Pick up from the hotel at 0600 hours. You will depart for Shimba Hills for a game viewing safari. Please note that Sheldricks Falls is within Shimba Hills and you will visit the falls among other attractions in the Park. You will have lunch at the Shimba Hills Lodge or similar. Shimba Hills. The wide grasslands, hills and valleys and thick rainforests of the Shimba Hills National Reserve are a sharp contrast to the arid, flat plains of many other of the Kenyan parks. Much of the Reserve has beautiful views over the Indian Ocean, as Shimba Hills lies less than 50 Kms from Kenya’s coast. In spite of this proximity to the ocean, it lacks the coastal region’s tropical climate; at up to 500m above sea-level, the air is cool and refreshing. Elephant, giraffe and buffalo all live in this tranquil spot, along with rare roan and sable antelope, black and white colobus monkeys, warthogs, and serval cats. Bird lovers can spot a wealth of species, including woodpeckers, sunbirds, honey guides and turacos. The area is also botanically rich, with two of most beautiful types of orchid in Kenya found here, and more than 250 different species of butterflies live in the rainforest. Also found within the forest are the spectacular Sheldrick Falls, which are over 25m high. The Shimba Hills are home to the Mijikenda, including members of the Giriama, Duruma and Digo tribes. Central to these peoples’ fascinating culture are Kayas -elevated forest glades that once held sacred objects -and two of these are located within the Reserve.

About Shimba Hills National Reserve

The national reserve lies approximately 33km south of Mombasa town, in Kwale district of coast province. The coastal ecosystem comprise of a heterogeneous habitat including forestlands, exotic plantations, scrublands and grasslands. The ecosystem holds one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke forest.

The reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species found in the area are Sable antelope, black and rufous elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bat. The forest is an important bird area and is endowed with forest birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spurfowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop.

ACCESS

From Mombasa, take the ferry at Likoni to access the southern coastline where Diani and Tiwi beaches are. Then, take the main A14 coast road 10 km southwards until you join the main crossroad. Take the road climbing to Kwale Town (C106). The main gate is located at 1 km from the C106 road and 3 km from Kwale

RESERVE GATES

Main gate

• Kivumoni Gate
• Kidongo Gate
• Shimba Gate

SIZE / LOCATION

300 km2

The reserve is approximately 33 km South of Mombasa, in Kwale district of Coast Province

CLIMATE

Hot and moist but is cooler than that at the coast with strong sea breezes and frequent mist and cloud in the early morning. Annual rainfall is 855mm-1682mm. Mean annual temperature is 24.2 degrees Centigrade.

SAFARI CARD REQUIRED?

At present the reserve does not operate the Safari Card system. Entry is by cash only.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

• Sable Antelope
• Elephant habitat
• Sheldrick Falls
• Various view points
• Mwaluganje Forest

WILDLIFE

Include Endangered Sable Antelope, Elephants, Giraffes, Leopard, Genet, Civet cat, Hyenas, Waterbuck, Bush pig, Buffalo, African Bush Baby, Bushbuck, Coastal Black and white Colobus, Blue Duiker, Bush Duiker, Red Duiker, Greater Galago,Black-faced Vervet Monkey, Sykes Monkey, Serval cat, Black and Red Shrew, and Knob-bristled Suni Shrew.

BIRDS

111 bird species have been recorded, of which 22 are coastal endemic among them are: Ostrich Eagle, African Hawk; Falcon, Cuckoo; Guinea-fowl, Kenya Crested; Honey guide, Greater; Hornbill, Crowned; Quail, Blue; Sunbird, Uluguru

REPTILES

Python, Cobra, Lizard, and Gecko.

INSECTS

Butterflies, mosquito, beetle

ACTIVITY OPTIONS

• Game viewing
• Camping
• Trekking