Shimba Hills is the green surprise of the Kenyan coast. About an hour from Diani, the heat drops, the air smells of wet forest, and you look down on the Indian Ocean from rolling hills.
The reserve is small, so you see a lot in one day. That makes it the easiest wildlife trip to add to a beach holiday.
Title sponsorAlumni Golf Challenge
We are the title sponsor this year.
Golf is part of who we are, so we put our name behind the Alumni Golf Challenge. Want more golf after the day? Tell us when you are free. We book your tee time at Karen, Muthaiga or Vipingo Ridge and sort the transfers and the stay.
Why go to Shimba Hills
- Sable antelope. Shimba Hills is the only place in Kenya where they live. Big curved horns, glossy dark coat, a favourite with photographers.
- Elephants in the forest. Herds move between the reserve and the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary next door.
- Sheldrick Falls. A guided forest walk with a ranger takes you down to a waterfall where you can cool off.
- Buffalo, birds and butterflies. The coastal forest holds species you will not find up country. Bring binoculars.
- Cool air and ocean views. A welcome break after a few days on the sand.
How the day works
We pick you up from your hotel in Diani, Tiwi or Mombasa in the morning. The game drive comes first, while the animals are active. Around midday you walk to Sheldrick Falls with a ranger. In the afternoon you can add a stop at Mwaluganje for more elephants, then you are back at the beach by evening.
Lunch depends on the package you pick. We confirm every detail in writing before you pay.
Best time to visit
Shimba Hills is open all year. The drier months, roughly June to October and January to March, make the forest tracks and the falls walk easier. The long rains around April and May turn everything deep green, but some tracks get muddy.
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes for the falls trail
- Insect repellent and a light rain jacket
- Swimwear if you want a dip at the falls
- Water, a sun hat and a camera with a good zoom
Who it suits
Families with young children, travellers short on time, and anyone staying on the south coast who wants wildlife without a long drive. If the Big Five is your goal, pair the coast with Tsavo instead. It is a bigger park and a longer day, but the reward is huge.
Plan it with us
Ready to turn this into a real trip? These pages show prices and routes we run from Nairobi.
Questions first? Chat with us on WhatsApp and get a clear quote.
3 Day Masai MaraFrom USD 850
Mara group joiningFrom USD 395
3 Day AmboseliFrom USD 850
5 Day Kenya SafariFrom USD 1,180
Uganda gorilla trekFrom USD 1,260
Comments are closed