Haller Park Mombasa: An Amazing Show of a Renewed Earth!

Origins and Purpose  

If you are new to Mombasa, you may not know that in the heart of the City lies a 300-hectare recreational park quite unlike any other you will find in an urban setting.

Haller Park stands out among the many nature-themed tourist attractions that dot Kenya's coastal tourism circuit because, unlike the beaches and marine and wildlife parks, it is a unique work of redemption! It is a reclaimed mining quarry brought to life after decades of diligent effort. As one discovers upon stepping into the Park, what it offers makes it truly special.

The Park was featured in the Global 500 List of the United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP) made between 1987 and 2003 to recognise outstanding environmental achievements by individuals and entities worldwide. The list has since been succeeded by UNEP's  Champions of Earth system. Haller Park proves we can correct the damage we inflict on nature if we are bold enough to undo our missteps. In addition, it shows that we can harness and improve our natural surroundings if we commit to it.  

Dr. Rene Haller, an ecologist and manager at Bamburi Cement Company, founded the Park in 1971 and led it to its completion more than two decades later. The decades-long effort resulted in a 310-hectare (740 acres) ecological wonder inside Mombasa City! It became a big win for Bamburi and nature conservation by reversing the environmental damage arising from the Company's mining activities.  

The start is said to have been difficult as trees, and other vegetation refused to grow on the scoured, hard and salty limestone rock. However, the relentless effort that included experimentation over several years finally bore an unbelievably fertile ecosystem. The system thrives on natural bio-linkages among the Park's three dominant life forms of plants, animals and worms.

What to See and Do at Haller Park

Haller Park's main attractions include wild animals, nature trails, and a small lake. Besides, it has a crocodile pond as well as forests and grasslands. Just as its founder intended, Haller Park is a place of relaxation. It is also an open-air classroom full of valuable lessons on environmental conservation.

Well-set paths and open spaces run through trees and open grasslands to lead visitors from one attraction to the other. The clever mix of forests, grasslands, rock, waters, inviting spaces and artificial terraces creates an amazing trail. A one-million-plus tree canopy keeps Mombasa's heat and humidity at bay and lets visitors enjoy a serene and inviting atmosphere even in the hottest afternoons.

The crocodile pond is one of the most popular spots, especially at meal times when wardens tease and make the weighty reptiles dive for flying chunks of meat. The 'hippo lake' is awe-inspiring too. The snake park holds several species of African serpents. It attracts many visitors even as it repels fear-filled others. Adventurous visitors have long cycling and walking trails to conquer.

There are said to be more than 200 bird species in the Park at any time. Some are migratory and only stop by as they transit to and from other continents.

Hoofed residents include giraffes, buffaloes, antelope, waterbuck, Oryx and eland. Their mobile elegance and beauty complement the ever green display showcased by the tall, static casuarina trees. The trees quietly whistle during in daytime as the ocean breeze whips their needle-like leaves.

Bushbabies, mongoose, monkeys and other primates keep the fun going with their busy and playful schedules. A butterfly pavilion and fish farm crown the Park's beauty and diversity.

Indeed Haller Park's attractiveness is well earned. It is worth many visits by anyone who identifies as a nature lover! 

How to Get to Haller Park 

The Park sits beside the road from Mombasa to Malindi about 12 kilometres from Mombasa City Centre. You will find the gates off the road, alongside the cement factory. Along the road, a walk-in entrance is set opposite City Mall, a few hundred meters beyond Nyali Centre.

Access to the Park is easy and efficient as taxis and other public service vehicles ply the route all day. However, a rushed visit would not suffice - a half-day visit is the least Haller Park deserves from you.

An entry fee of Khs.500 and Kshs.200 was as of January 1, 2024, payable by East-African adults and children and Kshs.1400 and Kshs.600 by Non-East Africans respectively.

Put Haller Park on your Mombasa bucket list and bank one more memorable experience from your travels!