Shimba Hills National Reserve is the largest area of coastal rainforest in East Africa after the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. The Reserve is an area of coastal Rainforest, Woodland, and grassland. It is an important area for plant biodiversity – over 50 % of the 159 rare plants in Kenya are found in the Shimba Hills, including some endangered species of cycad and orchids. It is also a nationally important site for Birds and Butterflies.
As one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, this reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephants in Kenya. Other animal species found in the area are Sable antelope, elephant shrew, bushy-tailed mongoose, and other small mammals like fruit bats. The forest is an important bird area and is endowed with forest birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spur fowl, Croaking Cisticola, and Zanzibar Red Bishop. The scenic Sheldrick Falls and the dense Mwaluganje Forest are also found here along with four campsites.
The reserve began its journey in 1903 as a national forest. Later, in 1968, a conservation area comprising the reserve and the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary was established. In the early 2000s, the number of elephants increased to such unsustainable numbers that in 2005 the Kenya Wildlife Service had to translocate over 150 animals to the Tsavo East National Park. The translocation became known at the time as ‘the single largest movement of animals ever undertaken since Noah’s ark’. The 74,132-acre reserve consists of beautiful, lush scenery which would appeal to those wishing to take a break from the beach to view terrestrial wildlife.
The Reserve is rich in Flora and Fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephants in Kenya. Other Animal Species found in the area are Sable Antelope, Black and Rufous Elephant Shrew, Bushy Tailed Mongoose, and other small Mammals like Fruit Bat. The Forest is an important bird area and is endowed with Forest Birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as Red-Necked-Spurfowl, Croaking Cisticola, and Zanzibar Red Bishop.
Climate
Hot and moist but is cooler than that at the coast with strong sea breezes and frequent mist and cloud in the early morning. Annual rainfall is 855mm -1682mm. The mean annual temperature is 24.2 degrees Centigrade.
Attractions found in Shimba Hills National Reserve
Wildlife
Shimba Hills National Reserve is home to a wide range of wildlife that visitors can delight in. Among the most notable animals is the endangered Sable Antelope, which is a rare sight to behold. You might also encounter majestic animals roaming such as elephants, giraffes, leopards, genet, civet cats, hyenas, waterbuck, bush pig, buffalo, African bush baby, Bushbuck, Coastal Black and white colobus, Blue Duiker, Bush Duiker, Red duiker, Greater Galago, Black-faced Vervet, Monkey, Sykes Monkey, Serval cat, Black and Red Shrew, Knob. All these creatures contribute to the rich tapestry of life found in Shimba Hills National Reserve, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in nature and wildlife.
Birdlife
Shimba Hills National Reserve is a fantastic place for bird enthusiasts. Visitors can spot an impressive variety of 111 different bird species here. Among these, 22 species can only be found along the coast. Some noteworthy birds you might see include the Ostrich Eagle, the African Hawk, and the striking Cuckoo. Don’t miss the chance to observe the Guinea fowl and the beautiful Kenya Crested Hornbill. The reserve is also home to the Greater Honey Guide, the Crowned Hornbill, the Blue Quail, and the charming Uluguru Sunbird. Other bird species spotted in this reserve include African Palm Swift, Brown-Breasted Barbet, East Coast Akalat, Eastern Violet-Backed Sunbirds, Fischer’s Turaco, Golden Palm Weaver, Green Barbet, Green Tinkerbird, Mottled Swift, Narina Trogon, Pangani Longclaw mentioned but few.
Sheldrick Waterfalls
Sheldrick Waterfalls is a stunning highlight in Shimba Hills National Reserve. The falls tumble down from a height of 21 meters, surrounded by lush vines and vibrant greenery. As the water cascades, it forms a beautiful natural pool at the bottom. Visitors can enjoy a scenic 2-kilometer nature walk that starts at the Sheldrick Falls ranger post, making it a popular choice for tourists who want to explore
Mwaluganje Forest
Mwaluganje Forest is a part of the Mwaluganje Sanctuary, and it’s a special place for visitors. This forest is particularly known for being home to elephants, which are often at the top of the list for people going on a safari in Kenya, whether they are first-timers or seasoned travelers. In addition to elephants, Mwaluganje also showcases some of the oldest plant and animal species, making it a fascinating spot for anyone looking to connect with nature.
Tourist things to do in Shimba Hills National Reserve
Explore Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
As the number of elephants in Shimba Hills National Reserve grew, it created challenges for both the animals and local communities. To tackle this issue, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary was established. This sanctuary serves as a safe passage for elephants to migrate away from the reserve, helping to minimize conflicts between humans and wildlife.
Game viewing
Visiting Shimba Hills National Reserve offers a unique experience for those interested in seeing wildlife. This beautiful reserve is home to many animals, with a particularly notable population of elephants and the striking sable antelope. While you’ll find other creatures here, such as waterbucks, bush pigs, coastal black-and-white duikers, serval cats, and red shrews, spotting them can be a bit of a challenge.
However, you shouldn’t let that discourage you. The lush environment has its own charm, and the best time for a game drive is usually in the late afternoon. As the day cools down, animals venture out from their shady spots to look for water, giving you a better chance to catch a glimpse of them. So, prepare for a rewarding adventure as you explore the hidden treasures of Shimba Hills.
Experience the Refreshing Sheldrick Falls
Visiting Sheldrick Falls is an unforgettable experience during your time at the park. To reach the falls, you’ll take a pleasant 2-kilometer walk along a clearly marked trail. It’s a good idea to go with a ranger from the Kenya Wildlife Service, as they’ll keep you safe from the occasional elephants and buffalo that wander nearby. This amazing activity is normally carried out between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
For those who love adventure, don’t miss the chance to take a refreshing cold shower under the falls. The pure spring water is invigorating, and if you’re up for it, you can also swim in the cool pool below. Alternatively, you might enjoy having a picnic on the sandy banks while listening to the soothing sound of the water cascading down. It’s a perfect way to relax and soak in the beauty of nature
Birdwatching
Shimba Hills National Reserve is a fantastic place for bird-watching. Bird enthusiasts, often called “twitchers,” can explore this beautiful area to spot unique birds. Among the special species found here are the Croaking Cisticola and the Zanzibar Red Bishop, both of which you won’t easily find anywhere else. During your birdwatching tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot colorful bird species such as Ostrich Eagle, African Palm Swift, Brown-Breasted Barbet, East Coast Akalat, Eastern Violet-Backed Sunbirds, Fischer’s Turaco, Golden Palm Weaver, Green Barbet, Green Tinkerbird, Mottled Swift, Narina Trogon and Pangani Longclaw, among others.
Take a Refreshing Dip at Sheldrick Falls
One of the highlights of visiting Shimba Hills National Reserve is Sheldrick Falls. To reach the falls, you can embark on a scenic 2-kilometer walk along a clearly marked path. It’s a good idea to go with a ranger from the Kenya Wildlife Service, as you’ll have a chance to see elephants and maybe even some buffalo along the way. The ranger’s guidance is free between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. For those seeking a little relaxation, the natural pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a swim, and it’s a lovely spot to have a picnic on the sandy banks while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
The pool at Shimba Hills National Reserve changes a lot depending on the season. When it rains, you can enjoy a nice swim since the water is high and there’s a beautiful waterfall to admire. But in the dry season, the waterfall splits into two, and the pool shrinks, making it too small for swimming. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon when the scenery is particularly lovely.
This stunning waterfall is named after David Sheldrick, a renowned game warden known for his incredible work in wildlife conservation. The waterfall, which drops about 25 meters, is part of the legacy of a man who once transformed the tough Taru desert, now called Tsavo National Park, into one of Kenya’s most beloved wildlife areas. It is said that David was the first person to discover these falls, which were unknown even to the local people.
See Kenya’s Highest Density of Forest Elephants
Shimba Hills National Reserve is home to a very large population of forest elephants, more than the reserve can support. Because of this, conflicts between people and wildlife have become a common issue, leading to significant harm to the already threatened plant life in the area. To address this problem, in 2005, the Kenya Wildlife Service moved around 400 elephants to Tsavo East National Park to help balance the ecosystem.
In addition to elephants, visitors to Shimba Hills can expect to see a variety of other animals. These include waterbucks, bushbucks, hyenas, warthogs, servals, duikers, sunis, and bushpigs. The park has also welcomed back Maasai giraffes and ostriches, though efforts to reintroduce impalas and zebras haven’t succeeded.
Packing list for a safari in Shimba Hills National Reserve
Visitors planning to take part in visiting this exciting natural reserve are recommended to carry items such as enough drinking water picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: Binoculars, Camera, Hat, Sunscreen, Sunglasses and guidebooks.
Accommodation facilities in Shimba Hills National Reserve
The Reserve has a variety of good accommodation facilities ranging from Budget, Mid-range and Luxury accommodations that include the Shimba Hills lodge, Pumzita-tu, Kwale Golden Guest, Upani in Diani among others, the reserve also has campsites such as the Sheldrick walk falls, Ocean view and Makadara picnic sites, the reserve provides the adequate accommodation facilities to the guests.
How to get to Shimba Hills National Reserve
By Road
If you’re planning a trip from Nairobi to Shimba Hills National Reserve, get ready for a journey of about 522 kilometers. This drive typically takes around 7 hours. To start your adventure, you’ll need to catch a ferry at Likoni which will take you across to the southern coastline, where beautiful spots like Tiwi and Diani beaches await.
Once you reach the mainland, head south along the A14 coast road for about 10 kilometers until you reach a major intersection. From there, continue on the road leading up to Kwale Town, known as the C106. The main entrance to the reserve is just 1 kilometer away from this road and about 3 kilometers from Kwale. If you’re coming from Mombasa or Diani Beach, the trip is fairly smooth and takes about an hour.
Traveling to Shimba Hills National Reserve: By Air
Another convenient option to reach Shimba Hills National Reserve is by air. Many tour operators can help you book charter flights directly to the reserve. Most domestic flights from Nairobi depart from Wilson Airport, which is located about 6 kilometers south of the city.
You can also find scheduled flights to two major destinations: Mombasa and Diani Beach. Popular airlines such as Kenya Airways and Fly 540 operate flights to Mombasa, while other airlines like Air Kenya, Mombasa Air Safari, Safari Link, and East Africa all fly to Diani Beach. Once you arrive in Diani, it’s roughly a one-hour drive to the reserve, and many tour operators offer pick-up services to make your journey easier.
