Overview–kenya

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve protects one of the last large coastal rainforests in East Africa. It is a stronghold for the rare subspecies of sable antelope: Roosevelt's sable. This is not a Big Five reserve, but several of the usual safari animals, as well as some interesting forest animals, can be found here.

Best Time to Visit

A visit to Shimba Hills National Reserve is usually best in the drier months from July to September and January to February. Although the reserve can be visited year-round, visits during the rains are more challenging. The vegetation is thicker in the wet months, which makes animal spotting difficult, and the abundance of water means wildlife tends to be more dispersed.

December to March & June to September –Drier Seasons

Mostly sunny without much rain
Animals are easier to spot because they gather around water and the grass is shorter
The reserve never gets very busy
Resort hotels, which can be used as a base, get very busy
The scenery is drier and haze in the sky detracts from the views

April to May & October to November –Wet Seasons

Everything is green and lush with many flowers
There are very few other visitors
Bird watching is excellent
Overcast days and rain can interfere with your activities
Animals are dispersed and the vegetation is thicker, making them difficult to spot

Scenery

The reserve’s habitat consists of coastal rainforest and grassland interspersed with woodland and coastal bush. Shimba Hills is considered to be one of the most diverse of the forested ecosystems on the Kenyan coast, supporting more than 1,000 plant species. Sheldrick Falls has a lovely plunge pool, perfect for cooling off.

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Rates

From: $152 to $651 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: July to September and January to February

High Season

From: December to March and July to October (Not busy)

Size

From: 300km² / 116mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Shimba Hills National Reserve has a big population of elephants. They disappear easily into the forest and close-up sightings are not guaranteed, but an eagle’s eye view over the forest from one of the lookout points, especially Elephant Hill, often proves productive. Other common mammals include buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe and bushbuck.

Wildlife Highlights

Shimba Hills is a sanctuary for the endangered Roosevelt's sable antelope. Several primate species can be seen including the yellow baboon, Sykes’ monkey, vervet monkey, and the beautiful Angola colobus monkey. Charming nocturnal greater galagos (bush babies) are regular visitors to Shimba Hills Lodge, and their piercing cries can be heard at night. Two other species of galago occur here: the small-eared galago (lesser bushbaby) and the tiny Zanzibar galago.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Shimba Hills can be visited throughout the year, although the best months for wildlife viewing are June to September, and again in January and February. There is rain along the coast throughout the year, and heavy downfalls may restrict game drives and hiking trips. The short rains, often beginning in mid-to-late October and peaking in November, and the long rains, in April and May, make these months less appealing. In between these two rainy periods, December to March is usually dry.

General Wheather

Although cooled by strong breezes, misty mornings, and clouds, Shimba Hills National Reserve has a hot and humid coastal climate. Temperatures are around 28°C/82°F in the afternoon. It cools down a bit at nighttime, but it’s still warm at around 21°C/70°F. Rainfall is common year-round, but it peaks during the short rains (October to November) and the long rains (April to May).

Drier Seasons –December to March & June to September

December, January, February & March – When the dry period actually hits is difficult to predict, but it usually falls in these months. Although it still rains a little, these months are the hottest with temperatures averaging around 30°C/86°F.
June, July, August & September – Sunny conditions prevail with little rain. It’s the main Dry season, though showers are still around on some days. These months also represent the coolest time of year with daytime temperatures of 27°C/81°F.

Wet Seasons –April to May & October to November

April & May – ‘Long rains’ – There is plenty of rain around during these months, the wettest time of year. Although showers are possible all day, storms in the afternoon are more likely. Expect an average of around 29°C/84°F in the daytime.
October & November – ‘Short rains’ – Although it rains less than during the long rains, November, especially, can be very damp when rainfall peaks. Overcast days and afternoon storms are common, although sunshine does break through the clouds.

Prons

Rare coastal rainforest habitat
Rare forest wildlife
Little visited and it never gets busy
Guided walks available
Stunning scenery
Excellent birding with forest specials
An easy day trip from Mombasa and beach resorts

Cons

Limited variety of the usual big safari animals and few predator sightings
Only one lodge and several campsites inside the park

How To Get There

Most people traveling from abroad fly into Nairobi. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is located 15km/9 mi southeast of Nairobi. Kenya’s second international airport is Moi International Airport (MBA), located 9km/6 mi west of Mombasa.

Shimba Hills National Reserve is an easy day trip from Mombasa, Diani Beach, or any of the other beach resorts south of Mombasa. It is also possible to stay the night in Shimba Hills Lodge or in one of the campsites located in the reserve. Many hotels in Mombasa or Diani offer day trips to Shimba Hills, or you could rent a vehicle for the day.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

Charter flights between parks are usually booked by tour operators as part of the tour package. Most domestic flights from Nairobi leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4mi south of Nairobi. The following domestic carriers have scheduled flights:

Kenya Airways (Flies to Mombasa from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport)
Fly540 (Flies to Mombasa and Diani Beach from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and to Mombasa from Zanzibar)
Mombasa Air Safari (Flies to Mombasa and Diani Beach from Amboseli, Tsavo West, Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and the Masai Mara)
Safarilink (Flies to Mombasa and Diani Beach from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and the Masai Mara)

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Please check our Getting There – Kenya page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.