Shimba Hills National Reserve is set in the Coast Region 33 km from Mombasa.
The reserve habitat consists of the rain forest, woodland, and grassland. It is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko Sokoke Forest.
It has the highest density of the African elephant in Kenya. To avoid depletion of resources, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary was established to provide a route for the elephant to leave the park.
Shimba Hills is the one that contains the only Sable Antelope population in Kenya-about 100 of them.
The Sheldrick Falls and the Mwaluganje Forests are also here.
Reserve Attractions
Why is Shimba Hills National Reserve popular? Here is why.
- It has the highest density of the African Elephant in Kenya
- It has one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko Sokoke Forest
- The only reserve that has Sable Antelope in Kenya
- The scenic Sheldrick Falls
Shimba Hills National Reserve Animals
The reserve has a wide variety of animals which include; the African elephant, sable antelope, Giraffe, Leopard, Genet, Civet cat, Hyena, Buffalo, Waterbuck, Bushpig, Bushbaby, Bushbuck, colobus, Blue duiker, Bush duiker, Red duiker, Greater Galago, Monkey, Shrew, Mongoose, among others
It has many species of birds-over 111 species on record-which include; Fowl, Cisticola, Zanzibar red bishop, African hawk, Ostrich, Eagle, Falcon, Cuckoo, Hornbill, Quail, Sunbird, among others.
Reptiles include; Python, Cobra, Lizard, Gecko, among others.
There is also a large number of insects including Butterfly and Beetle.
Climate & Weather
Rainfall: Annual average rainfall is 1,268 mm with the highest level of 1,682 mm and the lowest level of 855 mm.
Temperature: The annual average temperature is 24°C.
It is hot and moist with strong sea breezes.
When to Visit
You can visit all year round.
What to Carry & Wear on this Trip
- Insect repellent especially the Mosquito
- If you are camping please carry camping equipment
- Also picnic items, drinking water, camera, and guide book
- Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to avoid the scorching sun
Things to do in Shimba Hills National Reserve
You can indulge in a number of activities which include;
- Game viewing
- Bird watching
- Trekking
- Archeological safaris
How to get there
By Road-The main Gate is located 3 km from Kwale.
Shimba Hills National Reserve Charges
Park charges are as follows;
Citizens (KES): Adult 300 Child 125
Residents (KES): Adult 600 Child 255
Non-residents (KES): Adult 22 Child 13
Reserve Contacts
You can reach Kenya Wildlife Service through
Mobile No: +254 704 467 855
Email: [email protected]
Shimba Hills National Reserve Hotels and Lodges
Hotels and Lodges near Shimba Hills National Reserve include;
- Tradewinds Lodge
- Diani Sea Resort
- Swahili Beach
- Blue Marlin Beach Hotel
- Bidi Badu Beach Resort
- LeoMarVilla Diani Beach
- Morning Star Diani
- Bahari Dhow Beach Villas
- Villa Twiga
- Ocean Village Club
- Leisure Lodge Beach & Golf Resort
- Doric Cottage Diani
- Kenda Villa
- Amani Luxury Apartments
- The Sands at Nomad
- Bluelbell Apartment
- Shambani Cottages
- Baobab Beach House Bed and Breakfast
Happy safari!
See also other Kenya National Parks
