Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park
Marine Park / Reserve
Diani Chale National Reserve
A Marine Paradise of Pristine Beaches, Coral Reefs, and Sea Turtles
Overview
About Diani Chale National Reserve
Diani Chale protects an attractive stretch of Kenya’s south-coast marine environment. Coral gardens, seagrass beds, mangroves, clear waters, offshore islands and turtle nesting areas support snorkeling, diving, dolphin encounters and relaxed beach experiences close to Diani’s tourism facilities.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
White-sand beaches
Coral reefs and coral gardens
Dolphin habitat
Sea-turtle nesting grounds
Mangrove forests
Seagrass beds
Offshore islands
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Boat excursions
- Beach activities
- Marine photography
- Wildlife viewing
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Dolphins
- Sea turtles
- Reef fish
- Coastal birdlife
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
KWS states that Diani Chale National Reserve was established and gazetted in 1995.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
Accessible by road from Mombasa and Diani/Ukunda.
By air
Flights from Nairobi to the south coast/Ukunda area provide the fastest access.
By rail
SGR to Mombasa can be followed by a road transfer to Diani.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, suitable beachwear and a basic first-aid kit.
Use reef-safe practices and do not remove coral, shells or marine life.
Confirm local sea and weather conditions before snorkeling, diving or boat excursions.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 15 | USD 10 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 25 | USD 15 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Diani Chale National Reserve FAQs
What is Diani Chale National Reserve best known for?
Diani Chale National Reserve is especially known for White-sand beaches, Coral reefs and coral gardens, Dolphin habitat, Sea-turtle nesting grounds. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Diani Chale National Reserve?
Road: Accessible by road from Mombasa and Diani/Ukunda. Air: Flights from Nairobi to the south coast/Ukunda area provide the fastest access. Rail: SGR to Mombasa can be followed by a road transfer to Diani. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Diani Chale National Reserve?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 500 and non-resident adults from USD 25 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Diani Chale National Reserve?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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