About Shimba Hills National Reserve
Just beyond the serene sandy beaches of Mombasa lies Shimba Hills National Reserve, a scenic and breathtaking coastal wilderness where rolling hills meet one of Kenya’s largest remaining coastal rainforests.
This reserve offers refreshing adventure and wellness safaris through lush landscapes patrolled by elephants and crowned with panoramic viewpoints—a perfect escape into nature.
Shimba Hills is nationally renowned as home to Kenya’s last breeding herd of the critically endangered sable antelope. These majestic and highly matriarchal antelopes live in closely bonded herds led by a dominant female, making every sighting a powerful wildlife experience set against dramatic forest backdrops.
With its sweeping vistas, misty forests, stunning Sheldrick Falls, and diverse wildlife, the reserve provides striking natural settings ideal for visual storytelling and filmmaking. Its open spaces and scenic terrain also support sports, outdoor events, and guided hikes, offering visitors immersive adventure and wellness experiences within a breathtaking coastal forest landscape.
Important Information
- Scenic Trails
- Panoramic Viewpoints
- Sheldrick Waterfall
- Rich biodiversity, including the critically endangered Sable Antelope and herds of forest elephants
Mbugani Homes
Public Campsites
- Professional
- Makadara
- Sable bandas
Privately owned Lodges & Hotels:
Shimba Hills National Reserve is located in Kwale County, about 30Km southwest of Mombasa town. The reserve borders Mkongani north forest reserve 11.1km2, Mkongani west forest reserve 13.6km2, Mwalunganje forest reserve 17.15km2. The Reserve was gazetted as a protected area since 1903 and later through Legal Notice No. 298 of 16th September 1968 as a national Reserve covering 192.5km2. The legal protection of the reserve was necessitated by the need to maintain the integrity of wildlife habitats especially for the sable antelopes and elephants. The reserve is largely managed under joint administration between KWS and KFS.
By Road: Located past Kwale town, a distance of 37km south of Mombasa town via Likoni – Ukunda. Branch off at Kombani junction for a distance of 19 km to the main gate.
From Diani to the main gate is a distance of 31 km via Likoni –Ukunda road, branching off at Kombani junction.
By Air:Â Served by the Ukunda airport, 36 km away from the park.
By Rail: Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Syokimau (Nairobi Terminus) to Miritini (Mombasa Terminus) train stations then connect by road.
- Personal effects
- Drinking water
- Food
- Camping equipment
Others;
- camera
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- First aid kit
- Sunglasses
- Appropriate hiking gear
Your safety matters. Please review our essential guidelines to help ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for you and for the wildlife.
- You are in the wildlife’s home. Please respect their privacy and right of way.
-
National parks are plastic-free. Single-use plastic is prohibited.
-
General road rules apply. Car hooting or driving under the influence of alcohol are strictly prohibited.
-
Adhere to park entry and exit times. Gates open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM, unless you are spending overnight.
-
Move slowly and quietly. Animals can react dangerously if startled.
-
Noise distracts wildlife. Use mobile phones and sound devices sparingly and only in designated areas.
-
Remain in your vehicle unless in designated areas. Keep doors closed at all times.
-
Observe the maximum speed limit of 40 km/h (25 mph). Speeding attracts penalties.
-
Stay on established roads and trails. Off-road driving is strictly prohibited.
-
View wildlife from a minimum distance of 20 meters.
-
Feeding wildlife is prohibited, as it disrupts their diet and leads to human dependency.
-
Carry out all trash to help keep the park clean.
-
Do not leave campfires unattended while camping.
-
Visitors enter the park at their own risk and Terms and conditions apply.
Hotline: +254 (0) 704467855
Toll Free: 0800 597 000
Email: customerservice@kws.go.ke
WhatsApp: +254 (0) 726 610509
Shimba Hills National Reserve Rates
- East Africa Citizen: Individuals holding Kenyan nationality
- Kenya Residents: Foreign nationals legally residing in Kenya.
- African Citizens: Africa nationals (excluding Kenya and EA countries)
-
Non-residents: Foreigners visiting on a valid visa
East Africa Citizen Adult
KES. 500
East Africa Citizen Child
KES. 250
Kenya
Resident Adult
KES. 675
Kenya
Resident Child
KES. 350
Non
Resident Adult
USD 50
Non
Resident Child
USD 25
Africa
Citizen Adult
USD 20
Africa
Citizen Child
USD 10
