Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve is a small national reserve in the Coast Province of Kenya, 33 km (21 mi) from Mombasa and 15 km (9.3 mi) from the coast.

Shimba Hills National Reserve is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa and is known for its beautiful lush green vegetation, forested landscape, sharp slopes and steep valleys. It is not ideal for animal safaris because the African wildlife is difficult to spot in the dense vegetation but it hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. The animals hide in the shade of the forest in order to keep cool until the early evening. However, you may see the rare sable antelope and many birds on your visit.

It was created as a national forest in 1903 and is now one of the largest areas of coastal rainforest in East Africa covering 24,000 hectares of land.

The reserve is an area of coastal rainforest, woodland and grassland.

It is an important area for plant biodiversity – over 50% of the 159 rare plants in Kenya are found in the Shimba Hills, including some endangered species of cycad and orchids. It is also a nationally important site for birds and butterflies. There are believed to be hundreds of elephants in the reserve. This population is unsustainably high – it causes significant damage to vegetation, threatening the endangered plant life. Conflict between humans and elephants has also reached critical levels. North of the Reserve, the Mwaluganje elephant sanctuary has been established to provide a route for elephants to leave the park. The remainder of the park boundary is fenced to prevent the elephants from invading farmland. Shimba Hills contains Kenya's only population of Sable Antelope.

The climate in the reserve is hot and moist but is cooler than that at the coast with strong sea breezes and frequent fog in the early morning. The annual rainfall is 855mm - 1682mm and an average temperature of 24.2 degrees Celsius.

Shimba Hills National Reserve is in Kwale County, inland from Kenya's south coast. Its proximity to Diani Beach, Ukunda, and Mombasa makes it particularly convenient for travellers who want to combine a beach holiday with a short safari.

By road, the reserve is about 37 km south-west of Mombasa. From Mombasa, travel south via the Likoni–Ukunda road, turn inland at Kombani Junction, and continue roughly 19 km to the main gate. From Diani Beach, the main gate is about 31 km away, making a day trip quite practical.

A private car, taxi, hotel transfer, or organized safari is the easiest option. A 4×4 is useful during periods of heavy rain, although ordinary vehicles may manage the principal access roads when conditions are dry.

The nearest airport is Ukunda Airport, about 36 km from the reserve. Visitors arriving from Nairobi by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) can travel to Mombasa Terminus at Miritini and continue to Shimba Hills by road.

Adults US$25, students and children US$15.

The principal way to explore Shimba Hills is by vehicle, with tracks passing through coastal forest, grassland, ridges, and woodland. Guided safari vehicles are convenient because dense vegetation can make wildlife harder to locate than in open savanna parks.

Self-driving is possible, but stay on established roads. KWS prohibits off-road driving and sets a maximum speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). Wildlife should be viewed from at least 20 m away, and animals always have right of way.

A particularly worthwhile excursion is the walk to Sheldrick Falls. The trail descends through attractive forest and grassland to the waterfall and is best attempted with proper walking shoes, water, and ranger guidance. Trails can become slippery following rain.

Other worthwhile stops include Ocean View Point, where clear conditions can provide views toward the Indian Ocean, and the higher hills around Pengo, from which the surrounding coastal landscape can be appreciated.

Walking independently through wildlife areas is not advisable. Elephants and buffalo can be concealed surprisingly well by the thick vegetation.

• Pengo Hill. A 450-m-high hill that offers a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape. On a clear day the Tsavo plains, the ocean and also the Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen. 
• Sheldrick Falls. One of the main attractions to the Shimba Hills is the impressive Sheldrick Falls, which cascade 25 m over the escarpment. There is a scenic but exhausting 2-km footpath that is quite steep and takes up to an hour to walk each way (not suitable for people with reduced mobility). Take a hat, sunscreen and water to drink and keep a sharp lookout for elephants. A ranger will accompany hikers without charge from 10AM-3PM daily. Sheldrick Falls is an idyllic spot for a cool swim and a picnic. 
• Sable antelope. The park has the last breeding herd of beautiful sable antelope in Kenya. They are among Kenya's largest antelope, with black coats and long, scimitar-shaped horns, which they were hunted for. They may be seen grazing early or late in the day around Buffalo Ridge. 
• Elephants. There are more than 600 elephants in the park and a fenced elephant corridor links the park with the elephant sanctuary at Mwaluganje Forest. In addition to elephants, there are also buffalo, waterbucks, hyenas, warthogs, leopards, baboons and monkeys. Maasai giraffes and ostriches have also been reintroduced to the park. 
• Birds. There are many birds, including 111 recorded species. There are even more birds to be seen during the spring migration. Bird shooting is only permitted outside the reserve. 

• Night drive. Some unique things to do at Shimba Hills National Park include taking a guided night drive. You may see leopards and cheetahs, and will certainly hear the hyenas howl in the eerie darkness. You can also buy a unique souvenir at the gates, a paper that is handmade from elephant dung! 

Shopping opportunities within Shimba Hills are very limited. Visitors should purchase water, food, medicines, sunscreen, insect repellent, and other necessities in Diani, Ukunda, Kwale, or Mombasa before arriving. KWS itself advises visitors to bring drinking water and food.

Lodges may sell a small selection of souvenirs or necessities. In villages outside the reserve, travellers may find locally produced baskets, wood carvings, beadwork, textiles, and other Kenyan handicrafts.

For supermarkets, ATMs, pharmacies, and a much wider selection of goods, Ukunda and Diani are the most convenient options.

Single-use plastics are prohibited in Kenya's national parks and reserves, so use reusable water bottles and bags where possible.

There are few independent places to eat within the reserve. Visitors staying overnight generally take their meals at their accommodation, while day visitors should either arrange lunch through their safari company or bring a packed lunch.

Shimba Hills Lodge has its own dining facilities and overlooks a forest waterhole, making meals there part of the wildlife experience. The lodge's current accommodation information states that meals are available for its guests.

Picnicking is possible in designated areas. Keep food secured and never feed monkeys, baboons, or other wildlife.

Those returning to Diani Beach or Ukunda will find a far greater selection of restaurants, ranging from inexpensive Kenyan food to seafood, Indian cuisine, cafés, and upscale resort restaurants.

Carry plenty of safe drinking water, particularly when hiking to Sheldrick Falls. The coastal climate can be hot and humid even though the reserve's elevation makes it cooler than the beaches below. KWS specifically advises visitors to bring drinking water.

Lodges provide bottled or treated water and typically serve tea, coffee, soft drinks, juices, beer, wine, and spirits. Kenyan tea and coffee are widely available.

Do not rely on untreated stream or tap water unless it has been properly boiled, filtered, or disinfected.

Alcohol should be consumed responsibly. KWS specifically prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol within the reserve.

Accommodation inside Shimba Hills is much more limited than around Diani Beach, which means many travelers visit on a day trip. Those who stay overnight can choose between a forest lodge, KWS accommodation, and basic camping.

Shimba Hills Lodge — The best-known accommodation within the reserve and an unusual tree lodge set within the coastal rainforest. Built largely of wood, it overlooks a waterhole where wildlife may appear. Rooms include private balconies with forest or waterhole views. The lodge was originally constructed in 1986 as a coastal counterpart to Kenya's famous tree-lodge safari properties.

Sable Cottages — KWS-operated accommodation within Shimba Hills. These provide a simpler alternative to the private lodge and are particularly suitable for travelers looking for self-contained accommodation close to the reserve. KWS lists the cottages through its accommodation reservation system.

KWS also lists Neptune Hotels among private accommodation associated with the reserve, while the much larger concentration of hotels and resorts is along the coast around Diani Beach.

KWS provides camping within Shimba Hills. Official information lists Professional and Makadara among its public camping options, while the KWS accommodation system states that the reserve has several campsites.

Public campsites are basic. Campers should bring their own tent and sleeping equipment, food and cooking equipment, sufficient drinking water, lighting, insect repellent, rubbish bags. KWS describes its public campsites generally as having basic facilities such as toilets and water points, but facilities can vary, so check conditions when booking.

Elephants and other wildlife inhabit the reserve, so campers should never leave food scattered around camp or approach animals.

Do not simply select an isolated location and camp independently. Overnight stays should be made at authorized KWS camping or accommodation sites.

KWS operates special campsites in its protected areas for groups seeking greater privacy. Unlike public campsites, these are reserved in advance and generally require visitors to be self-sufficient with tents, cooking equipment, food, and other supplies. Availability in Shimba Hills should be confirmed directly with KWS before planning a wilderness-style stay.

Shimba Hills is generally safe for visitors, but its dense forest makes it feel considerably wilder than its proximity to Diani might suggest. Elephants and buffaloes are the most important wildlife hazards because vegetation can obscure them until they are relatively close.

Remain inside your vehicle during game drives except at designated places or when participating in an authorized guided walk. Do not block an elephant's path, approach calves, or attempt to get closer to animals for photographs. KWS requires visitors to stay at least 20 m from wildlife.

• Diani Beach — The obvious next stop, with a long white-sand beach, swimming, diving, snorkeling, restaurants, and extensive accommodation. Shimba Hills makes an excellent inland excursion from Diani.
• Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary — Immediately associated with the wider Shimba Hills ecosystem and established to protect important elephant habitat and movement corridors.
• Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park — Head farther south for snorkeling, diving, coral reefs, dolphins, and boat excursions around Wasini Island.
• Wasini Island — A small Swahili island near the Tanzanian border, commonly combined with marine excursions to Kisite-Mpunguti.
• Mombasa — Kenya's principal coastal city, with Fort Jesus, Old Town, Swahili architecture, markets, beaches, and connections onward by rail and air.
• Tsavo East National Park — A much larger and drier safari landscape famous for its red-dusted elephants, broad savannas, and classic big-game viewing.

• Tsavo West National Park — More mountainous and volcanic than Tsavo East, with Mzima Springs, lava fields, rhino habitat, and rugged scenery.