Kakamega Forest National Reserve
National Reserve
South Coast Scenic Park
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Paradise of the Sable Antelope
A lush coastal highland reserve near Diani, famous for sable antelope, forest elephants, viewpoints and Sheldrick Falls.
Overview
About Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills offers a refreshing contrast to the nearby coast, with rolling hills and one of Kenya’s major remaining coastal forest systems. It is nationally important for the sable antelope, while elephants, waterfalls and high viewpoints make it easy to combine with Diani or Mombasa beach stays.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Sable antelope
Sheldrick Falls
Coastal rainforest
Forest elephants
Panoramic viewpoints
Hiking trails
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Game drives
- Hiking
- Waterfall visits
- Birdwatching
- Photography
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Sable antelope
- Elephant
- Forest wildlife
- Birdlife
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
The area has been protected since the early 1900s and was gazetted as a national reserve under Legal Notice No. 298 of 16 September 1968. KWS gives the reserve area as about 192.5 km².
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
About 37 km south of Mombasa and roughly 31 km from Diani via the Likoni–Ukunda road and Kombani Junction.
By air
Ukunda Airport is about 36 km away.
By rail
SGR to Mombasa followed by road transfer.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 20 | USD 10 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 50 | USD 25 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Shimba Hills National Reserve FAQs
What is Shimba Hills National Reserve best known for?
Shimba Hills National Reserve is especially known for Sable antelope, Sheldrick Falls, Coastal rainforest, Forest elephants. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Shimba Hills National Reserve?
Road: About 37 km south of Mombasa and roughly 31 km from Diani via the Likoni–Ukunda road and Kombani Junction. Air: Ukunda Airport is about 36 km away. Rail: SGR to Mombasa followed by road transfer. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Shimba Hills National Reserve?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 500 and non-resident adults from USD 50 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Shimba Hills National Reserve?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
Keep exploring
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