkel gear, only to become a fearless and enthusiastic snorkeler very quickly.

We took tuk tuks around the area to explore the town a bit and the blindingly white beaches and tidepools. We paddled a SUP and Kayak out on the water, and met a good deal of people on the beach eager to make a buck after a dismal year of little income during Covid. We spent an enormous amount of time in the pool at the house, and were taken care of by the very attentive small staff that included a cook. Fisherman brought their wares every morning to the house, so we were incredibly well fed.

Ibrahim, the gentle and kind man who manages the house, also organized a trip up the Congo river, to see the mangroves and wildlife along the banks, and also to visit a small local village upstream. There, we watched the local kids play games (Jasper bravely joined in) and swarm us unrelentingly once we bought and started handing out candies.

The last day, we got one more excursion in, taking a glass-bottomed boat out from the beach to a large sand bar for more snorkeling and fun in the water before heading to the airport. We brought home a suitcase half full on shells, which Willa is eager to distribute at school.

In all, a wonderful and relaxing time in a very different part of Kenya. We feel really lucky we had the chance.