Shimba Hills National Reserve has exceptionally magnificent scenery and is the sole place in Kenya where you can come close up to the Sable Antelope. It is located about 60 km from Mombasa which makes it suitable for a day visit. It has among the biggest coastal forest in East Africa as well as a variety of Kenya’s plant species most of them being endangered. Large herds of elephants reside in Shimba Hills National Reserve and it is the sole place in Kenya where you can visit the Sable Antelope. You can visit Shimba hills as a one day safari tour from Mombasa.
Shimba Hills National Reserve sits on an area of 300 square kilometers and is under management by the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS). The reserve is popular for its high concentration of elephants that became too many in the early 2000’s. In 2005, Kenya Wildlife Services transferred about 150 elephants to Tsavo East National Park which was considered the largest transfer of animals in history since Noah’s ark. There are about 500 elephants in the reserve however this has caused some friction with the farmers in the area. In order to counter this, Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary was set up and is connected to Shimba Hills National Reserve hence creating a path for elephants to migrate.
Shimba Hills Reserve is popular for its amazing bird watching moments and bird enthusiasts can look for the Zanzibar Red Bishop as well as the croaking Cisticola. As a result of the forest being dense, game viewing is not as easy as it is on the savannahs since a few animals stay deep in the forest. Game drives at Shimba are better in the afternoon since most animals leave the shade to look for some water to quench their thirst.
The beautiful Sheldrick falls that stand at 21m tall are situated in Shimba Hills national reserve and got their name from David Sheldrick, the creator of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust after he came across this hidden gem while flying over the area.
Highlights and Attractions
You can tour Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary.
It is the sole area in Kenya where you can get to view the Sable Antelope.
You can also take guided forest walks to the exceptionally stunning Sheldrick Falls.
Excellent viewpoints and five picnic areas
It has a high concentration of elephants.
The Safari Experience in Shimba Hills National Park
The Shimba Hills National Reserve is strategically located for a day tour in case you live in Mombasa or Diani Beach. It is comprised of rolling hills that are full of coastal forests which are a vital aspect of plant biodiversity since about 50% of the 159 uncommon plants in Kenya were documented in this park for example stunning orchids plus rare cycads.
What to do | Activities in Shimba Hills National Park
We organize very fascinating guided walks to the Sheldrick Falls which is an excellent chance for you to go bird watching in the forest. Game drives here are venturesome since it is more difficult to spot animals here than on the savannah. You can also have a drink on Pengo Hill where you can watch the beautiful sun set over the skyline. On a beautiful day, you can be able to view Mountain Kilimanjaro plus Tsavo Plains.
Shimba Hills Reserve is the location of the last reproducing herd of Sable Antelope in Kenya and so during your Kenya safari in the reserve, you should watch out for the huge dark colored sable antelope which have characteristic scimitar like horns.
Guided game drive: You can tour the reserve on a guided game drive with an experienced operator. The roads are rolling as well as abrupt therefore it is necessary for you to drive a 4×4 car. One of your unforgettable experiences will be a guided walk in the forest with a tour guide from Kenya Wildlife Service who will lead you to the magnificent Sheldrick Falls. You can tour Shimba Hills easily in one of our Mombasa safari tours that start from Mombasa, Diani Beach or the North Coast,
Guided Nature Walks: There are a number of amazing walking trails that can lead you to a beautiful afternoon leisurely stroll to one of the many picnic sites and a great viewing point. Since both buffaloes and elephants reside in the reserve, you are advised to take a guide with you to show you a number of fauna and flora you would not have seen.
Climate at Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills National Reserve is located inland from the coast and therefore experiences low temperatures and its scenery is usually covered in fog before dawn. It experiences warm tropical climate with an average temperature of 24.
Getting to Shimba Hills National Reserve
You can travel by road from Mombasa or Diani Beach which is almost one hour from Diani Beach.
