Exploring Shimba Hills National Reserve: A Hidden Gem in Kenya
Shimba Hills National Reserve is found in the southern part of Kenya closer to the Indian Ocean coast. It’s a remarkable destination that is popular for its lush green landscapes and rich biodiversity. The park is located about 33 kilometers from Mombasa, the park is one of the few remaining coastal rainforests in Kenya and East Africa altogether and goes on to offer a unique combination of Savannah and woodland vegetation which can support a wide range of flora and fauna. For those visiting the coastal towns, this is a park to check out. The reserve gets its name from the Mijikenda language spoken in the area. The elevation of the park is between 200 to 1000 meters above sea level.
Background of Shimba Hills National Reserve
The park was established in 1968, Shimba Hills National Reserve covers a total area of approximately 193 square kilometers of which it has a wide range of ecosystems which range from dense thick forests to open grasslands and hilly lands. The standout features are its stunning sceneries which are mist covered and rolling hills. With a wide array of wildlife which includes the rare and endangered Sable antelopes and the Roosevelt’s Sable antelopes. The park has a large population of elephants though they easily disappear into the forest where they find it as a good habitat and a lot of food. Sighting of these elephants can be done from Elephant hill through the thick forest vegetation as they roam around. Other animals you can see include Buffaloes, waterbucks, giraffes and bushbucks among others. The park is also home to various primate species like yellow baboon, sykes monkey, vervet monkey and the Angola colobus monkey. Other nocturnals like the greater Galagos can also be sighted in the park.
Several waterfalls also originate from the park including the Sheldrick Falls which adds to the beauty of the park. Contact us for more information.
Activities to Do in Shimba Hills National Reserve
Visitors on safari to Shimba Hills National Reserve can engage in a variety of activities fully appreciating the beauty and wildlife in the park.
- Game Drives: with its diverse range of landscape at the park, the grasslands are good for game safaris where you will be able to spot animals such as elephants, giraffes, and the elusive Sable antelope.
- Nature Walks: Guided nature walks are offered at the park and more in the forested parks, you will go out with a guide and on expect to see a lot of wildlife and primates which are common in the park.
- Bird Watching: This reserve is a birders paradise with over 100 bird species that can be spotted here including the rare Palm Nut Vulture.
- Visit Sheldrick Falls: this is a stunning beauty with lush green vegetation surrounding the falls, this is an amazing beauty and a standout in the park for photography.
- Picnicking
- Photography
- Wildlife Viewing: with the park’s vegetation type it’s not straightforward to spot wildlife and doing so at the park is very rewarding.
Popular Safari Adventures in Shimba Hills National Reserve
For those looking to spend more time in Kenya, consider these safari options that include Shimba Hills National Reserve:
- 3-Day Coastal Safari:
- 4-Day Mombasa and Shimba Hills Safari:
- 6-Day Southern Kenya Safari:
- 7-Day Kenya Coastal and Wildlife Safari:
When Is the Best Time to Visit Shimba Hills National Reserve?
Shimba Hills National Reserve can be visited all year round and the weather of the coastal areas it makes it beautiful all year round. However, as a destination manager, I would advise that you come during the dry months of January to March and July to September. During this time the weather is warm and dry and it makes travel smooth and pleasant for wildlife viewing in the park as animals gather under shades and around water sources in the park.
During the wet season which is around April to June and October to December, the park is green and full of lushes. The scene is amazing but then this comes with its disappointment in that it’s wet and constantly raining. It’s more difficult to spot wildlife as they are spared around the park. For more information, please contact us.
Are Tours to Shimba Hills National Reserve Suited for Everyone?
Yes, trips to Shimba Hills National Reserve are suitable for all age groups and families as well. Whether you are interested in seeing wildlife or just spending some leisure time at the park. Everyone is accommodated and will have something to do. The availability of a wide range of activities means everyone has something to do on the trip including children.
What To Pack For A Trip To Shimba National Reserve.
- Sun protection gear. This includes sunglasses, hats and sunscreen. Having this is important especially if you are visiting during the dry season as the sun can be very hot and this can be uncomfortable and end up making your entire experience less than you expected.
- Safari clothing. Packing the right clothing for your trip is very important. These should include neutral coloured shirts and trousers that are environmentally safe and not bright to attract negative attention of the wildlife. Warm clothing for the cold evenings and mornings should be included.
- Insect repellent. This is very important to keep away insects which could cause irritation or even allergic reactions and diseases.
- Camera equipment. Having a camera with you on a trip will enable you to take amazing photos. Remember to pack extra batteries and storage devices.
- Pair of binoculars. These are great to have for the game drives. Binoculars enhance your game viewing experience by zooming in on wildlife that would be normally far to see.
- Personal first aid kit. This can include all the necessary medications that you need for your health; these can be allergy medications, painkillers and more. Your kit should also include things that help you in case of accidents such as plasters and bandages.
For more information and assistance in planning your trip to Shimba Hills National Reserve feel free to contact Encounter Africa Safaris.
Obtaining a Visa for Kenya
Kenya has now moved to the new visa online application system which requires all visitors to fill in an online application form and pay the required fees where applicable. The process is simple and less time consuming compared to the old system. Click here for the online application portal to complete your visa.
How to Get to Shimba Hills National Reserve
By Air: Visitors traveling to Shimba Hills National Reserve can easily get here with the quickest means being by air to fly into Mombasa at Moi International Airport and then drive to the reserve which is less than one hour. Contact us to arrange for you the trip and transportation from the airport to the park.
By Road: This will offer you a scenic drive from Mombasa to Shimba Hills that takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The route offers scenic beautiful views of the Kenyan countryside through the rolling hills and villages as you drive to the park. We will provide transportation from wherever you are to the park and drop you off to the point you want at the end of your tour.
Transportation to Shimba Hills National Reserve.
Encounter Africa Safaris you with comfortable, well maintained and well-equipped vehicles for visitors transportation to Shimba Hills National Reserve.
Our options include:
• 4×4 Land Cruisers: These are ideal for coastal and off-road driving, equipped with pop-up roofs for excellent visibility and photography.
• Comfortable Minivans: If you are traveling in a group, then this is the one for you, they can accommodate large groups and have loads of space in them.
Accommodation Options in Shimba Hills National Reserve
Accommodation options around Shimba Hills National Reserve cater to various preferences and the budgets also are friendly for everyone visiting the park.
- Luxury Lodges:
Luxury ($200 and above per night)
- Shimba Hills Lodge
- Sarova Shimba Hills
- Hemingways Nairobi
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge
- Elephant Pepper Camp
Mid-Range Lodges:
- Shimba Hills Green Safari Lodge
- Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
- Ngiya Lodge
- Lion Hill Lodge
Budget Options:
- Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest Camp
- Diani Backpackers
- Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary Campsite
- The Hotel House
- Mbewa Lodge
- Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest Campsite
Is it safe to visit Shimba Hills National Reserve?
Shimba Hills National Reserve is a very safe place to visit and Kenya as a country has prevailing peace and the people also are friendly. Finding crime towards travelers as uncommon as the reserve security does a lot of monitoring work to ensure that this prevails. But like anywhere around the world, you are encouraged to be cautious of your belongings as theft is common especially in the city and urban areas.
Why Use Encounter Africa Safaris as Your Trusted Operator?
Encounter Africa Safaris is one of the leading tour operators for the East African region, we have been organizing amazing experiences to Watamu Marine National Park for the last 15 years and are in a position to give you the best advice in terms of getting the best out of any penny spent. We have a team of competent safari designers and guides who will make sure that planning and executing your safari is done with ease. Encounter Africa Safaris is owned and run by locals and part of the money paid by you is channeled to benefiting projects that support community development as well as conserving the environment. Follow this easy guide to Watamu Marine National Park when choosing to book a safari and I assure you that the package will work out. Encounter Africa safaris is highly recommended on tripadvisor as well as safaribookings. Feel free to visit these platforms and get to see what other clients say about our service.
Ready to take on an extraordinary adventure? Contact Encounter Africa Safaris today to tailor a safari package that suits your preference and provides an experience with the magic of Shimba Hills National Reserve.
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