Shimba Day Safari
The Shimba Hills National Reserve being only 60km from Mombasa, is ideal for a day visit. It contains one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa and is where a great diversity of Kenya’s plant species are found, many of which are endangered. The Shimba Hills National Reserve is home to many Elephant, and is the only place in Kenya where tourists can see the Sable Antelope.
Shimba Hills National Reserve is 300 Km2 and protected by the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS). The reserve is well known for its large elephant population, which in the early 2000’s became unsustainable. In 2005 KWS translocated over 150 elephants to Tsavo East National Park, it was described at the time as “the single largest translocation of animals ever undertaken since Noah’s ark”.
There are still over 500 elephants in the reserve, which causes tense human wildlife conflicts with the subsistence farmers in the area. To help reduce this conflict the Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary was established and shares a boundary with Shimba Hills National Reserve providing the elephants a migration corridor.
Itinerary
Drive to Shimba Hills from Diani beach
Shimba Hills is a small game reserve 47km from Diani Beach, it is about 1 hours’ drive from most of the beach resorts. It is famous for the Sable Antelope found only in this park. Shimba hills is a rainforest with spectacular view, but there are no cats (lions, cheetahs) in this game reserve. Other animals that can be found in the park are Giraffes, Buffaloes, elephants, warthogs, antelopes, monkeys, baboons,
It is important to note that the Shimba safari is normally a relaxing trip and not a place for a person looking for a proper safari with lots of animals. The nature of the game reserve is rain forest and hence it can get difficult to spot animals.
Pick up from your hotel at around 07.00hrs from your beach resort/hotel and drive to Shimba park entrance, once inside the park game viewing drives begin until around 08.00am, followed by a walk to Sheldrick Falls. This is about 2 hrs walk to and from the falls, comfortable walking shoes and clothing required. The walk back is usually up hill. After the walk lunch will be served at the lodge then drive back down to the lodge for lunch. After lunch and relaxing at the lodge, you can go into the park for more game drives or drive back to Diani beach. Drop off at hotel at around 04.00pm.
Included
- All transfers specified
- National parks and Conservation entrance fees.
- Ground transportation in a safari van professional safari guide
- Walk to Sheldrick falls
- Free Mineral water in vehicle on Safari drives.
Excluded
- Items of a personal nature.
- Excursions other than specified.
- Personal Insurance.
Shimba lodge has a waterhole and elephants can be seen from time to time, taking their baths. A resident Fish eagle can also be spotted. The waterhole is flood lit at night, a variety of animals like the bush baby, cervil cat, squirrels and other nocturnal animals.
RATES
| No. of People In a Vehicle | Half day Shimba Hills | Full Day (Includes Lunch) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 People | 120 | 140 |
| 3 People | 100 | 120 |
| 4 People | 85 | 110 |
| 5 People | 80 | 100 |
| 6 People | 75 | 95 |
| 15 People (Group) |
Photos: Shimba Day Safari
