Shimba Hills National Reserve

Expert Reviews (6)

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Expert

Emma Gregg –

Visited: December

Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.

4 people found this review helpful.

Herds of sable antelope, close to the Indian Ocean

Overall rating

4/5

Wildlife:

Bush Vibe:

Scenery:

Birding:

Despite being within easy driving distance of the hugely popular Indian Ocean resort of Diani Beach, Shimba Hills receives relatively few visitors. It’s a modest park, but I found it enjoyable for a quick visit, and a refreshing change from the coastal strip in every way – not least because it’s considerably less humid up here, and there’s an excellent forest safari lodge with a raised wildlife viewing platform.

The hills are a lush and pleasant mixture of tropical woodland and grassland. You’ll definitely see elephants here – a translocation programme reduced their numbers in recent years, but there are still plenty left. It’s also fairly easy to see sable antelope – this is the only park in Kenya where these magnificent creatures are found. Other species you may encounter include ostriches and buffalo.

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Expert

Ariadne van Zandbergen –

Visited: Multiple times

Ariadne is a renowned African wildlife photographer whose work is featured in many well-known guidebooks and magazines.

1 person found this review helpful.

A Refuge for Sable Antelope

Overall rating

4/5

Wildlife:

Bush Vibe:

Scenery:

Birding:

Shimba Hills National Reserve is only a short drive inland from the popular resorts of Diani Beach. The lush, forested terrain contrasts vividly with the surrounding lowlands, creating a haven for a variety of animals including elephants, buffalo and giraffes. The reserve’s flagship animal is the sable antelope. The coastal forest is a great place to see this relatively rare antelope and the fact that they are a localized subspecies, known as Roosevelt’s sable, adds an extra layer of interest for wildlife enthusiasts.

A highlight on my recent visit was a hike to Sheldrick Falls. Twice daily, this activity is offered free of charge. Two armed rangers will guide any visitors that show up at the start of the trailhead at 10am or 2pm. The round trip takes about 2.5 hours, and this includes plenty of time at the waterfall for photos and an optional waterfall shower.

Although easily visited on a day trip from the coast, an overnight stay is even more rewarding. Shimba Lodge overlooks a small water hole that attracts thirsty animals, especially in the dry season. For me the best part about the lodge is the resident wildlife: striking red-bellied coast squirrels run along the stilted walkways and greater galagos usually make an appearance at the dinner table at night.

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