SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL PARK.

This is just a short drive from the bustling beaches of Kenya’s southern coast, the Shimba Hills National Park offers a captivating and unexpected safari experience. Unlike the vast savannahs of the Maasai Mara or Tsavo, Shimba Hills is a unique landscape of lush coastal rainforest, rolling hills, and cool, misty valleys. This makes it a refreshing alternative for those seeking a different kind of wildlife encounter, coupled with stunning panoramic views stretching to the Indian Ocean.

WHAT MAKES THE PARK TO BE DIFFERENT FROM THE REST?

Shimba Hills National Park, managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service , is a nationally important site for its rich biodiversity, boasting a remarkable concentration of plant and animal species. Its coastal rainforest ecosystem is particularly significant, being one of the largest in East Africa.

Sable Antelope

Shimba Hills holds the last breeding herd of the magnificent and endangered sable antelope in Kenya. These strikingly beautiful antelopes, with their glossy black coats and impressive scimitar-shaped horns, are a major draw for visitors. Another feature that makes the list are the elephant where the park is home to a significant population of African elephants, considered the highest density in Kenya for a coastal forest. While their presence contributes to the park’s allure, it also presents management challenges, leading to conservation efforts like translocation programs to maintain ecological balance. Other animals include the large predators like lions are rare due to the dense vegetation, you can still spot a variety of other fascinating animals. These include buffalo, giraffes translocated to the park, waterbucks, bushbucks, warthogs, serval cats, genet, civet cats, and various primate species like the endangered Angolan black and white colobus monkey, Sykes’ monkeys, and vervet monkeys. Amongst the things that make the park is the rich birdlife which gives the birdwatchers chance to spot their favourite species where the park is a home to over 230 species recorded in the park, including rare and endemic coastal species such as the East Coast Akalat, Zanzibar Red Bishop, and Croaking Cisticola. Majestic raptors like African Hawk-eagles and colourful hornbills also grace the skies

Diverse Flora

Shimba Hills is a botanical treasure, with over 1,100 plant species recorded, many of which are endemic or globally rare, including fascinating cycads and vibrant orchids.

ACTIVITIES TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE.

Shimba Hills National Park offers a range of activities that allow visitors to deeply connect with its unique environment.

Game Drives

Explore the winding tracks through the dense forest and open grasslands in a 4×4 safari vehicle. While game viewing can be more challenging than in open savannahs, the thrill of spotting an elephant emerging from the trees or catching a glimpse of the elusive sable antelope is incredibly rewarding. Late afternoon game drives are often the best, as cooler temperatures encourage animals to be more active.

Guided Nature Walks

One of the highlights of Shimba Hills is the opportunity to embark on guided walks, accompanied by a KWS ranger. The most popular walk leads to the stunning Sheldrick Falls, a 21-meter cascade plunging into a natural pool. The trek through lush woodlands offers a chance to appreciate the smaller details of the forest, spot diverse birdlife, and enjoy the refreshing mist of the falls.

Picnics and Sundowners

The park offers several scenic picnic sites, some with breathtaking views stretching down the forested escarpment to the hazy blue of the Indian Ocean. Enjoying a meal amidst the sounds of the forest or witnessing a spectacular African sunset from an elevated viewpoint like “Ocean Viewpoint” is a memorable experience.

Bird Watching

With its diverse habitats, Shimba Hills is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Equipped with binoculars and a field guide, you can spend hours identifying the numerous resident and migratory bird species.

Shimba Hills Lodge

For an immersive overnight experience, Shimba Hills Lodge is a unique “tree hotel” built on stilts, overlooking a waterhole frequented by elephants and antelopes, offering fantastic wildlife viewing directly from your room or the communal deck.

Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary

Located adjacent to the park, this community-owned sanctuary provides an important migration corridor for elephants and offers further opportunities for elephant viewing and learning about community-based conservation efforts.

BACKGROUND OF THE PARK.

Established in 1968, Shimba Hills National Park plays a crucial role in protecting Kenya’s coastal forest ecosystems. Conservation efforts focus on managing the elephant population to prevent habitat degradation, protecting the endangered sable antelope, and involving local communities in sustainable conservation practices.

ACCESSIBILITY .

Its close proximity to Mombasa about 33 km and Diani Beach about 15 km inland makes Shimba Hills National Park an ideal destination for a day trip or an overnight safari, easily accessible from the coast. The cooler climate, distinct wildlife, and lush scenery offer a peaceful and captivating alternative to the more renowned savannah parks, ensuring a truly unique Kenyan safari adventure.