Mombasa Airport to Shimba Hills Transfer

The route leaves the South Coast highway at Kombani and climbs the Kwale road (C106) about 19 km to the main gate, which is just outside Kwale town. Tracks inside the reserve can be rough, so we match the vehicle to your lodge’s access road.

On the way you pass Dongo Kundu bypass, Kibundani, Kombani and Kwale road (C106). Because the bypass avoids Mombasa island, traffic rarely adds much time outside public holidays.

Visitors stay at Shimba Hills Lodge, a tree lodge by a waterhole, the self-catering KWS Sable Bandas, or other camps around the reserve, or come on a day trip from Diani and Mombasa.

Regular drop-offs include Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kwale town and Mwaluganje. Once you have settled in, Shimba Hills National Reserve and Sheldrick Falls are close by.

Shimba Hills is part of the wider Diani Beach area, about 35 km from Diani Beach itself (35–55 min by road). From the airport the transfer takes 40–60 min, compared with 35–55 min to Diani Beach.

Shimba Hills National Reserve: Coastal forest and grassland with elephants and the rare sable antelope.

Sheldrick Falls: Waterfall of about 21 m, reached on a 30–45 minute walk with a compulsory KWS ranger escort; arrive at the main gate early.

Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary: Community elephant corridor on the reserve’s northern side, opened in 1995.

Our transfers take you to your lodge. Reserve entry fees are paid at the gate, and game drives inside the park need a suitable safari vehicle, so ask us before booking one.