Shimba Hills day tour from Mombasa: Wildlife and Sheldrick Falls

Spot elephants and buffaloes on a guided game drive through coastal rainforest

A full-day Shimba Hills National Reserve tour from Mombasa combines a guided game drive through lush rainforest with a walk to Sheldrick Falls, a waterfall surrounded by tropical forest. The tour includes a professional English-speaking local guide and bottled water. Park entrance fees are an additional cost at checkout. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Shimba Hills National Reserve

• Drive from Diani Beach to reserve
• Guided game drive spotting wildlife
• Walk to Sheldrick Falls
• Enjoy photos and nature
• Learn about wildlife and conservation

The experience

The day starts with a scenic drive through coastal countryside from Mombasa, arriving at Shimba Hills National Reserve: a wildlife sanctuary and rainforest just inland from Diani. Once inside, a knowledgeable local guide leads a game drive where you watch for elephants, buffaloes, duikers, monkeys, and rare coastal bird species moving through their habitat. The guide shares insights into the reserve's wildlife, history, and conservation work as the drive unfolds.

A walk to Sheldrick Falls breaks up the day: the waterfall sits deep in tropical forest and offers the kind of photo moment the reserve is known for. The surrounding vegetation and the sound of water make it feel far removed from the coastal towns, even though the reserve sits only a short distance from Mombasa. Throughout, your guide points out details most visitors miss: animal tracks, bird calls, the plants the wildlife depends on.

The full outing runs about five and a half hours. Pickup is included, and you'll have bottled water during the tour. Park entrance fees are separate and paid at checkout. The pace works for all fitness levels, though the game drive involves sitting in a vehicle for stretches and the walk to the falls is on foot through forest terrain.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking local guide throughout the day.
• bottled water during the tour.
• hotel pickup and return from Mombasa.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 50

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Trek Afrika Adventures

Is this one for you?The full outing takes about five and a half hours with a game drive and a forest walk, so you're moving between vehicle and foot for most of the day. Book this if you want to see wildlife and a waterfall without committing to a multi-day safari, and you're comfortable with a mix of sitting and walking in tropical heat.

Traveler reviews

4.50★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What animals am I likely to see on the Shimba Hills game drive?

Elephants, buffaloes, duikers, monkeys, and a variety of bird species including rare coastal birds are present in the reserve. Sightings depend on the time of day and season, and your guide will use knowledge of animal movement to maximize your chances.

How long is the walk to Sheldrick Falls?

The walk to Sheldrick Falls is part of the day's itinerary and takes you through tropical forest to reach the waterfall. Your guide leads the way and can adjust the pace to suit the group.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not part of this tour. Bottled water is provided, and you can arrange meals separately or bring your own snacks.

What is the pickup arrangement from Mombasa?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour price. You'll be collected from your accommodation in Mombasa and returned at the end of the day.