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