Discover Haller Park Sanctuary

There’s an amazing story behind this paradise of forest, grasslands, and ponds. A breezy walk through this sanctuary within the city of Mombasa brings you face to face with hippos, giraffes, buffalos, and even crocodiles! But strip away the animals, the trees, and all of nature’s greenery, and you’d find the remains of a disused and wasted limestone quarry. Even more remarkable, this quarry was still in use just 40 years ago.

Today, you can explore this park under a lush canopy of eucalyptus trees and get close to giraffes at the viewing platform. A stroll around these forested grounds reveals a game sanctuary, reptile park, fishponds, palm garden, and even a crocodile pen.

Each year, over 160,000 visitors enjoy Haller Park on self-guided strolls or tours offered in English, French, German, Italian, or Swahili. For more than two decades, children and adults alike have delighted in this peaceful escape from the heat and noise of Mombasa. But how did this limestone wasteland transform into a flourishing eco-system welcoming visitors from around the world?

One Man’s Vision

Like many African success stories, this one is grounded in determination, talent, and cooperation. In the 1970s, Portland Cement Company abandoned its limestone quarry and sought a new use for the land that would benefit the community. What came next went beyond their expectations.

Dr. Rene Haller, a Swiss naturalist trained in horticulture and related sciences, took on the challenge. He spent years—eventually decades—experimenting with plant varieties to find those that would grow in the salty, nutrient-poor soil. Dr. Haller also improved soil quality and fostered reforestation. Slowly, insects and small animals returned, contributing to the emerging ecosystem. Today, the park thrives with baobab, coconut, date palm, banana, mango, and other native trees.

The Hippos Save the Day

As the park expanded, plans were made for fishponds, but fish failed to thrive. Then, Haller recalled African folklore: when hippos are removed from ponds, fish disappear too. Apparently, hippo waste supports plankton growth and aerates the water. Taking this wisdom to heart, Dr. Haller introduced two hippos—Sally, raised by friends, and Potty, abandoned by a traveling zoo. The pair bonded instantly, and the fish flourished.

Haller Park was recognized with the United Nations Environmental Program’s Global 500 Roll of Honour award for its successful rehabilitation of a devastated landscape into a thriving eco-system.

About Haller Park

• Climate: Tropical with more rainfall in winter. March is typically the warmest month with an average temperature of 29°C (82°F).
• Location: 12km (7.5 miles) north of Mombasa, Kenya.
• Operating Hours: Open daily from 08:00 to 17:00 hrs, including weekends and holidays.
• Getting There: Book a tour with Adventure In The Wild Safaris from Mombasa.
• By Air: Moi International Airport serves Mombasa as the main aviation hub.

Things to Do and See

• Sally and Potty: The park’s famous hippo couple, viewable during feeding time at 4:00 pm daily.
• Crocodiles: Brought to the park in 1975, now successfully reproducing. They’re fed with waste from the fishponds.
• Night Walks: Evening walks feature bushbabies, owls, fireflies, and genets.
• Observation Platform: Feed and interact with giraffes from a raised viewing deck.
• Birdlife: A haven for bird lovers—spot kingfishers, storks, herons, egrets, owls, eagles, cranes, sandpipers, and many more species.

Experience Haller Park with Adventure In The Wild Safaris

If Haller Park were a naturally occurring haven, it would be impressive. But its transformation from an industrial wasteland to a vibrant wildlife sanctuary is a powerful story of restoration and hope. Dr. Haller’s vision, combined with community support, made it possible.

Join an Adventure In The Wild Safaris city excursion to Haller Park for a refreshing day close to nature and wildlife.

We offer safari tours departing from Mombasa to this and many other unique parks and attractions across Kenya, making your Africa holiday truly unforgettable.