Shimba Hills National Reserve

Travel | Explore | Experience | Live

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Affordable Kenya Safari Tours, Beach Vacations, DIY travel, Tips for bespoke Holidays & Beyond.

Shimba Hills National Reserve is a unique destination that offers tourists a chance to explore the beauty of nature and wildlife in Kenya. Located in the Kwale County of Kenya, it is an ideal location for tourists seeking a serene and natural environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This article will explore various aspects of the Shimba Hills National Reserve as a tourist destination.

History of Shimba Hills National Reserve

The Shimba Hills National Reserve was established in 1968, covering an area of 250 square kilometers. In 1974, the Mwaluganje elephant sanctuary was added to the reserve, increasing the total area to 300 square kilometers. The reserve was created to conserve the unique and diverse flora and fauna of the Shimba Hills forest, which is one of the last remaining coastal rainforests in East Africa.

The reserve was initially established to protect the endangered Sable Antelope, which is only found in the Shimba Hills forest. In addition to the Sable Antelope, the reserve is also home to other endangered species such as the African Elephant, the African Buffalo, and the Kenya Crested Guineafowl.

Geography and Climate of Shimba Hills National Reserve

The Shimba Hills National Reserve is located about 33 kilometers south of Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city. The reserve covers an area of 300 square kilometers and consists of a combination of coastal rainforest, grasslands, and wooded savannah. The forest is the most prominent feature of the reserve, covering approximately 190 square kilometers.

The Shimba Hills forest is characterized by high rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of about 1,000 mm. The rainy season in the reserve is from March to May and from October to December. The reserve experiences a relatively high humidity level, with the humidity level averaging at around 80%.

Tourist Attractions in Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve is an ideal destination for tourists looking to explore nature and wildlife. The reserve offers a range of attractions that cater to the interests of all kinds of tourists. Below are some of the major tourist attractions in the reserve:

  1. Wildlife Safari

The Shimba Hills National Reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including African Elephants, African Buffaloes, Sable Antelopes, Leopard, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, and various primates such as Sykes and Colobus Monkeys. The reserve also has over 200 species of birds, including the African Fish Eagle, Crowned Eagle, and Peregrine Falcon.

Tourists can explore the wildlife of the reserve through a guided safari tour. The guided tours are conducted by experienced rangers who take tourists through the reserve in open-top vehicles. The tours provide a great opportunity for tourists to get up close and personal with the animals and to learn about the various species found in the reserve.

  1. Hiking and Nature Walks

The Shimba Hills National Reserve is an ideal destination for tourists who enjoy hiking and nature walks. The reserve has several trails that lead through the forest and the grasslands. The trails offer a great opportunity for tourists to explore the diverse flora and fauna of the reserve.

The most popular hiking trail in the reserve is the Sheldrick Falls Trail, which leads to the Sheldrick Waterfall, one of the major tourist attractions in the reserve. The trail is about 5 kilometers long and takes about two hours to complete. The trail passes through the forest and offers a great opportunity for tourists to see the various wildlife species found in the reserve.

  1. Bird Watching

The Shimba Hills National Reserve is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the reserve. The reserve has several bird watching spots, including the Shimba

Hills Lodge, which offers a panoramic view of the forest and the surrounding areas. Some of the birds that can be spotted in the reserve include the African Fish Eagle, Crowned Eagle, and the Peregrine Falcon.

  1. Cultural Tours

The Shimba Hills National Reserve is located in the heart of the Digo people’s homeland, one of the nine ethnic groups of the Mijikenda people. Tourists can take a cultural tour of the Digo villages surrounding the reserve and learn about their traditional way of life, including their beliefs, customs, and practices.

The cultural tours provide a great opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture and to learn about the history and traditions of the Digo people.

  1. Camping

The Shimba Hills National Reserve has several camping sites where tourists can set up camp and enjoy the serene and natural environment. The camping sites are located in various parts of the reserve, including the Sheldrick Falls Campsite and the Mwaluganje Campsite.

The camping sites provide a great opportunity for tourists to experience nature up close and personal, with the sounds of the forest and wildlife filling the air. The camping sites are equipped with basic amenities such as toilets and showers, and tourists are required to bring their own camping gear.

  1. Scenic Drives

The Shimba Hills National Reserve has several scenic drives that offer tourists an opportunity to explore the reserve from the comfort of their own vehicles. The drives take tourists through the forest and the grasslands, offering a great opportunity to spot various wildlife species and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.

Some of the popular scenic drives in the reserve include the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary Drive and the Sheldrick Falls Drive.

  1. Fishing

The Shimba Hills National Reserve has several rivers and streams where tourists can go fishing. The rivers and streams are home to various fish species, including Tilapia and Catfish. Tourists can hire local fishing guides who are familiar with the rivers and can help them catch fish.

Accommodation in Shimba Hills National Reserve

The Shimba Hills National Reserve has several accommodation options that cater to the needs of different types of tourists. Below are some of the accommodation options in the reserve:

  1. Shimba Hills Lodge

The Shimba Hills Lodge is the only lodge located within the reserve. The lodge is situated on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of the forest and the surrounding areas. The lodge has several rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities such as en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning.

The lodge has a restaurant that serves a variety of local and international cuisine, and a bar where tourists can enjoy their favorite drinks while taking in the stunning views of the reserve.

  1. Sheldrick Falls Campsite

The Sheldrick Falls Campsite is located near the Sheldrick Waterfall and offers basic camping facilities such as toilets and showers. The campsite is a great option for tourists who want to experience nature up close and personal.

  1. Mwaluganje Campsite

The Mwaluganje Campsite is located near the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary and offers basic camping facilities such as toilets and showers. The campsite is a great option for tourists who want to explore the elephant sanctuary and the surrounding areas.

Getting to Shimba Hills National Reserve

The Shimba Hills National Reserve is located about 33 kilometers south of Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city. Tourists can get to the reserve by road, with several options available, including private taxis, buses, and rental cars.

The reserve is also accessible by air, with several domestic airlines flying to the nearby Ukunda airstrip. From Ukunda, tourists can take a taxi or a private shuttle to the reserve.

Popular Safaris

Affordable Kenya Safari Tours, Beach Vacations, DIY travel, Tips for bespoke Holidays & Beyond.

Tailor Made Holiday! Get Expert Advice