Shimba Hills
Let's learn more
BRIEF NOTES ABOUT THIS PLACE
Shimba Hills National Reserve, located in the former Coast Province of Kenya, is a modestly sized protected area situated 33 kilometers from Mombasa and 15 kilometers inland from the coast.
The reserve features a diverse landscape that includes coastal rainforest, woodlands, and grasslands. This rich environment is vital for plant biodiversity, harboring several endangered species such as certain cycads and orchids.
Among the reserve’s natural attractions is a stunning 82-foot waterfall nestled in a river valley, complete with a natural plunge pool.
swim in the waterfall
This one-day package from Diani Beach to Shimba Hills provides an opportunity to go on a brief game drive and swim in the only waterfall on the Kenyan Coast.
Pick up from around Diani is at 7:00 am for a leisurely drive up to Kwale town and on to Shimba hills. Arrival at the Shimba Hills Gate is at 8:00 am, we start a brief game drive.
Shimba Hills does NOT have a lot of Wild animals, a few of the wildlife found in the area include 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.
We finish the game drive at 10:00 am and begin our guided and scenic, 45-minute nature walk, down to the Sheldrick Waterfalls. This breathtaking 25-meter high cascade is the only waterfall on the entire Kenyan coast. At the waterfall, we take a moment to enjoy the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and a refreshing Swim. After this, we begin our hike back up. This time it will take about 1.5 hours because we climb at a slower pace.
We arrive back in our van at 12:30pm and enjoy an en-route game drive through the viewpoints as we depart Shimba Hills National Park.
Drop off in Diani at around 2:30pm.
Half day activity
Activity level
Safe for kids.
clothing
Comfortable hiking clothes and shoes, swimwear.
Necessary kit
about more popular animals
antelope
Shimba National reserve is a home to the last breeding herd of Sable Antelope with large ebony coloured antelope with their scimitar shaped horns.
bushy-tailed mongoose
The bushy-tailed mongoose (Bdeogale crassicauda) is a mammal in the family Herpestidae found in central Africa.
fruit bats
Fruit bats are sometimes called “flying foxes” because their long snouts and upright ears give them a foxlike look.