Shimba Hills National Reserve
Game Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Kenya 192 km² (74 mi²) Est. 1968

About Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve is a lush coastal rainforest reserve perched on a ridge above Kenya's south coast, just 30 kilometres from the beaches of Diani. It is the only place in Kenya where the endangered sable antelope can be found, making it an essential stop for serious wildlife enthusiasts visiting the coast. Covering 192 square kilometres of rolling green hills, tropical forest, and grasslands, Shimba Hills supports a healthy elephant population alongside buffalo, leopard, giraffe, and abundant birdlife. The Sheldrick Falls — a 25-metre waterfall reached by a scenic forest trail — is the reserve's most popular attraction. The park provides a refreshing counterpoint to beach holidays with its cool, elevated climate.

0

Safari Tours

3.8

Avg Rating

3/5

Big Five

58

Years Protected

Highlights

  • Only place in Kenya to see the endangered sable antelope
  • Beautiful coastal rainforest with Sheldrick Falls hiking trail
  • Easy day trip from Diani Beach — safari and beach combo
  • Healthy elephant and buffalo populations
  • Affordable entry fees

Considerations

  • Dense forest makes wildlife spotting challenging
  • High humidity and temperatures, especially in wet season
  • Limited road network within the reserve
  • No lion or rhino — not a Big Five destination

Wildlife

Big Five Status

🦁

Lion

Not present

🐆

Leopard

rare

🐘

Elephant

common

🦬

Buffalo

common

🦏

Rhino

Not present

Notable Species

Leopard

Rare

Elephant

Common

Cape Buffalo

Common

Baboon

Common

Giraffe

Occasional

Waterbuck

Common

Common Occasional Rare

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal

Climate Overview

Getting There

Shimba Hills is approximately 30 km (45 minutes) from Diani Beach and 60 km from Mombasa. Access via tarmac road from Kwale. Ideal as a half-day or full-day trip from the Kenya coast. No scheduled flights to the reserve.

Nearest Airport

Ukunda Airstrip

Nearest City

Kwale

Drive Time

0.8 hours