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Shimba Hills · Cruise Excursion

Shimba Hills Safari Shore Excursion

  • DurationHalf day to full day (5–7 hours in port)
  • Group size1–12 guests
  • DifficultyEasy
  • AvailabilityOn request
From KES 14,000 per person
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Shimba Hills Safari Shore Excursion

Overview

Shimba Hills safari shore excursion

Not every cruise call leaves enough time for a full day at Tsavo, and Shimba Hills National Reserve, only around an hour from Mombasa Port, is the practical alternative: a real safari with game drives and coastal rainforest, sized to fit a shorter window without cutting your visit ashore too close to sailing time.

What you will see

Shimba Hills is Kenya’s only home to the sable antelope, a striking animal with sweeping curved horns, and its forest and grassland also shelter elephant, buffalo, bushbuck and colobus monkeys. The reserve’s greener, hillier landscape is a contrast to the flat plains further inland, and views from its lookout points stretch towards the coast on a clear day. Where time allows, a short guided walk to Sheldrick Falls, a waterfall set in a shaded forest valley, can be added.

Built around your port call

Because the reserve is close to Mombasa, this excursion can usually run on shorter port calls than a Tsavo East safari, though we still confirm your ship’s schedule before booking to make sure the timing is comfortable rather than rushed. Pickup is from the passenger terminal shortly after you clear the ship, and the return drive allows a clear margin before your all-aboard time.

Who this suits

Cruise passengers who want a genuine wildlife experience without committing a full day, families with children, and anyone whose ship’s port call is shorter than a Tsavo East day would need.

Good to know

Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to add the Sheldrick Falls walk, and bring insect repellent for the forest sections. The price is a guide per person and includes park fees, transport and a guide; lunch is not included so you can eat aboard before or after the excursion.

Highlights

  • The only sable antelope habitat in Kenya
  • Elephants in coastal rainforest, close to the port
  • A shorter drive than Tsavo, so it fits tighter port calls
  • Optional stop at Sheldrick Falls

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Port pickup

    Collected from the terminal shortly after disembarkation.

  2. 2

    Drive to Shimba Hills

    Around an hour by road from Mombasa Port.

  3. 3

    Game drive

    Looking for sable antelope, elephant and forest birdlife, with optional viewpoint stops.

  4. 4

    Optional Sheldrick Falls walk

    A short guided walk to the waterfall, time permitting.

  5. 5

    Return to the ship

    Drive back to the terminal with a comfortable margin before sailing.

What’s included

Included

  • Return transfer between Mombasa Port and Shimba Hills
  • driver-guide
  • Shimba Hills reserve fees
  • game drive
  • bottled water

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Sheldrick Falls guide gratuity
  • tips
  • personal expenses

Practical information

Departure
Mombasa Port, timed to your ship’s arrival
Pickup
Mombasa Port passenger terminal
Meeting point
Confirmed after pickup location is provided
Accommodation
Shore excursion only; you return to your ship the same day
Best time to go
Available on most Mombasa port calls; year-round
Recommended age
All ages
Cancellation & changes
Free request changes before final confirmation; final terms depend on the selected supplier.
How to book
Submit your dates and guest details. Our team confirms availability and the final itinerary before payment.
Guide price basis
Per person, shore excursion timed to your ship’s port call, with transport, park fees and a guide. This is an estimate based on current market rates; the final price is confirmed in writing before any payment.

Frequently asked questions

Is this shorter than the Tsavo East excursion?

Yes, Shimba Hills is roughly an hour from the port compared with three to four hours for Tsavo East, so it suits shorter port calls.

Can we still see wildlife on a shorter safari?

Yes, though a shorter visit naturally means less time in the park than a full-day safari; sightings are never guaranteed either way.

What if we want the falls walk but are short on time?

We prioritise the game drive and only add the falls walk if the schedule comfortably allows it.

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