"Ukunda and Diani" Ukunda by MikeBird

Ukunda is a small town on the main road south from Mombasa. It's about 30 minutes drive from the Likoni ferry. Heading south you turn off left along the smaller tarmac road to Diani and the white sand beach that stretches for miles down towards Tanzania. Most of the hotels and accommodations are located along this stretch of the coastline.

We stayed in a privately owned rented house which had its own swimming pool. The lovely white sand beach was only a short distance from the house but we found that the intrusive attention of hawkers made us reluctant to spend long on the beach. When we went to one of the popular local beach restaurants we found the same degree of unwanted pressure to part with our money or clothing. I'd say that was the most disappointing aspect of our time in Diani but make no mistake the beach is lovely and the snorkelling good if there isn't too much swell breaking over the reef.

There are many shops around Diani including large, well stocked supermarkets and at least two banks and ATMs. Along the stretch of tarmac road there are numerous restaurants, a feew agents selling safaris and of course, curio shops and stalls. If you walk along the road you will almost certainly be greeted by people welcoming you to spend some time, and money, at their enterprise. You will be expected to barter and agree a price that is mutually acceptable. Naturally if you know a few words of Swahili that helps but everyone will speak sufficient English for you to make yourself understood.

You are likely to see monkeys along the road. There are two species: Vervets: the males have the bright blue 'appendages' and the Sykes or 'Blue' Monkey which don't. The latter are greyer and with a white collar. You might even see the Black and White Colobus monkey. We saw a few in gardens down by the beach. There is a sanctuary for these endangered monkeys further down from Diani. Look out for the signs on the left heading south.

We really enjoyed our time at Diani. I hope you do too. My tips give further details about things to do etc.

• Pros:A wonderful coral sand beach
• Cons:Pity about the persistent hawkers
• In a nutshell:Relax and enjoy the slower pace of life