Located in Bamburi, just 7.5 miles north of Mombasa on the Kenyan coast, Haller Park offers you a remarkable look at environmental restoration. Once an inhospitable, arid quarry wasteland with brackish water created by cement production, this land was transformed through a pioneering reforestation project started by Rene Haller in the 1970s. As you explore this ecological sanctuary, you will discover a thriving ecosystem featuring over 180 species of indigenous trees and bushes that were carefully selected or introduced naturally by insects, birds, and vervet monkeys.
The park serves as a welcoming recreation spot for both locals and international tourists, showcasing how a barren limestone desert evolved into a vibrant sanctuary for endangered plant species and diverse wildlife. During your visit, you can see how introduced animals actively shape the landscape, from female giraffes feeding on leaves to elands and oryx roaming the grounds. You will also experience the park's integrated aquaculture system, which includes a historic fish farm, a crocodile area, and biological water treatment ponds.
It stands as an inspiring destination showcasing nature's resilience.
What to see at Haller Park
- Witness an incredible transformation of a cement quarry wasteland into a thriving nature park
- See diverse wildlife including giraffes, elands, oryx, bushpigs, and vervet monkeys
- Learn about the ecological pioneer plants like the casuarina and the vital role of red-legged millipedes
- Explore the commercial aquaculture system featuring a tilapia fish farm and crocodile area
- Discover over 180 species of indigenous trees and bushes within the sanctuary
Visiting tips
Keep an eye out for local wildlife like vervet monkeys, which actively help propagate the park's native ficus trees naturally.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Haller Park is easy to reach on Mombasa’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Mombasa travel guide.
See the full Mombasa travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.