Journey to Kenya: I recently flew from London Heathrow to Kenya. I stopped in Brussels because it was the cheapest option. I traveled with friends from Italy and Romania, making London the best starting point for all of us.

Accommodation: We found a great deal on a hotel in Nairobi. It costs around 2,500 KES (€30) per night for a double room. Uber or Bolt were our go-to for getting around—just be aware that drivers often call before pickup and may try to negotiate fares, so stand your ground.

Payments: You can pay by card, contact less, mostly Visa (Revolut or similar are the best options). To have cash you can withdraw from any ATM, paying a small commission. The max amount you can withdraw is 40,000 KES.

Internal Travel: We took a Skyward flight to Mombasa, which I highly recommend. The one-hour flight was smooth and they even served biscuits, water, and juice. For those looking to avoid Mombasa, Diani Airport has direct flights to/from Nairobi, though they are a bit pricier. However, you can use Uber or Bolt to move around, 1 hour trip for 5 people it was around €30.

Staying in Diani Beach: We stayed at Bahari Dhow Beach Villas for £350, sharing a spacious house with three double en-suite rooms. The villa complex was fantastic, featuring two large pools, a restaurant, and a private beach with security. Just watch out for monkeys—they have a habit of sneaking in and stealing food! Breakfast was included and offered a small buffet with a variety of options, including eggs made to order.

Activities:

• Sunrise: The sunrise was stunning, and definitely worth waking up early for. Afterward, we took a beach walk between 9-11 AM, exploring sea life and reaching a small island. Remember to wear sea shoes to avoid sea urchins. Local vendors often offer guidance and expect tips (we gave 1000 KES each which they thought it wasn't enough). They are on the beach and will follow you anyway.
• Boat Trip: One morning, we went on a boat trip to a small island. The boat had a transparent bottom, and one of the guides jumped into the water to feed the fish so we could see them up close. He even brought starfish and other sea creatures on board. On the island, guides watched over our belongings while we snorkeled. This trip, including transport and snorkeling gear, cost €30 each for about four hours.
• Dining: We enjoyed meals at our villa's restaurant, but two other spots stood out:
  • Casamia Diani Beach: This Italian restaurant had delicious food and was reasonably priced (€180 for five people). They offer a complimentary pick-up and drop-off service if you reserve a table in advance.
  • Ali Barbour's Cave Restaurant: Dining in a cave was a unique experience, and the food was fantastic. Their policy requires ordering two courses, but it was worth it (€25 each). They also provide a free transport service for reserved tables.

Other Activities Available: There were plenty of exciting activities that we didn’t have time to do. Those were water sports, boat trips to see dolphins or visit surrounding islands. You could try Scuba Diving, eat fresh fish (row) on a boat and ride camels.

Nightlife: Karaoke nights were a blast and showcased some impressive local talent. Just be sure to go out in groups for safety. You need to ask the locals for the location as it’s changing everyday.

Exploring Mombasa: We drove by the city's iconic elephant tusks, the symbol of the city and we heard that the old city is quite charming. Mombasa is a mix of well-developed and under-construction areas, so don't expect too much.

Not important: Traveling from Mombasa airport to Diani Beach used to take over 1.5 hours due to ferry queues, but the new connection road has significantly reduced travel time.

Overall, our trip to Kenya was filled with incredible experiences, beautiful sights, and delicious food. If you're planning a visit, I hope these tips help make your journey as wonderful as ours was!