Shimba Hills National Reserve.
Shimba Hills National Reserve stands as a unique and refreshing contrast to Kenya’s arid savannah park. The park is located just 33 kilometers south of Mombasa, this beautiful coastal rainforest reserve is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa, offering a cool, moist and immensely biodiverse environment.
Unlike the vast, open plains of the Maasai Mara national reserve or Amboseli national park, Shimba Hills is characterized by the rolling hills, deep valleys, pristine rainforest and open woodland, making it a distinctive and tranquil escape. Its accessible location, combined with its specialized wildlife, makes it a perfect addition to a beach holiday on the nearby Diani Coast with African Vacation Safaris.
Home to the Sable Antelope.
Shimba Hills National Reserve is perhaps most famous for being the last remaining habitat in Kenya for the magnificent Sable Antelope (Hippotragus niger). This striking antelope, with its glossy black coat, white markings, and spectacular, backward-sweeping horns, is classified as endangered within the country.
A sanctuary for Rare Species.
The reserve’s protected status is crucial for the survival of the Sable Antelope, whose numbers are small and then carefully managed. While spotting the Sable requires patience and luck, the reward is seeing one of Africa’s most handsome and rare antelopes. Besides the Sable, the reserve is also home to a sizeable population of the elephants, which often move between the reserve and the surrounding Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary. Other wildlife includes the beautiful coastal black and white colobus monkey, giraffes, buffaloes and leopards. However, it is important to note that the dense vegetation makes spotting predators more challenging than in the open savannah parks.
The Sheldrick Falls: A Trekking Highlight.
One of the major attractions that sets Shimba Hills apart is the opportunity for the guided walking safari to the stunning Sheldrick Falls. Unlike most national parks in Kenya, where walking outside the vehicle is strictly prohibited, Shimba Hills offers this unique safari experience due to its secure boundaries and specific terrain.
Guided Hike and Refreshment.
The trek to the falls is usually accompanied by an armed KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service) ranger and takes approximately two hours round-trip. The hike is invigorating, leading visitors down through the forest to a perfect setting. The reward is the sight of the water cascading nearly 25 meters down a sheer face into a clear pool below. Visitors are often permitted to cool off with a swim at the base of the falls, a wonderfully refreshing activity after the descent. This combination of wildlife viewing and active exploration adds a rich, diverse experience to the Shimba Hills safari experience.
Unique Coastal Ecosystem and Scenery.
Shimba Hills is a testament to the biological richness of the coastal Kenyan area, defined by its high altitude and unique blend of vegetation.
Highlands Views and Vegetation.
The reserve sits on a ridge, offering spectacular, sweeping views that stretch all the way to the Indian Ocean on a clear day. The dominant vegetation is characterized by the coastal rainforest and then grasslands dotted with the indigenous. This distinct environment makes for the beautiful, lush scenery that feels worlds away from the arid plains inland. The reserve’s relative closeness to the ocean creates a high level of humidity, which sustains the dense forest and its unique flora, including various species of orchids and ferns. This makes the reserve an exceptionally peaceful and cool environment, especially compared to the heat of the lower coast.
Accessibility and Logistics.
Shimba Hills National Reserve’s location makes it one of the most accessible parks in Kenya, particularly for the international visitors arriving at the coast.
Easy Access from Diani.
The reserve is only about a 45 minute to one-hour drive from the major beach resorts along Diani Beach. Its closeness means it is perfectly suited for the half-day excursion or a relaxed full-day safari from your coastal base. Visitors can easily arrange a morning game drive, a full-day trip including the Sheldrick Falls hike and a picnic lunch, or even an overnight stay at one of the peaceful lodges within the reserve.
Perfect for coastal safaris.
For travelers who prefer a gentle introduction to safari life or who simply want a break from sunbathing without dedicating days to a long journey inland, Shimba Hills is the best choice. It offers excellent wildlife viewing, a chance to see a rare antelope, and a memorable waterfall trek, all within easy reach of the tropical coast.
A forest walks to the Plunge Pool.
The highlight of this permission is the trek to Sheldrick Falls. This beautiful, multitiered waterfall cascades approximately 21 meters down a steep rock face into a natural plunge pool below. The 2-kilometer trail to the falls is a wonderful guided walking safari, accompanied by an armed Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) ranger for the safety. The walk takes you down through the lush coastal forest, offering an excellent chance to admire the specialized flora and spot smaller wildlife and numerous bird species.
A refreshing Dip.
One of the most unique aspects of a visit to Sheldrick Falls is the opportunity to swim in the cool, clear pool at the base of the cascade. This invigorating activity is the perfect way to cool down after the hike, especially during the warm coastal day, providing a memorable contrast to typical safari experienced where water interaction is restricted.
An ecosystem with unique plains and wonderful views.
The climate of Shimba Hills has singular beauty and biological importance, making it is a paradise for botany and landscape lovers.
The coastal Rainforest climate.
The reserve is located on the elevated above the surrounding coastal plains, with a cooler, humid, and often misty climate. The high moisture level sustains the extensive coastal rainforest, which is one of the most biodiverse plant areas in the world. Over 50% of Kenya’s 159 rare plant species are found here, including rare orchids and endangered cycads. The dense canopy and understory create a serene, almost primal atmosphere distinct from any other safari locale in the country.
Ocean Views and Picnic pots.
The hilly terrain of the reserve offers the spectacular viewpoints. From the high viewing points like the Ocean View Point, visitors are treated to the breathtaking panoramic vistas that pass across the rolling hills and then extend all the way out to the blue colour of the Indian Ocean. On exceptionally clear days, the distant, imposing of the Mount Kilimanjaro can even be glimpsed rising above the horizon to the west. These viewpoints double as well-maintained picnic sites, offering a spot for lunch amidst the stunning scenery.
In conclusion, Shimba Hills National Reserve is a green attraction that offers an unparalleled coastal safari experience. From the quest to spot the rare Sable Antelope and then invigorating walk to Sheldrick Falls to the unique beauty of the coastal rainforest, a visit here provides a memorable and easily accessible adventure unlike anywhere else in Kenya with African Vacation Safaris.
