Shimba Hills at a glance
Shimba Hills National Reserve is run by the Kenya Wildlife Service and lies inland from Diani. The Kenya Wildlife Service describes sable antelope, elephants, coastal forest and Sheldrick Falls. It is a greener change from the beach and suits a day trip from the south coast.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Antelope and elephants may or may not show themselves on the day you visit, so plan the trip for the landscape and treat any animals as a bonus.
What the reserve offers
Forest and grassland, with a few well-known highlights.
Sable antelope
The reserve is known for its sable antelope. Look in the grassland and at the edge of the forest, and go early in the day when the gates open at 06:00. No guide can promise a sighting.
Elephants and forest animals
Elephants live in the reserve. Stay in the vehicle outside designated stops and keep at least 20 m between you and any land animal.
Coastal forest
The forest is part of the appeal. Views over the hills and the green canopy make the reserve a good contrast to a beach week.
Sheldrick Falls
The falls are a guided walking activity. Ask at the gate or with your operator how the walk is arranged on your day.
Our pick: a day in Shimba Hills
A day trip that pairs a game drive in the reserve with a hike and lunch, collecting guests at selected Mombasa hotels.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Shimba Hills and south coast tours
Guided day trips to the Shimba Hills, plus safaris, boat trips and other tours from Diani, with live prices and availability.
Sheldrick Falls
Sheldrick Falls is the best-known walk in the reserve. The Kenya Wildlife Service mentions guided walks, but there is no fixed daily start time to rely on, so arrange your walk with the gate or your operator on the day. Ask about the ranger fee before you set off.
A waterfall is not a swimming spot by default. The UK FCDO advises against swimming in rivers and lakes because of animals and infections and says it is illegal in national parks. Do not plan on a swim, and water levels at the falls change with the weather.
Fees and park rules
These KWS rates come from the October 2025 list, and a court stop was reported soon after the roll-out. Confirm the current rate before you pay. A daily fee is a single entry, valid for a maximum of 24 hours.
| Visitor | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | $50 | $25 |
| Other African citizen | $20 | $10 |
| Kenya resident | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| East African citizen | KES 500 | KES 250 |
Vehicles pay on top: KES 600 for fewer than 6 seats and KES 1,500 for 6 to 12 seats per day. KWS defines a child from 5 to under 18, but also exempts children aged 5 and under, so age 5 is covered twice. Ask at the gate. Payment runs through the KWS eCitizen portal.
Rules on the tracks
The same short list applies to every visitor.
- Stay on the tracks and paths.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Keep at least 20 m from land animals.
- Drive no faster than 40 km/h.
- Arrive before the gates close at 18:00.
These road rules are for the reserve. Do not apply them to boat trips.
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary next door
A separate community sanctuary with its own tickets.
What it is
Mwaluganje is a community-run sanctuary next to the Shimba Hills. Its operator reports a revival since 2025, with repairs to the Chitsanze access and the tracks. That does not mean every track is open, so ask before you drive.
Published rates
The operator lists KES 1,000 for non-residents and KES 500 for citizens and residents, with children from 5 to 18 at half price. A vehicle at the Main Gate costs KES 500. Payment is by M-Pesa at the gate, and the ticket is valid for the day of issue. Confirm the rates at the gate.
Getting in
From Kwale it is 6 km to Chitsanze, which is for walkers, and 16 km to the western Main Gate for vehicles. Use your own car, preferably four-wheel drive, or a tour operator. Gates are open 06:00–18:00. An elephant sighting is never guaranteed.
Plan the rest of your trip
The Shimba Hills fit between beach days and boat trips.
Diani Beach
The base for most Shimba Hills day trips, with tide and safety notes.
Wasini Island and Kisite
A dhow day trip with snorkeling, a good counterpart to a day on land.
Safari and beach
If you want a bigger park, here is how Tsavo East fits your coast stay.
Further north, Lamu is a separate trip with its own guide: things to do in Lamu. For clothing and rain planning, see weather and travel seasons.
Shimba Hills: frequently asked questions
Will I see sable antelope?
Maybe. The reserve is known for them, but a sighting is not guaranteed. Go early and drive slowly.
Can I swim at Sheldrick Falls?
Do not plan on it. The UK FCDO advises against swimming in rivers and lakes because of animals and infections, and calls it illegal in national parks. Ask the rangers on the day.
How much is the entry?
The KWS list from October 2025 shows $50 for adult non-residents and $25 for children, plus a vehicle fee. A court stop was reported soon after, so confirm the current rate.
What are the opening hours?
KWS gives gate hours of 06:00 to 18:00.
Do I need a guide?
The falls are a guided walk. For the rest, you can drive on the tracks yourself, but a guided day trip can handle the transport. Ask whether the fees are included in the price.
Is Mwaluganje included in the Shimba Hills ticket?
No. Mwaluganje is run by its own community operator with separate rates.