shimba hills full day tour from mombasa or Diani beach

Mombasa , Kenya

shimba hills full day tour from mombasa or Diani beach

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About this experience

Enjoy a complimentary hotel pick up from your beach hotel to shimba hills national reserve. Discover the wildlife, culture, and scenery of Shimba Hills National Reserve on a full-day tour from Mombasa with a professional tour guide. The forest is an important bird area and is endowed with forest bird life while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spur fowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop. The scenic Sheldrick Falls and the dense Mwaluganje Forest are also found here along with four campsites.

Available options

shimba hills full day tour from mombasa or Diani beach

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Bottled water

Driver/guide

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Detailed itinerary

Pickup from your Mombasa hotel. After a brief introduction, you set off for shimba hills with great views of the country side off the beach. The area is inhabitated by the Digo community. Take an hour-long nature and culture tour with Shimba Hills Forest Guide Association: visit a Digo village to learn about local butterfly breeding practices. You Continue deeper into the park, where you’ll leave the car behind for a hike to Sheldrick Falls, which tumbles 82 feet (25 meters) into cool, clear pool that’s ideal for an afternoon swim. In addition to being important habitat for the endangered sable antelope. Watch for the elephants that live in pockets of lush rain forest, then scan the trees for ostrich eagles, cuckoos, and African hawks. Enjoy your hot lunch at Shimba Hills Green Safari Camp, where you’ll spend an easy-going afternoon with views of the Usambara Mountains and Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, a community-based conservation project. After lunch, you will depart for mombasa.

What's not included

Gratuities

Ticket

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN IT FR ES

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Dress code is formal

Important notes

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

About Mombasa

Mombasa is a vibrant coastal city in Kenya, known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and Swahili culture. It offers a mix of modern amenities and traditional charm, making it a popular tourist destination.

Top Attractions

Fort Jesus

A 16th-century Portuguese fort that played a significant role in the history of the Indian Ocean trade. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical 2-3 hours KES 1200 (USD 12)

Mombasa Marine National Park

A protected marine area with diverse marine life and coral reefs. It's perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Nature Half day KES 500 (USD 5)

Hallerr Park

A lush botanical garden with a variety of plant species, including orchids and palm trees. It's a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature 2-3 hours KES 300 (USD 3)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Biriani

A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat, and vegetables.

Main Course Contains meat, can be made vegetarian.

Ugali

A staple food made from cornmeal, often served with stews or vegetables.

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free.

Nyama Choma

Grilled meat, usually goat or beef, seasoned with local spices.

Main Course Contains meat, can be spicy.

Popular Activities

Snorkeling Diving Water sports Beach relaxation Spa treatments Sunset cruises Visiting Fort Jesus Exploring Old Town

Best Time to Visit

June to October

This is the best time to visit Mombasa due to the pleasant weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for beach activities and sightseeing.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Swahili, English
Widely spoken: Arabic, Various African languages
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Kenyan Shilling (KES)

Time Zone

EAT (UTC+3)

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Mombasa is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Use reputable taxi services.
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services.

Getting there

By air

Moi International Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Mombasa Central Station

By bus

Mombasa Bus Terminal, Likoni Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Matatus are the most common form of public transport in Mombasa. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Little

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Nyali Bamburi

Day trips

Watamu

100 km (62 miles) from Mombasa • Full day

A beautiful coastal town known for its pristine beaches, marine parks, and historic sites.

Diani Beach

30 km (19 miles) from Mombasa • Full day

A stunning beach destination with white sand, clear waters, and a variety of water sports.

Shimba Hills National Reserve

50 km (31 miles) from Mombasa • Full day

A protected area with diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and a variety of bird species.

Festivals

Mombasa Carnival • November Mombasa International Cultural Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit Fort Jesus early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the city's history and culture.
Carry small denominations for street vendors and markets.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.