Shimba Hills National Reserve

Getting There

Expert

Philip is the author of the DK Eyewitness Guide to Kenya.

Most people traveling from abroad fly into Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is located 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi. Kenya’s second international airport is Moi International Airport (MBA), located 9km/6mi west of Mombasa.

Shimba Hills National Reserve is an easy day trip from Mombasa, Diani Beach and resorts farther south. Many hotels in the area offer day safaris to Shimba, or you could rent a vehicle and self-drive. The park’s main gate is 36km/22mi from Diani Beach and the drive takes 45 to 60 minutes*. It is a similar distance from central Mombasa, but the drive takes a bit longer as you need to allow for a ferry crossing at Likoni. It is also possible to stay the night in Shimba Hills Lodge or in one of the self-catering bandas or campsites in the reserve.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Shimba Hills Safaris

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

Charter flights between parks are usually booked by tour operators as part of the tour package. Most domestic flights from Nairobi leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4mi south of Nairobi. The following domestic carriers have scheduled flights:

Kenya Airways (Flies to Mombasa from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport)
Mombasa Air Safari (Flies to Mombasa and Diani Beach from Amboseli, Tsavo West, Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and the Masai Mara)
Safarilink (Flies to Mombasa and Diani Beach from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and the Masai Mara)