Shimba Hills National Reserve is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa and it offers stunning landscapes and a refreshing waterfall to cool down. In fact, it is the perfect way to break away from the monotony of safaris and stop to enjoy more of the flora and landscapes that African nature has to offer.
In the morning you drive towards the Shimba Hills National Reserve in the Kwale district, a district on Kenya’s south coast. From here you can spot the Indian Ocean and Chale Island to the East and the Tsavo plains and Taita hills to the West as well as enjoy several breathtaking vantage points with splendid views of the rolling hills and the forested countryside. You better not forget your camera!
The reserve consists of rainforest as well as woodÂ- and grasslands. As one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa this reserve is rich in flora and fauna with a high biodiversity. Animal species you might encounter during this safari are elephant shrews, giraffes, hyenas, bush pigs, buffalos, monkeys, leopards, genets, civet cats, water- and bushbucks, African bush babies, duikers and bushy tailed mongooses. It is also home to the last breeding herd of indigenous sable antelopes in Kenya and to 111 different bird species. Both the coastal forest and the grasslands hold many bird species such as the rednecked spur fowl, the croaking cisticola and the Zanzibar red bishop.
Waterfalls and views
During this trip you also go to the famous Sheldrick waterfalls. Our driver will drop you at the viewing platform, after which you make your way down a number of stairs and through grasslands and forest to reach the waterfall. A ranger joins you on this 30 minute walk to protect you, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and eventually the freshwater pool at the foot of the falls.
When staying in Diani Beach it’s possible to make a daytrip to the Shimba Hills. However, it’s also possible to spend the night in one of the camps of Shimba Hills. Here you enjoy splendid views from the infinity pools that are built on the hills and overlook the coastline of the Kwale district.
Kwale
