Beachfront villas, makuti-roofed bandas and holiday homes steps from Diani's white sand — booked direct from local hosts and paid by M-Pesa.
Diani, on Kenya's south coast, is regularly voted Africa's best beach — powder-white sand, warm Indian Ocean, and a laid-back village strung along the shore. Holiday rentals here range from simple garden cottages to full beachfront villas with pools and staff, making it ideal for families, groups and honeymooners.
On Short Stays Kenya you book direct from the host and pay by M-Pesa — no 15–20% booking commission, so a beachfront villa costs what it should. Ukunda airstrip is a short hop from Nairobi, or take the SGR to Mombasa and drive south.
The heart of it — restaurants (Ali Barbour's, Nomad), dive schools and beach bars within walking distance. Best for first-timers who want everything close.
Quieter, wider beach and higher-end villas. Perfect for families and groups wanting privacy, a pool and space, still minutes from the action.
Rugged, cheaper and less developed — great for budget travellers and anyone chasing a quieter, more local stretch of coast.
Typical nightly rates for holiday rental in Diani Beach. Prices vary by season, location and size.
Book with an M-Pesa STK push straight to the host. No cards, no foreign-payment friction.
We charge hosts a subscription, not a 15–20% commission — so prices stay fair.
Funds go directly to the host's till. Short Stays Kenya never holds your money.
Some are true beachfront; others are a short walk back. Each listing states its distance from the sand — tell us if beachfront is a must and we'll only show you those.
Fly Nairobi–Ukunda (about an hour) and you're minutes from the beach, or take the SGR to Mombasa and drive ~45 min south. Hosts can arrange airport transfers.
Yes — pay the host directly by M-Pesa STK push wherever you are. No cards needed and no booking fee on top.
Very — calm, shallow lagoon at low tide, plenty of villas with pools and space, and activities from snorkelling to the Colobus Conservation.
Trip-planning: Where to stay in Diani Beach
Short Stays Kenya lists verified local hosts in Diani Beach — book direct and deal with the host, no middleman markup. We’re onboarding Diani Beach hosts now.
Are you a host in Diani Beach? List your short-stay, villa or guest house on Short Stays Kenya, get your own branded booking page and take payments direct by M-Pesa, and keep your pricing — no 15–20% commission.
Send us your dates and group size — we'll match you with beachfront villas and cottages from trusted Diani hosts. Book direct, pay by M-Pesa.