Solo Travellers Hotel in Kenya
Come and visit us in the beautiful Diani Beach.
Welcome to Skippers a coliving community for solo travellers, adventurers and digital nomads in the beautiful beach town of Diani in Kenya.
Arrive solo and feel connected on day one. Intro coffee/drinks with other guests, vetted drivers from the airport optional activities (Snorkling, walks, local trips).
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!
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.
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Diani is small but have everything you need in terms of bars, restaurants, supermarkets.
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
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.
Stop researching. Book the flight. Thank me later.
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!
Thank you Duncan and Camilla for creating such a wonderful place.
Thank you Leli for your great ability to fix things.
See you again!
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!
Best pizzas in town
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 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 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 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.
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!
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!
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!
Quick facts
- Our guests usually stay with us from 2-12 weeks to explore Kenya;
- 80% are solo travellers;
- 100% are here to explore and be part of a community;
- 50-60% of guests have been female;
- Average age is around 25-45 with people either side of that;
We are based in the safe beach town of Diani. Known for it’s amazing 14km of white sands beaches is renowned for diving, kitesurfing and endless adventure.
What we are not is a solos/singles holiday company. We only offer a community that you can join not a dating service!
Experiences in Kenya
About Skippers
We built Skippers so that people could have their home comforts away from home. It is our home and we welcome you to call it your home no matter how long you stay.
What is a Coliving?Â
A coliving is a community for travellers that want to meet other people while they travel.
If you’re not familiar with the concept it’s hotel like comfort with a community-first approach.
Diani
- Friendly and safe beach town
- 13km of white sands beaches
- Diving in national marine parks
- Kitesurfing (Jan-Mar & Jun-Sept)
- Over 60 restaurants and bars
- Safaris at Tsavo or further afield
Skippers
- Seven Air Conditioned En-Suite Bedrooms
- Full Equipped Gym & Pool
- On-site Pizza & Poke Restaurant
- Shared Kitchen
- Washing Machine & Weekly Room Cleaning
- Free to use Mountain Bikes
- Fibre primary internet w/Starlink backup
- Redundant Power
- More about Skippers Diani
Availability & Rates
We don’t have a minimum stay in low season generally 1-2 weeks is a good starting point. For high season (Dec-Apr) it depends on availability but we try to prioritise longer stays 3-4 weeks.
Availability
- September: 1 room available
- October: 2-3 rooms available
- November-April: 3-4 rooms available
Rates
| Basic | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Four weeks | $189/wk ($27/night) | $266/wk ($38/night) |
| Six weeks | $175/wk ($25/night) | $260/wk ($36/night) |
| Eight weeks | $168/wk ($24/night) | $245/wk ($35/night) |
Send us a message on WhatsApp to get latest availability, for booking or cover any questions.
Our rooms
Basic Room
En-suite bathroom
Desk & Swivel Chair
Double bed
12 sqm
From $168/week
Standard Room
4K Monitor
43″ TV
2.1 Speakers
En-suite bathroom
Desk & Swivel Chair
Double bed
24 sqm
From $245/week
Diani & Activities
Diani is one of the main beach towns on the coast of Kenya. It has around 14km of white sandy beaches that are more or less abandoned especially when compared to your average European beach.
The main activities are:
- Diving – Year round, there’s a coral reef the full length of the beach and nearby marine parks, 3 good dive schools – We have an unlimited dive offer for long stay guests with a local school;
- Kitesurfing – Brilliant place to learn and progress. Not busy. Season Jan-Mar/Apr and Jun-Sept;
- Reading books – Plenty of hotels with nice sun loungers, pools and bars to sit and read a book at and snooze;
In terms of local trips
- Boat trips: There’s a local marine park which is a good day out, local snorkling, sunset cruises etc;
- Mountain bikes/eBikes/ATVs: If you fancy a little day safari you can head into the rainforest behind the town for epic scenery and some adventure;
We’ve written a bit more about local attractions here. If you’re interested in doing a safari whether it’s a weekend or a bit more serious then quite often our guests will get together and go together.
How to get here
Skippers is located in Diani which is south of Mombasa.
The two main routes are to:
- Fly direct to Mombasa and take a transfer taxi (±1h30 @ $35)
- Fly to Nairobi International Airport (JKIA) and take an internal flight (1h) to Diani/Ukunda airport ±$60-$80
We just did a post on cheap flights to Kenya here here there are options from €500 return from Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—apply for Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) online before travel. Typical processing ~3 working days; apply with ideally 5-6 days if you can. Full info on eTA/eVisa is here.
Generally, yes. We have had many solo female travellers and they have had no major issues. Beach sellers will often approach and try to sell local touristy things, coconuts.
You might get the odd marriage proposal on the street, but it’s usually friendly and fun rather than anything to intense.
In Diani it’s safe to walk around everywhere during the day.
At night we recommend taking a tuktuk or boda (motorbike taxi). It’s a small community in the town still and most people especially tuktuk and boda riders know each other.
When arriving at the airport (anywhere in Africa) we always reccommend having a pre-organised taxi. They’re the best people to have a chat with about whats’ going on, any local safety etc.
For inter-country travel its’ not uncommon for people to travel alone and it’s unlikely you would have issues on a matatu etc. Many women travel alone and if someone was causing issues your fellow passengers would rise up to your side very quickly.
Tourist visas are up to 3 months and can be extended to 6 month with an online system. Full info on eTA/eVisas are here.
It’s a common misconception that there are lots of dangerous insects, snakes etc across all of Africa. There are areas where they exist but they’re not common in Kenya.
Generally not many spiders, a few cockroaches about and the very occasional grass snake.
In terms of vaccinations yellow fever is required if you are coming from a high-risk country but not from Europe currently. For other vaccinations talk to your travel clinic.
Regarding Malaria, it is prevalent on the coast. Most people go for insect repellant and if you’re really concerned you can get tablets. In Diani there are good hospitals and for malaria one of the main risks is not catching it early. Most pharmacies offer a same-day test.
Kenya’s laws are pretty conservative; Nairobi is quite colourful in places.
If you avoid public displays of affection then generally it’s unlikely you’ll have issues as the country is pretty well sensitised to tourists of all types relative to the region.











