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Starting from
$240PP
Overview
The Shimba Hills National Reserve is a small National Reserve in the former Coast Province of Kenya, 33 km from Mombasa and 15 km from the coast. As one of the largest coastal woodlands in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, this reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the most highest density of African elephants in Kenya. The forest is a significant bird region and is supplied with backwoods birdlife while the prairies hold restricted species.
Pros & Cons
- Rare coastal rainforest habitat
- Very less crowded, off-the-beaten-track destination
- Guided walks are available
- Good birding with forest specials
- Easy single day trip from Mombasa and beach resorts
- Very limited wildlife viewing options
- Only one option for accommodation available in the park
Map in Kenya
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Gallery Images
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Wildlife & Animals
Shimba hills have plenty of wildlife viewing options which includes Endangered Sable Antelope, Elephants, Giraffes, Leopard, Genet, Civet cat, Hyenas, Waterbuck, Bushpig, Buffalo, African Bush Baby, Bushbuck, Blue Duiker, Bush Duiker, Red Duiker, Greater Galago, Serval cat and Knob-bristled Suni Shrew. Several primate species can be spotted including Coastal Black and white Colobus, Black-faced Vervet Monkey, Sykes Monkey and the yellow baboon.
Wildlife Highlights
Shimba Hills has an enormous population of elephants. There are estimated to be approximately 700 elephants in the reserve.
Park is a sanctuary for the endangered Roosevelt's sable antelope. Two other species of galago occur here: the small-eared galago (or lesser bushbaby) and the tiny Zanzibar galago.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Shimba Hills can be visited throughout the year. However, wildlife viewing is best in the dry months from June to September and December to March. In the wet season, Visits are more difficult as vegetation is thicker, which makes animal spotting difficult, and the abundance of water means wildlife tends to be more scattered.
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Birds
The Shimba Hill national reserve is a great place for bird watching with both forest and open savannah grassland birds such as croaking cisticola,red-necked spurfowl and Zanzibar Red Bishop, Eastern violet-backed sunbird, Narina trogon, Mottled swift, Red-necked spurfowl, Spotted ground thrush, Green tinker bird, Golden palm weaver, Ulu guru violet-backed sunbird, yellow-throated longclaw, East coast akalat, Fischer’s turaco many more. There are around 200 bird species recorded in the park. You can still get an opportunity of sightseeing beautiful better flies around. The most scenic side of the reserve is Sheldrick Falls as well as the dense Mwaluganje forest.
Best Time for Birding
Shimba Hills is a bird watcher's delight the entire year. Numerous unusual, dry-country specials live here and can be spotted all year. Migratory birds show up in the reserve from November to April. One significant thought is the climate, as substantial showers can wreck your birding plans – November and April get the most precipitation.
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Best Time to Visit – Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills can be visited throughout the year. However, wildlife viewing is best in the dry months from June to September and December to March. In the wet season, Visits are more difficult as vegetation is thicker, which makes animal spotting difficult, and the abundance of water means wildlife tends to be more scattered.
May to October (Dry Season)
- Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
- The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
- Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
- Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August
November to April (Wet Season)
- The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
- Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
- There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
- Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
- During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
- It gets very hot in October and November
- Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season
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Activities
Explore popular activities available in and around Shimba Hills National Reserve.
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