Diani, Kenya vs. Cape Town
Is Kenya’s coast the next Cape Town for digital nomads?
Diani is a coastal beach town on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast where Skippers offers an affordable, year round warm coliving experience for nomads.
Ben
18:15 17 Jul 25
I spent six weeks at Skippers and thoroughly enjoyed my stay! Between the friendly staff, excellent facilities, affordable rates and ever-helpful and proactive hosts, Skippers is a great place for nomads and travellers. Duncan, the owner, has an excellent sense of what nomads need, whether it’s a productive work environment to on-site exercise facilities or convenient and affordable meal options, Skippers has it covered. I’ve stayed at many co-livings, and Skippers is right among the best. I look forward to returning and would highly recommend to any fellow nomads!
Jake Greenwood
08:32 17 Jul 25
Lovely environment and community - I'll definitely be back.
The rooms are all insulated, air-conditioned container units with en-suite bathrooms and good wifi. A communal washing machine is available, the only one I've seen so far in Kenya. The power is all solar, with a backup generator which was used once during the month we stayed.
The co-working workspace is a separate container and there was never a shortage of desks. our room also contained a desk chair, monitor and table. WiFi is starlink, connection and download speeds were great.
Community while we were there was very well managed. (Thanks Izzy!). We had regular social events and excursions - snorkelling, meals out, group running, etc. The restaurant is a great third space which we'd regularly go to for passive socialising.
Food options were also lovely, and we were very grateful to have access to a simple kitchen for basic cooking.
The surrounding area hosts local shops and restaurants. People living in the area were kind and not at all bothersome. My girlfriend regularly went for solo runs all over the nearby area and, in her words, 'never felt unsafe'. The only exception would be in moderately pestering merchants on the nearby beach - however even there they were far less persistent than most.
We also loved the dogs, monkeys, and incredible array of birds.
Motorbike or scooter rental can also be arranged, with the best value bikes I've ever encountered. In the nearby Taita Hills we saw giraffe, zebra, and elephant - making for a cheap & incredible day trip!
We had a lovely time staying in Skippers and will very likely be back, thank you!
The rooms are all insulated, air-conditioned container units with en-suite bathrooms and good wifi. A communal washing machine is available, the only one I've seen so far in Kenya. The power is all solar, with a backup generator which was used once during the month we stayed.
The co-working workspace is a separate container and there was never a shortage of desks. our room also contained a desk chair, monitor and table. WiFi is starlink, connection and download speeds were great.
Community while we were there was very well managed. (Thanks Izzy!). We had regular social events and excursions - snorkelling, meals out, group running, etc. The restaurant is a great third space which we'd regularly go to for passive socialising.
Food options were also lovely, and we were very grateful to have access to a simple kitchen for basic cooking.
The surrounding area hosts local shops and restaurants. People living in the area were kind and not at all bothersome. My girlfriend regularly went for solo runs all over the nearby area and, in her words, 'never felt unsafe'. The only exception would be in moderately pestering merchants on the nearby beach - however even there they were far less persistent than most.
We also loved the dogs, monkeys, and incredible array of birds.
Motorbike or scooter rental can also be arranged, with the best value bikes I've ever encountered. In the nearby Taita Hills we saw giraffe, zebra, and elephant - making for a cheap & incredible day trip!
We had a lovely time staying in Skippers and will very likely be back, thank you!
David Marshall
04:55 24 Mar 25
I recently stayed at Skippers Coliving in Diani and had a great experience. The room was super comfy with its own bathroom and air conditioning, plus the high-speed internet made working a breeze. I really enjoyed hanging out by the pool and trying the amazing pizzas at the on-site restaurant. The vibe was friendly and relaxed, with plenty of events to meet other remote workers and travellers. Plus, being just a short walk from the beautiful Diani Beach was a huge bonus. Highly recommend it!
Jacob Pedersen
10:30 22 Mar 25
I normally go to Asia or South America to escape the Scandinavian winters. But it was time for a change and I started researching Africa. Everything seemed exciting apart from the little nervous feeling in my stomach regarding my need for reliable high speed internet.
But I took the chance and booked three months at Skippers. Which I never regretted.
The power and internet is taken very well care of and it just works. All the time.
That made it possible to enjoy the nice beach very close by, the lovely community they have created with a small pool, a gym, a restaurant (with great pizzas) and just a nice, safe place and a perfect match between privacy and togetherness.
The rooms are nice and the straff sweet and helpful.
'
Diani is small but have everything you need in terms of bars, restaurants, supermarkets.
But I took the chance and booked three months at Skippers. Which I never regretted.
The power and internet is taken very well care of and it just works. All the time.
That made it possible to enjoy the nice beach very close by, the lovely community they have created with a small pool, a gym, a restaurant (with great pizzas) and just a nice, safe place and a perfect match between privacy and togetherness.
The rooms are nice and the straff sweet and helpful.
'
Diani is small but have everything you need in terms of bars, restaurants, supermarkets.
Max Wickham
19:21 16 Mar 25
I had a great time at Skippers, the staff and everyone working there were incredibly nice and the atmosphere was really welcoming.
Was really surprised by how much I enjoyed the container rooms, and having the shared office created a great space to get work done.
Hopefully will be able to return back in the future.
Thanks so much to Camilla and Duncan
Was really surprised by how much I enjoyed the container rooms, and having the shared office created a great space to get work done.
Hopefully will be able to return back in the future.
Thanks so much to Camilla and Duncan
Théo Penavaire
19:55 14 Mar 25
Skippers was my first coliving experience, and I will have a hard time topping it anywhere else!
Every part of my stay was perfect, from Camilla, Duncan and the staff being super friendly, to everything I needed being available on site (high quality coffee, gym, healthy and yummy food, reliable and fast internet), and comfortable home-like accommodation.
The camp is very well located - near shops, restaurants, bars and the beach, and the surroundings are safe and friendly. There's even bikes to explore the outside.
Making friends is so easy: there's always something happening as this little community is very active and eager to hang out together.
It's simple, if you want to make memories for a lifetime, go to Diani and book Skippers.
Every part of my stay was perfect, from Camilla, Duncan and the staff being super friendly, to everything I needed being available on site (high quality coffee, gym, healthy and yummy food, reliable and fast internet), and comfortable home-like accommodation.
The camp is very well located - near shops, restaurants, bars and the beach, and the surroundings are safe and friendly. There's even bikes to explore the outside.
Making friends is so easy: there's always something happening as this little community is very active and eager to hang out together.
It's simple, if you want to make memories for a lifetime, go to Diani and book Skippers.
Amiani Johns
20:23 10 Mar 25
I wasn't ready to leave Skipper's! The entire staff deserves much praise for creating a welcoming atmosphere where I immediately felt at home. The wifi is remarkably fast and stable throughout the compound allowing me to work seamlessly between the coworking space and my room. The container rooms are well designed - compact yet comfortable with excellent air conditioning and a private bathroom. The location is perfect, on Diani's incredible beach with its white sand. I particularly loved exploring the beach on the bikes provided by Skipper's. I met many warm friends in Diani, both residents at the coliving and locals. Between the thoughtful accommodations, the wifi, the warmth of staff and locals, and the beach, Skipper's has made something special in Kenya.
Théo Penavaire
17:20 10 Mar 25
Skippers was my first coliving experience, and I will have a hard time topping it anywhere else!
Every part of my stay was perfect, from Camilla, Duncan and the staff being super friendly, to everything I needed being available on site (high quality coffee, gym, healthy and yummy food, reliable and fast internet), and comfortable home-like accommodation.
The camp is very well located - near shops, restaurants, bars and the beach, and the surroundings are safe and friendly. There's even bikes to explore the outside.
Making friends is so easy: there's always something happening as this little community is very active and eager to hang out together.
It's simple, if you want to make memories for a lifetime, go to Diani and book Skippers.
Every part of my stay was perfect, from Camilla, Duncan and the staff being super friendly, to everything I needed being available on site (high quality coffee, gym, healthy and yummy food, reliable and fast internet), and comfortable home-like accommodation.
The camp is very well located - near shops, restaurants, bars and the beach, and the surroundings are safe and friendly. There's even bikes to explore the outside.
Making friends is so easy: there's always something happening as this little community is very active and eager to hang out together.
It's simple, if you want to make memories for a lifetime, go to Diani and book Skippers.
Piotr Fryze
18:00 06 Mar 25
Skippers is any remote travellers perfect co-living destination. The fellow travellers, the staff, the facilities, the WiFi, the hosts, the pizzas and the overall homey feeling, makes you want to stay, way longer than planned.
Stop researching. Book the flight. Thank me later.
Stop researching. Book the flight. Thank me later.
Mathilde Andersen
11:43 24 Feb 25
I can’t recommend this place enough.
It has everything you need: cozy rooms, gym, coworking space, chill out area, pool, kitchen, and a pizzeria (not just a pizzeria, the best!)
The owners and the staff were super friendly, always helpful, connecting with the guests.
Its close to the beach, the shops etc.
I had the best time!
It has everything you need: cozy rooms, gym, coworking space, chill out area, pool, kitchen, and a pizzeria (not just a pizzeria, the best!)
The owners and the staff were super friendly, always helpful, connecting with the guests.
Its close to the beach, the shops etc.
I had the best time!
Bertie R
11:54 13 Feb 25
A great green blob of verdant bush surrounds Skippers, attracting butterflies and bees, speckled mousebirds, red cheeked cordonbleus, drongo’s and European rollers. Papaya and Neem grow in sporadic assortment. Beyond the wilderness lies a pizza/ poke bowl restaurant, with happy staff and fresh chilli’s from the garden. The co-working space is fit with air-con, a white board, and a multitude of monitors so that you can follow the price of bitcoin. A little more exploration round the property and you will even find a swimming pool and gym! Free brekky in the morning of fruit and pancakes, and a cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs twice a week, which is a nice way of brining all the co-living humans together.
Thank you Duncan and Camilla for creating such a wonderful place.
Thank you Leli for your great ability to fix things.
See you again!
Thank you Duncan and Camilla for creating such a wonderful place.
Thank you Leli for your great ability to fix things.
See you again!
Bailey Lammon
08:46 02 Feb 25
Absolutely fantastic community. Small enough to feel close knit but big enough that there’s always something going on. The property has everything you need to be successful— a desk and AC in the rooms, a nice coworking space, a gym, a pool, a great restaurant and shared kitchen. If you need to be productive but still want to have a good time, this is the perfect place. Clean, safe, and just all around a top notch colive. Will definitely be back!
Isabel D'Mello
09:36 30 Jan 25
I stayed at Skippers for about a month, testing out digital-nomad-ing properly for the first time. The community is welcoming, and Duncan and Camilla are great! Leli & the team are also very friendly and organise trips where/when there's interest - I also got a shirt tailored for my dad, which was ace and fun to get material/arrange with a local tailor. The rooms are comfortable and clean with good storage, so you can unpack/make it feel like home. The pizza kitchen/restaurant area has a chill.vibe with nomads hanging out and other patrons - the kitchen access for cooking and making a good coffee are also great to keep costs down whilst working away. I didn't use the gym or communal office that much as I run/take a lot of calls, so I largely worked in my room, but the setup is good to accommodate for lots of different uses. Reliable wifi, generator, and staff that are on it - best place to escape the winter blues in Europe.
Travelin' CMYK Hippie
08:13 26 Jan 25
Such a wonderful place filled with great staff and even the guests were cool as well. I recommend this place for sure.
Mirella Simeonova
12:55 25 Jan 25
I stayed at Skippers for 6 weeks and loved it so much that I came back some months later to stay another 2 months. It’s a great combination of work environment and social hub. It has a way better electricity and wifi stability than you’d get from the grid.
Before that I’ve never visited subsaharan Africa and it was the best first entry point to East Africa you can imagine. It is very safe, and everything is convenient - you can pre-order lunch boxes for example or just take a short motorbike ride to one of the many restaurants close by. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I made many friends at Skippers and keep meeting them around the world. I’ll definitely go back!
Before that I’ve never visited subsaharan Africa and it was the best first entry point to East Africa you can imagine. It is very safe, and everything is convenient - you can pre-order lunch boxes for example or just take a short motorbike ride to one of the many restaurants close by. The staff is very friendly and helpful. I made many friends at Skippers and keep meeting them around the world. I’ll definitely go back!
Sigurd Strand
17:07 16 Jan 25
I had a great stay!
Alan Oliver
16:55 16 Jan 25
I had an amazing stay, so much so that I extended multiple times! Really suits digital nomads or anyone looking to stay at something more alternative than what I think are very overrated resorts nearby! Duncan and Camilla well done! You’ve created something special! P.S.
Best pizzas in town
Best pizzas in town
Rory Gallagher
16:41 16 Jan 25
I absolutely loved staying at Skippers! For digital nomads this is the perfect place to live and work while enjoying the Kenyan coast. Great community and very attentive staff that are always working to make everything as nice as possible for you. Fast and reliable internet in nice rooms with every amenity you'd need to have a nice time.
Peter Cox
06:05 21 Dec 24
skippers is a great coliving, very nice furnished rooms with modern shower toilet aircon etc. very serious about WiFi redundancy never had an issue while I was here. close to the beach safe etc highly recommended if want to give africa a go
Achraf Haddad
05:28 18 Nov 24
Staying here is an experience like no other! From the moment you arrive, Camilla and Duncan make you feel right at home. Their warmth, attentiveness, and dedication to creating a welcoming environment set this place apart.
The location is great—everything is close or one short tuktuk ride away. The space itself is a mix between a vibrant ambiance and comfort. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, working in the office, or hitting the gym, you’ll find everything you need to thrive.
And the food? Absolutely next-level! The chefs here craft the best pizza in Kenya—hands down. Pair that with their Thursday live music nights, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for unforgettable evenings.
This place is truly a home away from home. If you’re looking for a coliving space that blends community, comfort, and fun, look no further. Don’t hesitate— I highly recommend!
The location is great—everything is close or one short tuktuk ride away. The space itself is a mix between a vibrant ambiance and comfort. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, working in the office, or hitting the gym, you’ll find everything you need to thrive.
And the food? Absolutely next-level! The chefs here craft the best pizza in Kenya—hands down. Pair that with their Thursday live music nights, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for unforgettable evenings.
This place is truly a home away from home. If you’re looking for a coliving space that blends community, comfort, and fun, look no further. Don’t hesitate— I highly recommend!
Theo Gregory
17:24 15 Sep 24
Gorgeous coliving right in the heart of diani and a 5 minute walk to the beach. The owners are lovely and staff can sort anything at all out for you. WiFi and power are strong and reliable - Starlink with double redundancy and power likewise triple-redundant. Rooms are perfect with a desk and the separate office and gym are great. Huge amount of food on offer too, including daily lunchboxes to make working hard easy if you want to. Love it here
Mark Casey
10:10 30 Jul 24
I stayed at Skippers for 7 weeks while working remotely in Kenya. Skippers sits at the heart of Diani. A beach side paradise comparable to, albeit much less discovered, Koh Tao/Samui. Diani has everything one could be looking for, from great places to eat, drink and dance to nature, adventure and water sports - Skippers was a great home base to discover the charms and quirks of the town and surrounding area.
The co-living itself is charming and characterful. It manages to successfully balance Kenyan wilderness with the modernity needed for working remotely. Great internet, air-con and a pizza oven surrounded by mangroves, reefs and baboons. The infusion makes for a unique and exhilarating way to live and work.
The town and co-living are amazing but it was the team at Skippers that made my stay. The owners are personable and open people who genuinely love Diani and Kenya and want to share it with you. They went above and beyond to make me feel at home and catered for and to show me (and fellow guests) what life in Diani is all about. They’ve assembled a great team of chefs, guards and office staff from Kenya who don’t treat you as guests at a hotel but instead are welcoming and genuine, giving insight into local Kenyan culture in an organic and unfiltered way.
I couldn’t recommend Skippers, Diani and Kenya enough to all who are considering going - I know I will be back to visit again soon!
The co-living itself is charming and characterful. It manages to successfully balance Kenyan wilderness with the modernity needed for working remotely. Great internet, air-con and a pizza oven surrounded by mangroves, reefs and baboons. The infusion makes for a unique and exhilarating way to live and work.
The town and co-living are amazing but it was the team at Skippers that made my stay. The owners are personable and open people who genuinely love Diani and Kenya and want to share it with you. They went above and beyond to make me feel at home and catered for and to show me (and fellow guests) what life in Diani is all about. They’ve assembled a great team of chefs, guards and office staff from Kenya who don’t treat you as guests at a hotel but instead are welcoming and genuine, giving insight into local Kenyan culture in an organic and unfiltered way.
I couldn’t recommend Skippers, Diani and Kenya enough to all who are considering going - I know I will be back to visit again soon!
Bryce Flory
12:48 28 Jul 24
Amazing experience! The compound is a perfect place to live, work and relax. Everything has been thought of, and the specific needs of a nomad have been delivered.
The rooms are a perfect size, with a comfortable bed, private bath and desk. If you need more working space, or change of pace, the office is very handy and includes second monitors!
What stands out more than anything is the team at Skippers. The owners, Camilla and Duncan, are wonderful and kind people, who are committed to you having a perfect stay. The chefs are the best and became my good friends. And the rest of the team is always ready to help you feel at home. Truly, truly wonderful people and I miss everyone at Skippers already.
I felt so at home that I extended ... twice! My two months were absolutely wonderful. I couldn't recommend Skippers enough.
Don't hesitate ... book now!
The rooms are a perfect size, with a comfortable bed, private bath and desk. If you need more working space, or change of pace, the office is very handy and includes second monitors!
What stands out more than anything is the team at Skippers. The owners, Camilla and Duncan, are wonderful and kind people, who are committed to you having a perfect stay. The chefs are the best and became my good friends. And the rest of the team is always ready to help you feel at home. Truly, truly wonderful people and I miss everyone at Skippers already.
I felt so at home that I extended ... twice! My two months were absolutely wonderful. I couldn't recommend Skippers enough.
Don't hesitate ... book now!
Lancelot Chardonnet
06:07 04 Jul 24
Very nice coliving experience in Diani. The place has everything you need and is close to the main road where you have all the bars and restaurants. You may want to rent a scooter or motorbike for about $150/month to move around more easily as the town is quite spread from north to south.
The happiness manager Leli taught me how to drive a motorbike in 2 days. Very easy if you already know how to drive a car.
Kitesurf is something I recommend you to learn here as it is probably one of the best spot in the world for beginners. Soft wind, flat water, almost no one in the water, cheap lessons (20 000KES / 2 weeks at Amigos), these are the perfect conditions for learning kitesurf without stress.
Camilla and Duncan have created a coliving with a very unique vibe. You will enjoy it the most if you're a slow traveler and stay for a whole month.
The happiness manager Leli taught me how to drive a motorbike in 2 days. Very easy if you already know how to drive a car.
Kitesurf is something I recommend you to learn here as it is probably one of the best spot in the world for beginners. Soft wind, flat water, almost no one in the water, cheap lessons (20 000KES / 2 weeks at Amigos), these are the perfect conditions for learning kitesurf without stress.
Camilla and Duncan have created a coliving with a very unique vibe. You will enjoy it the most if you're a slow traveler and stay for a whole month.
susmeet jain
14:39 05 Jun 24
This is a rare place!
Camilla and Duncan are seasoned nomads, and it shows in the details that have been taken care of.
They have assembled a gem of a team to run this place. And upon my arrival, I instantly felt at home.
It is hard to maintain the right 'vibe' in a 'community'. But they make it seem effortless.
This is my first time in Africa. And I couldn't have had a better start!
Camilla and Duncan are seasoned nomads, and it shows in the details that have been taken care of.
They have assembled a gem of a team to run this place. And upon my arrival, I instantly felt at home.
It is hard to maintain the right 'vibe' in a 'community'. But they make it seem effortless.
This is my first time in Africa. And I couldn't have had a better start!
camila valenzuela
06:28 30 May 24
This is my first time in Africa and travelling solo, by intuition I chose Skippers coliving in Diani and it has been a great experience.
The owners vision Camilla and Duncan is more than a coliving, it encompasses inclusion and sustainability in so many levels. In the global experience brought to a rural experience in a paradisiac village, in the sense of community and giving enough space for your work and development, for the level of comforting (restaurant where you can meet local people, full equipped kitchen, gym, workspaces, laundry and rooms), all powered by solar energy.
I felt at home all the time, the chef Mwagadi is the best pizzaiolo in town and he prepares local food to amaze your senses, Leli will help sort out any sort of stranding and will take you to have tours around with a vibrant and unique energy.
The rooms are very comfortable, well isolated and in my case which I do private and intimate work, it supported all my needs as I had a terrace to take fresh air from time to time, and enjoy the swimming pool in my brakes (so no need to rush to the beach, which is just 10' walk)
The location of the place is fantastic, everything is in a walkable distance, the local neighborhood is very friendly and people are very nice.
On a nutshell, rooms, service and location are wonderful and it surpasses a coliving concept as I think a new concept and idea is unfolding here. So if you are a nomad traveller, gig, digital/remote worker don't hesitate to come and work from here and learn from the rich and marvelous cultural diversity you can enjoy in the paradise of Diani. I will come back for sure to this one or any other skippers that comes up as I really resonate with the authenticity and humanity of the concept. Many thanks for all the brave souls that make this possible, either travellers, staff, owners!
The owners vision Camilla and Duncan is more than a coliving, it encompasses inclusion and sustainability in so many levels. In the global experience brought to a rural experience in a paradisiac village, in the sense of community and giving enough space for your work and development, for the level of comforting (restaurant where you can meet local people, full equipped kitchen, gym, workspaces, laundry and rooms), all powered by solar energy.
I felt at home all the time, the chef Mwagadi is the best pizzaiolo in town and he prepares local food to amaze your senses, Leli will help sort out any sort of stranding and will take you to have tours around with a vibrant and unique energy.
The rooms are very comfortable, well isolated and in my case which I do private and intimate work, it supported all my needs as I had a terrace to take fresh air from time to time, and enjoy the swimming pool in my brakes (so no need to rush to the beach, which is just 10' walk)
The location of the place is fantastic, everything is in a walkable distance, the local neighborhood is very friendly and people are very nice.
On a nutshell, rooms, service and location are wonderful and it surpasses a coliving concept as I think a new concept and idea is unfolding here. So if you are a nomad traveller, gig, digital/remote worker don't hesitate to come and work from here and learn from the rich and marvelous cultural diversity you can enjoy in the paradise of Diani. I will come back for sure to this one or any other skippers that comes up as I really resonate with the authenticity and humanity of the concept. Many thanks for all the brave souls that make this possible, either travellers, staff, owners!
Gold Fish Projex
13:34 17 Apr 24
Wonderful place to stay at.The coldest beers I ever had, they even freeze the glasses. Absolute Win!!!
Theresa
05:52 05 Mar 24
I had an amazing time staying at Skippers. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful, I always felt welcome! The rooms are good and it's a convenient place to work. If you need to work, you have your own space and it's quiet and whenever you're done, you can hang out at the restaurant, chill by the pool or go to the gym. The community at Skippers is super nice, there are always people to have a coffee or to go for dinner with. They have bikes, which is a great way to go around in Diani. Also, the pizza at the restaurant is delicious. I really enjoyed the area. It's a nice street and close to the beach, to cafés, restaurants and bars. I can recommend staying at Skippers!
Lorraine Shadeya
17:42 13 Feb 24
Skippers is more than a place – it's an instant comfort zone. The A/C is so inviting that you'll find yourself rushing back just for that cozy feeling. It ensures the perfect sleep, saving you from the warm coastal weather that tends to induce constant sleepiness. The co-living space is filled with awesome people, 2 dogs, and a cat – a real family vibe. Duncan and Camilla's hospitality, combined with the amenities, make it a haven. Also they have reliable Wi-Fi, and a gym to stay fit. The in-house restaurant serves mouthwatering pizza, and they’ve got healthy meal boxes with breakfast. Trust me, don’t waste time elsewhere – Skippers is the place to be in Diani.
Y S
17:47 05 Feb 24
Ideal place to stay, connect with other digital nomads and explore together the area.
There is AC which allows you to sleep super well (keep in mind that the coast is hot!). The establishment is powered mostly by solar panels which is also a nice step towards sustainability. The internet is extremely good and reliable and there is a co-working space with extra screens! Extra points for the well equipped and air-conditioned gym. Finally, they make some super healthy and affordable lunchboxes!
The hosts, Camilla and Duncan, are very welcoming and warm people. They are always responsive and they instantly make you feel part of the Skippers small community. They organize lots of activities and are super fun to be around!
There is AC which allows you to sleep super well (keep in mind that the coast is hot!). The establishment is powered mostly by solar panels which is also a nice step towards sustainability. The internet is extremely good and reliable and there is a co-working space with extra screens! Extra points for the well equipped and air-conditioned gym. Finally, they make some super healthy and affordable lunchboxes!
The hosts, Camilla and Duncan, are very welcoming and warm people. They are always responsive and they instantly make you feel part of the Skippers small community. They organize lots of activities and are super fun to be around!
Comparison
| Diani, Kenya | Cape Town, South Africa | |
| Weather (Oct–Apr) | 25–33 °C, calm warm Indian Ocean | 17–26 °C, windy, cool Atlantic water |
| Internet | 30–100 Mbps Starlink + fibre backup | 100–500 Mbps fibre in city |
| Safety for Nomads | Low petty crime, relaxed coastal vibe | Urban crime hotspots; caution needed at night |
| Cost of Living | ≈ USD 600 – 900 / month | ≈ USD 1 000 – 1 600 / month |
| Community | Smaller, close-knit remote-work tribe | Large but transient expat crowd |
| Coliving Scene | Dedicated DN coliving at Skippers | Many spaces, often full or pricey |
| Nature & Outdoors | Coral reef, rainforest, dolphins, safaris | Table Mountain, vineyards, hiking |
| Visa Options | 90 days, extendable | 90 days, extendable |
| Water Temperature | 26–29 °C (Indian Ocean, warm year-round) | 13–17 °C (Atlantic, cold) |
| Vibe | Laid-back beach town. Small community feel. Relaxed and tropical. | High-energy big city with outdoor culture. |
Interested in visiting Diani? See our rooms and rates at Skippers Coliving.
Travel & Access
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Flights: 1-stop from Cape Town to Diani Airport via Nairobi (Kenya Airways / Safair)
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Transfer: 4 min Diani to Skippers by road
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Visa: Kenya eTA online, 15 min process, usually approved in 2-4 days
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SIM & Connectivity: Safaricom eSIM or physical SIM on arrival
Check Flights
JKIA – Nairobi Main International Airport
MBA – Mombasa International Airport
Note internal flights from JKIA to UKA (Diani) are only available direct from Jambojet. From WIL (Wilson) via Safarilink.
Why nomads come to Diani
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Year-round warm ocean, tropical greenery
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New, less explored and more local experience
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Lower costs for long stays
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Nearby safaris, diving, kitesurfing, volunteering options
A glimpse of life at Skippers…
Skippers is a friendly and welcoming community. Our team make sure that new guests meet each other and our onsite pets Oreo, Cookie & Pabu are the friendliest doggies you’ll meet.
From our cooked breakfasts 5-6 times a week through to our yummy pizzas and poke bowls you’ll be well fed. Diani also offer over 80 restaurants covering local and international cuisine from budget to luxury.
Social scene = intimate not massive. You’ll meet people, but it’s not a “party capital.”, there are good nights our but with a small town vibe.
Interested in visiting Diani? See our rooms and rates at Skippers Coliving.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are an Estonian company with a subsidiary in Kenya. Our coliving in Kenya is in Diani which is south of Mombasa. Over time we hope to expand to have more locations in Kenya and East Africa.
A common question is whether Kenya is a safe place to live or travel. In general yes it is. Normal safety rules of travel apply, during the day in Diani it’s safe to walk around anywhere.
Our solo travellers male and female at Skippers have all so far not had any issues in and around Diani and have felt safe.
It is very common in Diani to have beach sellers approach people. If you are not interest a firm no thank your (or hapana asante) is usually sufficient to move them on.
During the evening we always recommend taking a tuktuk or boda (motorbike taxi). However, occurrences of theft etc are generally low. Very low when compared to any European or US city.
Where to avoid
There are some areas to be avoided like anywhere approximately 100km from the Northern Somali border and regionally there are sometimes areas where it’s reccomended to have a guide.
However, it’s worth understanding that internal mobility in Kenya is much lower than South America and Europe so regional issues generally stay regional.
One of Duncan the founder’s biggest fears on Kenya was around internet speeds. However, he was very pleasently surprised.
The 4g+ network in Kenya is very good. You can get speeds of up to 200mbps often in quite remote areas. The network is significantly more developed than a number of European countries and is aided by the largely flat geography.
Fibre internet is commonplace in hotels and on the coast the fibre network is expanding quickly.
At Skippers we have multiple uplinks leveraging Starlink and Fibre load balanced on a managed network. We are also in the process of adding in room wired connections and access points for guests who want to connect VoIP equipment or other devices that need a wired connection.
The beach in Diani is 13km long. At Tradewinds where we’re currently located it’s bustling with fisherman and locals. As you walk down the beach it gets quieter.
You will get approached by people selling local souvenirs and trips on a regular basis. If you want them to go away you just have to say ‘No Thank You’ or ‘Hapana Asante’ firmly and they will move on.