Shimba Hills National Reserve
Discover a Wilder Side of Kenya's Tropical Coast
Overview
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills National Reserve offers a refreshing contrast to the beaches of Kenya's south coast.
Located inland from Diani, the reserve protects rolling hills, coastal forests, grasslands and dramatic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding landscape.
It is particularly important for the conservation of the rare sable antelope and provides an opportunity to experience wildlife without traveling deep into Kenya's major inland safari destinations.
TipShimba Hills is an excellent addition to a Diani or Mombasa holiday for travelers who want to combine a beach escape with a short wildlife experience.
Why Visit Shimba Hills?
Shimba Hills combines wildlife, forest and coastal scenery in a relatively compact destination.
The reserve is known for:
- Sable antelope
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Buffaloes
- Leopards
- Waterbucks
- Zebras
- Bushbucks
- Monkeys
- Birdlife
- Sheldrick Falls
- Coastal viewpoints
Beach-and-safari combinations, families, couples, photographers and travelers with limited time on the Kenyan coast.
The Sable Antelope
One of the reserve's most distinctive attractions is the sable antelope.
This large antelope is recognizable by its dark coat, curved horns and powerful build.
Shimba Hills provides important habitat for this species, making the reserve particularly significant for wildlife enthusiasts interested in less commonly seen Kenyan animals.
NoteWildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Patience, local knowledge and experienced guiding can improve the chances of finding elusive species.
Wildlife in Shimba Hills
The reserve supports a variety of coastal wildlife.
Possible sightings include:
- Sable antelope
- Elephants
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Waterbucks
- Bushbucks
- Warthogs
- Leopards
- Hyenas
- Monkeys
- Antelopes
The combination of forest and open areas creates a different wildlife-viewing environment from Kenya's classic savannah parks.
Shimba Hills and the Kenyan Coast
One of the reserve's biggest advantages is its location.
Travelers staying in Diani or nearby coastal areas can visit Shimba Hills without committing to a long inland safari.
This makes it particularly useful for:
- Short safari extensions
- Beach-and-safari holidays
- Family trips
- Couples' escapes
- Day excursions
- Wildlife-focused coastal itineraries
TipIf your main holiday is based around Diani Beach, Shimba Hills can provide a convenient introduction to Kenya's wildlife without requiring a full multi-day safari.
Sheldrick Falls
Sheldrick Falls is one of the reserve's best-known natural attractions.
The waterfall is surrounded by greenery and offers a scenic alternative to spending the entire visit inside a safari vehicle.
Where conditions and park regulations permit, visitors can combine wildlife viewing with a guided nature experience around the falls.
WarningTrails and waterfall areas can become slippery, particularly after rainfall. Follow your guide's instructions and use suitable footwear.
Scenic Views
Shimba Hills rises above the surrounding coastal plains and provides expansive views across the region.
On clear days, travelers may see:
- Coastal plains
- Forested hills
- Diani and surrounding areas
- Indian Ocean horizons
- Agricultural landscapes
The reserve offers one of the more unusual combinations in Kenya: wildlife-rich hills within easy reach of tropical beaches.
Things to Do in Shimba Hills
Game Drives
Explore grasslands and forest edges in search of wildlife.
Sable Antelope Viewing
Search for one of Kenya's most distinctive antelope species.
Sheldrick Falls
Visit the reserve's scenic waterfall with an appropriate guide.
Nature Walks
Experience the vegetation, smaller wildlife and coastal forest environment more closely.
Birdwatching
Look for forest and grassland bird species.
Photography
Combine wildlife, greenery and coastal landscapes in a single itinerary.
TipCombining a morning game drive with a waterfall or nature experience can make a full day in Shimba Hills especially rewarding.
Birdwatching in Shimba Hills
The reserve's forests and coastal habitats support a variety of bird species.
Birdwatchers may encounter:
- Sunbirds
- Turacos
- Hornbills
- Eagles
- Raptors
- Forest birds
- Grassland species
- Coastal-associated birds
Early morning is often the most comfortable and productive period for birdwatching before temperatures rise.
Best Time to Visit Shimba Hills
Shimba Hills can be visited throughout the year.
Seasonal conditions influence vegetation, wildlife movement, road conditions and the appearance of waterfalls.
| Travel Period | Typical Experience |
|---|---|
| Drier periods | Generally easier game viewing and road access |
| Wet periods | Lush vegetation and stronger waterfall conditions |
| Early morning | Cooler temperatures and active wildlife |
NoteCoastal weather can be humid, while conditions within the hills may feel noticeably cooler than at the beach.
How Long Should You Stay?
Most travelers visit Shimba Hills as a day trip from Diani or nearby coastal accommodation.
An overnight stay can be worthwhile for travelers who want a slower wildlife experience or a longer coastal safari itinerary.
Full-day excursion or 1 to 2 nights.
Where Is Shimba Hills National Reserve?
Shimba Hills National Reserve is located in Kwale County, south of Mombasa and inland from Diani Beach.
Its location makes it particularly convenient for coastal safari combinations.
Popular combinations include:
- Diani + Shimba Hills
- Mombasa + Shimba Hills
- Shimba Hills + Tsavo East
- Shimba Hills + Tsavo West
- Diani + Shimba Hills + Tsavo
Getting to Shimba Hills
By Road
The reserve is accessible by road from Diani and Mombasa.
Road travel makes it easy to arrange as a day excursion or combine it with a longer southern Kenya itinerary.
By Safari Vehicle
A private vehicle with a driver-guide can provide flexibility for wildlife viewing and scenic stops.
TipTravelers staying in Diani can combine an early departure with a full day in the reserve before returning to the coast.
Shimba Hills for Families
Shimba Hills can work well for families because it is accessible from the coast and offers a combination of wildlife and outdoor activities.
Families should consider:
- Child ages
- Game-drive duration
- Walking requirements
- Weather conditions
- Waterfall access
- Accommodation options
WarningChildren should remain supervised around wildlife and during any walking or waterfall activities.
Shimba Hills for Couples
Shimba Hills makes a natural addition to a romantic coastal holiday.
Couples can combine:
- Wildlife drives
- Sable antelope viewing
- Scenic viewpoints
- Waterfall excursions
- Forest walks
- Diani Beach relaxation
A coastal safari-and-beach itinerary allows couples to experience two very different sides of southern Kenya without lengthy travel between destinations.
Wildlife Photography
Shimba Hills provides opportunities for both wildlife and landscape photography.
Potential subjects include:
- Sable antelope
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Buffaloes
- Zebras
- Forest scenery
- Waterfalls
- Coastal landscapes
- Birds
A telephoto lens is useful for wildlife, while a wider lens can capture the reserve's rolling hills and dense coastal vegetation.
Responsible Tourism
Shimba Hills is an important conservation area within Kenya's coastal ecosystem.
Visitors should:
- Follow park rules.
- Maintain distance from wildlife.
- Avoid feeding animals.
- Stay on authorized routes.
- Avoid littering.
- Respect local communities.
- Follow guide instructions during walking activities.
WarningNever approach elephants or other wild animals on foot. Wildlife encounters should always be managed according to park and guide instructions.
Accommodation Around Shimba Hills
Travelers can stay in accommodation within or around the reserve, or base themselves on the nearby coast.
For a Diani-based itinerary, staying at the beach provides the advantage of combining safari activities with coastal relaxation.
When choosing accommodation, consider:
- Distance from the reserve
- Wildlife access
- Beach access
- Family facilities
- Walking activities
- Meal arrangements
- Private safari options
A Diani stay combined with a Shimba Hills day safari is a practical option for travelers who want wildlife without changing hotels.
Shimba Hills Safari Planning
Shimba Hills works particularly well as part of a southern Kenya itinerary.
| Combination | Ideal For |
|---|---|
| Diani + Shimba Hills | Beach and wildlife |
| Mombasa + Shimba Hills | Coastal city and safari |
| Shimba Hills + Tsavo East | Coastal and savannah wildlife |
| Shimba Hills + Tsavo West | Wildlife and varied landscapes |
| Diani + Shimba Hills + Tsavo | Complete southern Kenya escape |
TipFor travelers staying in Diani, Shimba Hills is one of the easiest ways to add a genuine wildlife experience without sacrificing much beach time.
Experience Shimba Hills With ZikaraLink Travel
ZikaraLink Travel can arrange Shimba Hills experiences around your preferred travel dates, accommodation and coastal itinerary.
Planning can include:
- Shimba Hills game drives
- Sable antelope viewing
- Sheldrick Falls visits
- Nature walks
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife photography
- Diani and Shimba Hills combinations
- Mombasa and Shimba Hills excursions
- Shimba Hills and Tsavo safaris
- Family safari experiences
- Couples' beach-and-safari holidays
- Customized Kenya travel
NoteShimba Hills proves that a Kenyan safari does not always require a long journey into the interior. From the coastal beaches, you can reach a landscape of forests, hills and wildlife where the rare sable antelope is one of the main attractions.
Best Time to Visit
Best time data not yet available for this destination.
Getting There
By Road
5-6 hours from Nairobi via Narok (270km)
By Air
45-minute flight from Wilson Airport to various airstrips