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Shimba Hills National Reserve

Explore Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve, in Kwale County, is Kenya’s largest coastal rainforest, home to elephants, rare sable antelopes, and rich biodiversity. The reserve offers a unique eco-tourism experience, blending forest wildlife, scenic landscapes, and conservation efforts, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Visitors can explore the reserve’s lush trails, Sheldrick Falls, and Ocean Viewpoint. The park connects to Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary and supports endangered species conservation. Rich in herpetofauna, including the rare banded shovel-snouted snake, Shimba Hills offers diverse wildlife encounters, educational tours, and breathtaking landscapes for photography, hiking, and relaxation.

How To Get There

Shimba Hills National Reserve is located 33 km southwest of Mombasa. Visitors can drive from Mombasa via the Mariakani-Kwale road, taking about 1.5 hours. Guided tours are available from Mombasa or Diani. The reserve is accessible by road and offers convenient routes connecting to nearby wildlife and cultural attractions.

Why Travel to Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve offers a rare opportunity to experience Kenya’s coastal rainforest, home to elephants, sable antelopes, and other wildlife. Visitors enjoy scenic hiking trails, Sheldrick Falls, and panoramic viewpoints. The reserve supports conservation programs, allowing travelers to witness efforts protecting endangered species while exploring diverse ecosystems rich in flora and fauna, combining adventure, nature photography, and educational wildlife experiences.

With its connection to Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary, Shimba Hills provides close encounters with forest elephants. Birdwatchers and herpetologists can spot rare snakes and indigenous species. Visitors can picnic, camp under starry skies, and admire forest landscapes. This reserve blends eco-tourism, wildlife conservation, and immersive nature experiences, making it a unique destination on Kenya’s coast.

High Seasons

The ideal time to visit Shimba Hills National Reserve is during the dry seasons from June to October and December to February for clear trails and wildlife sightings.

Best Time to Visit

Peak visitation occurs from July to October and December to February, offering excellent wildlife viewing, optimal hiking conditions, and enhanced opportunities for eco-tourism and photography.

Wildlife to See

Shimba Hills National Reserve hosts diverse wildlife amid lush forests and grasslands. It’s one of the few places in Kenya where you can spot the rare sable antelope. Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and leopards roam the reserve, while smaller species like bushbucks and hyenas add to the diversity. Birdlife is abundant, featuring African fish eagles, green turacos, and hornbills, making it ideal for wildlife and bird enthusiasts alike.

Top Wildlife and Nature Activities Shimba

Explore lush forest trails, view elephants and sable antelopes, picnic at Sheldrick Falls, camp under the stars, and enjoy birdwatching and panoramic landscapes.

Hiking
Camping
Wildlife Viewing
Scenic Picnic Spots

Beyond Destinations, Into Experiences

At Elida Tours & Safaris, we go beyond sightseeing. Each journey is carefully crafted to immerse travelers in authentic wildlife encounters, cultural connections, and unforgettable adventures, creating meaningful experiences that last far beyond the trip itself.

Best Prices

Elida Tours & Safaris offers excellent value, ensuring competitive pricing without compromising quality, comfort, or unforgettable safari experiences across East Africa.

Top Stays

We select only the finest hotels, lodges, and camps, reflecting our quality standards and enhancing the spirit and experience of every itinerary.

Safari Transport

On safari, each client enjoys a guaranteed window seat in fully equipped 4×4 vehicles, including radio, binoculars, first-aid kit, cool box, and reference materials.

Conservation Support

Elida Tours & Safaris actively supports recognized conservation initiatives, helping protect Africa’s fragile wildlife ecosystems.

Related Kenya Destinations

Kenya offers breathtaking safaris, diverse wildlife, stunning savannahs, vibrant culture, and coastal beauty—perfect for unforgettable African adventures.

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TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor 5.0 64 reviews

Third time we have used Elida Tours. David is great, met us at airport, arrange safari, hotels and all transportation in Kenya.
I have been using Elida for some time for transportation around Nairobi! The team is friendly, reliable and extremely helpful!
We have used Elida Tours and David for several years. He is really helpful with hotel bookings, transport, game drives (safaris).

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