Shimba Hills National Reserve in Shimba, Kwale: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Parks, beaches and nature in Shimba, Kwale
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Shimba Hills National Reserve near Diani offers rainforest game drives, sable antelope and the Sheldrick Falls hike. Citizen entry is about KES 500 per adult and KES 250 per child (confirm on eCitizen), open daily 6am-6pm. Plan a half day.
What is Shimba Hills National Reserve?
Shimba Hills National Reserve is a coastal rainforest plateau 45 minutes from Diani ? Kenya's only home of the sable antelope, plus elephants, giraffes and buffalo in misty forest. The family highlight is the guided hike to Sheldrick Falls, a 21-metre cascade with a plunge pool.
KWS scenic-park fees: citizens ~KES 500/250, residents ~675/350, non-residents USD 50/25 (confirm on eCitizen). Falls hike needs a KWS ranger (small fee). Self-drive or hire a 4x4; mornings are best.
Shimba's rainforest is the only Kenyan habitat of the sable antelope and protects one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa.
Shimba Hills National Reserve ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (Under 12) | Under 3 free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 500 | KES 250 | Free |
| Non-resident | KES 50 | KES 25 | Free |
KWS scenic-park fees: citizens ~500/250; residents ~675/350; non-residents $50/25 ? confirm on eCitizen. Falls hike requires ranger escort (small fee). Vehicle hire extra.
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Estimates only, based on the rates above (checked 22 Oct 2026). Extras vary.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Half-day from Diani Back on the beach by lunch
- Ranger for the falls Book at the gate
- Bring a picnic Limited food inside
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Okay | Drive-based visit |
| 3-5 years | Okay | Short walks only |
| 6-9 years | Great | Falls hike adventure |
| 10-12 years | Great | Rainforest trekking |
| 13+ years | Great | Full hiking |
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Key details
- Address
- , Kwale
- Opening hours
- Daily 6am to 6pm Open now
- How long to plan
- Half day (4 to 5 hours)
- Suitable ages
- 5 years and up
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
- Payment accepted
- M-Pesa
- Card
What to expect when you visit
Enter via the Shimba Hills gate (eCitizen payment ? confirm current rates) and game-drive the forest roads ? sable antelope, elephants, giraffe.
Take the ranger-guided hike down to Sheldrick Falls (steep 2 km, ages ~6+).
Mornings are cool and active; a 4x4 helps after rain.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Can toddlers do the falls?
The descent is steep ? ages 6+ recommended.
Do we need a 4x4?
After rain, yes; dry season, high-clearance is fine.
Is there food?
Limited ? bring a picnic.
Family essentials
- Toddler suitability
- Better for older kids
- Minimum age
- No minimum age
- Facilities
- Toilets
- Safety notes
Steep falls trail ? ranger escort required; 4x4 after rain; confirm fees on eCitizen; carry water and picnic.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- Under 3 free
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Ranger escort fee; vehicle hire if needed
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Early morning ? wildlife and cool air
- Busiest times
- Midday heat
- How to get there
Off the A14, ~45 min from Diani Beach
- By car
- Gravel forest roads ? 4x4 recommended after rain
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- Taxi/4x4 hire from Diani ~KES 3,000-6,000 half-day
- Public transport
No practical public transport into the reserve
- Combine with
Diani Beach; Colobus Conservation; Kongo River estuary
- What to bring
Picnic, water, hiking shoes, rain jacket
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
Misty plateau
Kenya's only population
21-metre cascade
Combine your visit
Plan the perfect day
Citizen family of 4 estimate: ~KES 1,500 + ranger + vehicle hire
What to pack
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Shimba Hills National Reserve?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 500 and resident children (ages Under 12) pay KES 250. Non-resident adults pay KES 50 and non-resident children pay KES 25. Children under 3 free enter free. KWS scenic-park fees: citizens ~500/250; residents ~675/350; non-residents $50/25 ? confirm on eCitizen. Falls hike requires ranger escort (small fee). Vehicle hire extra. Prices checked 22 Oct 2026.
- What are the Shimba Hills National Reserve opening hours?
- Daily 6am to 6pm. Busiest: Midday heat.
- Is Shimba Hills National Reserve suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Not ideal. Shimba Hills National Reserve suits older children better. Minimum age: No minimum age. Steep falls trail ? ranger escort required; 4x4 after rain; confirm fees on eCitizen; carry water and picnic.
- How long do you need at Shimba Hills National Reserve?
- Plan for Half day (4 to 5 hours).
- What payment methods does Shimba Hills National Reserve accept?
- Shimba Hills National Reserve accepts M-Pesa, Card. It does not accept cash.
- What is the best time to visit Shimba Hills National Reserve?
- Early morning ? wildlife and cool air. It is busiest Midday heat.
- How do you get to Shimba Hills National Reserve?
- Gravel forest roads ? 4x4 recommended after rain. Ride-hailing: Taxi/4x4 hire from Diani ~KES 3,000-6,000 half-day. Public transport: No practical public transport into the reserve Off the A14, ~45 min from Diani Beach
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