Nairobi Wilson (WIL) → Diani (Ukunda) (UKA)

Diani is consistently voted among Africa's best beaches — and the fastest way to reach it is a direct flight from Nairobi Wilson to Ukunda airstrip, which sits just minutes from the beach hotels and villas of Diani itself. Flying direct means no Mombasa traffic and, crucially, no Likoni ferry crossing: the single best reason this route exists.

The flight

From Wilson Airport the routing runs south-east across the Tsavo ecosystem before letting down along the Indian Ocean coastline south of Mombasa. Flight time is about an hour and five minutes. On a clear day the final approach — reef, lagoon and white sand out the window — is one of the best arrivals in Kenya.

Ukunda airstrip

Ukunda (UKA) is a small, efficient airstrip in the middle of Diani. Most hotels and private villas are between five and fifteen minutes away by road, so guests are regularly at the pool within half an hour of landing. Compare that with landing at Mombasa: a road transfer south, the Likoni ferry queue, and the better part of two hours lost.

The right aircraft

• Cessna Grand Caravan — the staple for families and small groups, with room for beach luggage.
• Beechcraft King Air — quicker and pressurised, comfortable for six to eight guests.
• Light jets — possible into Ukunda subject to load and conditions; for larger jets we route via Mombasa with a helicopter or road transfer south.

Good to know

• Peak seasons: Christmas and New Year, Easter and the July–September holidays see heavy demand for Diani — book charter capacity early in those windows.
• Kite season: June to September and December to February bring reliable wind to Galu and Diani — popular with kitesurfers who travel with gear; a private aircraft makes boards and kit simple.
• Combining trips: Diani pairs beautifully with a Maasai Mara safari — a bush-and-beach itinerary on one aircraft, with no Nairobi overnight in between.
• Day trips: a morning flight down and evening return makes a Diani site visit or property viewing a single-day exercise.

Tell us your travel dates and party size, and we will confirm aircraft options and have your quote back the same day.