Day Trip to Shimba Hills National Reserve

A day trip to Shimba Hills National Park from Mombasa or Diani is an exceptional opportunity to explore one of Kenya’s most unique natural National Park within easy reach of the coast. Situated just 33 kilometers from Mombasa and 15 kilometers from Diani Beach, the park spans over 250 square kilometers and stands on an ancient plateau covered by coastal rainforest. Shimba Hills is the second-largest coastal forest in East Africa after Arabuko Sokoke and serves as an important conservation area for endemic flora and fauna. With its misty hills, rare wildlife, and refreshing breezes, the park offers a memorable retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Wildlife and Ecosystem

A day trip to Shimba Hills National Park from Mombasa or Diani immerses visitors in a biologically rich environment. The forested hills are home to over 700 elephants, which migrate between the forest and surrounding villages, often requiring controlled corridors to prevent human-wildlife conflict. The park’s pride lies in its sable antelope—a regal, dark-coated species with sweeping horns that can reach 1.5 meters in length. Visitors might also spot buffaloes, serval cats, duikers, baboons, vervet monkeys, and bush pigs. Reptile lovers may find monitor lizards and various snake species. Botanically, the park features over 1,100 plant species, some found nowhere else in Kenya.

One of the most rewarding highlights of a day trip to Shimba Hills National Park from Mombasa or Diani is exploring its undulating landscapes dotted with dense forest, grassy meadows, and dramatic cliffs. The Sheldrick Falls is a 25-meter-high cascade tucked away in the heart of the forest, accessed by a scenic walk that takes approximately 45 minutes each way. Along the way, visitors may encounter butterflies, birds, and shy animals hiding in the undergrowth. The Ocean View Point, a raised escarpment in the park, offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, tea plantations, and the verdant forest canopy—perfect for photography or quiet reflection.

Accessibility and Travel

Reaching Shimba Hills National Park from Mombasa involves crossing the Likoni Ferry and traveling via Kwale town. The journey by car typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and ferry wait times. Roads leading to the park are tarmacked for the most part, although sections near the gate can be rough during the rainy season. Visitors on a day trip to Shimba Hills National Park from Mombasa are advised to start early, ideally by 6:30 AM, to allow enough time for exploration and activities. Both self-drive options and organized safari tours are available, with the latter often including a guide and park fees.

Activities Within the Park

A day trip to Shimba Hills National Park from Mombasa or Diani offers diverse activities that combine wildlife, nature, and culture. Game drives in a 4×4 vehicle cover the main circuits through forested and open areas, ideal for spotting elephants and antelope. The guided hike to Sheldrick Falls is a must-do, providing insight into the flora and traditional uses of forest plants. Birdwatchers can look for species like crowned eagles, African green pigeons, and Narina trogons. Some safaris include a cultural visit to the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary or local Giriama homesteads nearby, offering a glimpse into rural coastal life.

Meal Options and Facilities

While on a day trip to Shimba Hills National Park from Mombasa or Diani, dining options are limited, so it’s recommended to carry packed lunches, snacks, and drinking water. However, travelers can pre-book lunch at Shimba Hills Lodge or Shimba green Lodge with good view of Mwaluganje Santuary, an atmospheric tree-top lodge built on stilts with a large waterhole that attracts elephants, bushbuck, and monkeys. The lodge provides a unique dining experience in the heart of the forest, with wooden walkways and panoramic forest views. There are also designated picnic areas at viewpoints where guests can relax and enjoy their meals surrounded by nature.

Park Fees and Requirements

Entry fees for Shimba Hills National Park vary based on residency status and age. As of the latest KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service) tariffs:

Kenyan Citizens: Ksh 300 adults / Ksh 215 children
Kenyan Residents: Ksh 1,200 adults / Ksh 600 children
Non-residents: USD 20 adults / USD 10 children
Additional costs include parking, guide services (approx. Ksh 1,000–2,000), and Sheldrick Falls hiking escort. Visitors should carry identification, wear closed shoes, and be prepared for muddy or slippery paths. Drones are not allowed without permits.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Due to its elevation (ranging from 120m to 450m), a day trip to Shimba Hills National Park from Mombasa or Diani offers a cooler and more humid climate than the coastal strip. The park receives rainfall throughout the year, with peaks in April-May and October-November. The best times to visit are during dry months (June to October and January to March) for better visibility and ease of access. Mornings tend to be misty but clear up by mid-morning, offering excellent light for photography.

What to Carry

To enjoy your day trip to Shimba Hills National Park from Mombasa or Diani, you should bring:

A reusable water bottle (hydration is essential for the walk to Sheldrick Falls)
Picnic lunch or snacks
Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a sun hat
Binoculars for bird and wildlife spotting
A camera or smartphone with spare batteries
A rain jacket (especially during wet months)

For the best experience during your day trip to Shimba Hills National Park from Mombasa or Diani, travel with a licensed tour guide or ranger to deepen your understanding of the park’s ecology. Be mindful of the environment—avoid littering and respect wildlife by observing from a distance. If planning to hike to the falls, start early, wear proper footwear, and carry sufficient drinking water. Due to elephant presence, it’s mandatory to have a ranger escort during walks. Booking meals or visits to the lodge in advance ensures smoother logistics.

Additional information

Duration	1 Day
Country	Kenya
Attractions	Shimba Hills National Reserve
Level	Suitable for All
Physical Condition	It doesn’t matter
Best Time	All year round

Day 1

Day Trip to Shimba Hills National Reserve From Mombasa or Diani

Your day trip to Shimba Hills National Park begins early in the morning, typically with pickup around 6:30 AM from Mombasa or 7:00 AM from Diani Beach, depending on your location. If departing from Mombasa, the drive includes a scenic ferry crossing at Likoni Channel, offering a brief glimpse of local coastal life and bustling harbor activity. From there, you’ll drive inland past small villages, coconut palms, and baobab trees before reaching Kwale town, the nearest urban center to the park. If departing from Diani Beach, the journey is smoother and shorter, taking 45 minutes to 1 hour via well-paved roads. As you ascend into the Shimba Hills escarpment, the temperature cools noticeably, and the landscape transforms into lush greenery with panoramic views.

Upon Arrival at the park’s main gate marks the start of your guided game drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle or Safari mini van. Shimba Hills National Park is known for its diverse topography, featuring coastal rainforests, open glades, and deep valleys, making it distinct from the dry savannahs typical of inland parks. It is home to an impressive population of African elephants, often spotted in small herds near waterholes. One of the park’s most iconic residents is the rare sable antelope, recognizable by its curved horns and glossy black coat—found nowhere else in Kenya in such numbers. Other wildlife includes bushbuck, warthogs, buffaloes, baboons, and a rich variety of birdlife, with over 100 recorded species such as hornbills, African fish eagles, sunbirds, and green-headed orioles.

Around mid-morning, your guide will lead you to the Ocean View Point, a scenic lookout that offers a breathtaking panorama of the Indian Ocean, the surrounding hills, and on clear days, even parts of Diani Beach in the distance. This is a perfect stop for photography, relaxation, and enjoying the refreshing coastal breeze. From here, your safari continues toward the Sheldrick Falls trailhead. Here you’ll begin a 2-kilometer nature walk, guided by a KWS ranger through shady forest paths. Along the way, you may encounter butterflies, monkeys, and learn about indigenous plants with traditional medicinal uses.

After approximately 30–40 minutes of walking, you’ll reach Sheldrick Falls, a hidden gem nestled deep within the forest. The waterfall, about 25 meters high, spills into a natural plunge pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks and tropical foliage. Depending on conditions and your guide’s advice, you may be able to wade in the water or relax by the rocks, enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature. This is an ideal time for a break, and don’t forget your camera—this lush spot is one of the most photogenic areas in the park.

After a relaxed stay at the falls, you’ll hike back to the vehicle and proceed to your lunch stop. If arranged in advance, you may dine at the Shimba Hills Lodge or Shimba Green Lodge—Kenya’s only tree lodge on the coast—overlooking a forest waterhole that attracts elephants, bush pigs, and other wildlife. The lodge offers a unique blend of rustic charm and comfort, perched on stilts amidst the trees. If the lodge is unavailable, you can enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the official picnic sites like Makadara or Pengo Hill, both offering shaded spots with scenic views.

After Lunch you’ll begin your return journey, descending from the hills back to the coast. You’ll arrive in Diani Beach by 4:00 PM or Mombasa by 5:00 PM, depending on road and ferry traffic. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views, local markets, and the picturesque coastal countryside.

This day trip to Shimba Hills National Park offers a rich combination of wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, cultural interest, and light hiking, making it ideal for travelers seeking a short but immersive safari experience without venturing too far inland. It is perfect for couples, families with children, and photography enthusiasts looking for a diverse and memorable outing close to Kenya’s coast.

Price for a Day trip to Shimba Hills National Park from Mombasa or Diani