Shimba Hills National Park
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About Shimba Hills National Park
“Paradise of the Sable antelope”
Popularly known as the “Paradise of the Sable antelope”, Shimba Hills National Reserve is a small National Reserve located in Kwale County; Kasemeni sinango Rd within the Coast of Kenya, just 33 km from Mombasa and 15 km from the coast. The Reserve, covers a total area of 192.5 km².
Shimba Hills Reserve has Kenya’s only population of the sable antelope, found in good numbers, the reserve recording about 100 in the park. Although Shimba Hills is not a Big Five reserve, several of the usual safari animals, as well as some interesting forest animals, can be found here, including plenty of elephants.
The large number of elephants led to the establishment of Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, to help reduce the tense human-wildlife conflicts. The Sanctuary is shares a boundary with Shimba Hills National Reserve to the North, providing the elephants a migration corridor.
Home To The Sable Antelope
Shimba Hills Landscape & Scenery
Covering 24,000 hectares of land, the reserve’s habitat is characterised by a coastal rainforest, woodland and grassland. In addition, it’s one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa, well-known for its beautiful lush green vegetation, forested landscape, sharp slopes and steep valleys, and dramatic rock face that forms the backdrop of Sheldrick Falls which has a lovely plunge pool, perfect for cooling off.
Safari Attractions In Shimba Hills National Park
Let’s have a look as to what makes Shimba Hills Reserve more popular. On your safari to Shimba Hills Reserve, while the nature trails here brings you up-close to wildlife species; – there is more to it.
Sable Antelope; a key highlight of Shimba Hills is the Sable antelope. The park has the last breeding herd of beautiful sable antelope in Kenya. They are among Kenya’s largest antelope, with black coats and long, scimitar-shaped horns, which they were hunted for.
Sheldrick Falls; experience and soak in the cool refreshing pool at the foot of Sheldrick Falls. On a day trip to Shimba Hills National Reserve, discover this 21m-high falls that is laced with lianas and greenery, and have a natural plunge pool. If you are the adrenaline filled outdoor adventurer; the two-hour (2km walks), done by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), will depart from the Sheldrick Falls ranger post at 10am and 2pm daily.
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary; Discover the Mwaluganje Elephant sanctuary where a healthy population of African Elephants thrives. With conflict between humans and elephants reaching critical levels, the Mwaluganje Sanctuary was established to provide a route for elephants to leave the park. The Sanctuary acts as a corridor along an elephant migration route between Shimba Hills and Mwaluganje Forest Reserve. It comprises 24 sq km of rugged, beautiful setting along the valley of the Cha Shimba River. Keep in mind that the main attraction here is the 150 or so elephants, with sightings guaranteed.
Elephant Hill; with the best viewpoint in the reserve, this hill is the place to see elephants. It delivers lovely views out over the valley towards the ocean. Armed rangers will escort you once you reach the entry point to the hill. Discover more magnificent views of the landscape from the Ocean view point and Pengo the highest point in Shimba hills. A tour to Pengo Hill offers a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape, and on a clear day the Tsavo plains, the ocean and also the Mount Kilimanjaro can be seen.
Best Safari Activities In Shimba Hills Reserve
Discover some of the best things to do in Shimba Hills Reserve. The setting and climate of Southern Kenya allows for quality wildlife viewing all-round the year; from birdwatching, game viewing, and guided nature walks. Let’s have a look at the notable activities that Shimba Hills offers.
1. Wildlife Safaris In Shimba Hills Reserve
Similar to other Southern Kenya Parks, the main activity in Shimba Hills Reserve mostly involves game-viewing drives in the Sanctuary.
2. Private Walking Safaris In Shimba Hills Reserve
Guided walks is a fantastic way to explore Shimba Hills National Reserve and its wildlife. Take this chance and enjoy a wildlife walk with a qualified safari guide to the scenic Sheldrick Falls. It’s not just a beautiful sight, but a haven for birds and a delight for birding enthusiasts. An up-close encounter with wildlife, and the chance to learn about the reserve’s ecology from knowledgeable guides.
Shimba Hills Reserve scenic hikes and trails offer visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of the reserve. The trails are suitable for both first time and experienced hikers, with options that provide panoramic views from elevated lookout points. A hike to Pengo Hill offers impressive views, including sights of the Tsavo Plains, and on clear days, the towering Mount Kilimanjaro.
3. Bird Watching In Shimba Hills Reserve
Shimba Hills Reserve has an astounding number of bird species. There are many birds, including 111 recorded species; 22 of which 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. Visit during the spring migration and you’ll find even more birds to be seen.
The Animals & Wildlife In Shimba Hills Reserve
The reserve’s coastal rainforest environment supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife. This rich landscape hosts plenty of forest species, and although the Elephant and buffalo are the only Big Five animals you’re likely to see; the other noteworthy wildlife species includes; Endangered Sable Antelope, the greater galago, Masai giraffe, 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.
Some of the primate species in Shimba Hills included; the yellow baboon, Sykes’ monkey, vervet monkey and the beautiful Angola colobus monkey.
A Unique Safari Destination
The Birdlife & Birds In Shimba Hills Reserve
Recording over 111 bird species, 22 of which 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, birdlife is abundant in Shimba Hills Reserve making it a good birding destination for bird lovers.
Popular Birds In Shimba Hills Reserve
African fish eagle, Black-collared barbet, Brown-hooded kingfisher, Crested guineafowl, Golden palm weaver and many more.
List of Birds In Shimba Hills Reserve
African palm swift, Brown-breasted barbet, Crested guineafowl, Crowned hornbill, East coast akalat, Eastern violet-backed sunbird, Fischer’s turaco, Golden palm weaver, Green barbet, Green tinkerbird, Mottled swift, Narina trogon, Pangani longclaw, Plain-backed sunbird, Red-necked spurfowl, Silvery-cheeked hornbill, Sokoke pipit (NE), Spotted ground thrush, Trumpeter hornbill, Uluguru violet-backed sunbird, Yellow-throated longclaw, and many more.
The Best Time To Visit Shimba Hills National Park
The best time to visit Shimba Hills for wildlife viewing and birdwatching is during the drier seasons; as from December to March and June to September when the animals gather around local water sources to quench their thirst; now this is the best time to go to Shimba Hills for safari. Although the reserve can be visited year-round, visits during the rainy seasons can be challenging since the vegetation is thicker in the wet months.
Therefore visitors looking to avoid crowds should consider visiting Shimba Hills National Park between the short and long rains from December to early March. Also, bird life and the birthing season will be in full swing.
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The Weather & Climate At Shimba Hills National Reserve
Climate-wise, Shimba Hills is hot and moist but is cooler than that at the coast with strong sea breezes, and frequent mist & cloud in the early morning. Annual rainfall ranges at 855mm -1682mm whereas the mean annual temperature is 24.2 degrees centigrade.
Sunny days are experienced during the dry months; usually in between June and September, and again November to March which is optimal for game viewing amongst the short grass. Shimba Hills has a hot and humid coastal climate with average daytime temperatures ranging around 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Notably, rainfall is common year-round, but it peaks during the short rains (late October to late November) and the long rains (late April to mid-May).
Safari Tours To Shimba Hills Reserve
Want to visit Shimba Hills National Reserve? This is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in southern Kenya that you can easily add on a safari package to Masai Mara. Being close to Mombasa City, you can easily start off with short Mombasa daytrip tours then proceed to Shimba Hills making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well.
You have plenty of choices to pick from, Shimba Hills midrange safaris to Shimba Hills luxury safaris depending on your travel style.
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