Logo Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve



Itineraries


Exploring the Park

Antelope
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Guides

To explore the reserve on foot, the service of a KWS Ranger is required, due to the potentially dangerous wildlife. As a knowledgeable naturalist, a KWS Ranger may be booked in advance from the Warden.


What to take with you

Drinking water, picnic and/or camping equipment, binoculars, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, anti-malarial prophylactics, walking boots and field guides. And a camera!

Highlights

Shimba Hills offer plentiful panoramic picnic and observation points: Makadara Picnic site, Giriama Point, Ocean View Point, Pengo Hill Lookout and Elephant Lookout. Relax and enjoy the views!
Majestic vistas combine with game viewing as you drive or hike the reserve's rewarding circuits. The Sable Valley Walking Circuit - allow 1 hour - offers scenic views, buffalo and waterbuck. The driving Marare Circuit - about one and a half hours of early morning or late afternoon - will reveal the rare Sable antelope plus herds of buffalo and elephant. For enthusiasts of birds, butterflies and botany, a visit to the Longomwagandi Forest is a must. As one of Earth's few remaining secluded coastal rainforests, try to see it all!
Plenty awaits you.

Sheldrick Falls

With energetic strides, follow the trail through lush woodlands to the spectacular torrents of Sheldrick Falls, featuring a plunge pool and picnic spot by the cascade.
Hikers must be accompanied by a KWS Ranger.

Mwaluganie Elephant Sanctuary

As a community venture with KWS and the Eden Wildlife Trust, this sanctuary is an informative elephant haven, located just north of the reserve, outside the main gate. As an exploratorium, this facility studies ways to best minimise conflicts between farmers and potentially destructive elephants.
It is well worth a visit!

The Surroundings

Rising gently behind the sparkling Kenyan coastline, the Shimba Hills are within easy reach of the glorious range of Indian Ocean beaches, which lie both south and north of the ancient port of Mombasa.
Further afield are Mombasa Marine National Reserve and Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park while the famous Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve plus the Malindi/Watamu Marine Park and Reserve are on the north coast near the popular beach resort of Malindi.