Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills

This coastal forest reserve south of Mombasa protects pristine tropical forest and is home to Kenya's largest population of forest elephants, along with sable antelopes, buffalo, and diverse bird species. It offers a unique combination of beach access and forest wildlife rarely found together.

Things to do

• Forest Elephant Tracking — Guided walks through the coastal forest to spot Kenya's largest concentration of forest elephants, best done early morning or late afternoon.
• Sable Antelope Viewing — Search for the rare and striking sable antelope, one of Shimba Hills' signature species, particularly in the open grassland areas of the reserve.
• Sheldrick Falls Hike — Trek to the scenic Sheldrick Falls, a waterfall nestled in the forest that offers a refreshing natural pool and lush vegetation.
• Shimba Beach Visit — Access the pristine sandy beach at the southern edge of the reserve, offering a rare combination of coastal relaxation with forest wildlife nearby.
• Bird Watching — Explore diverse bird species including the African fish eagle, crowned eagle, and forest specialties within the coastal forest canopy.
• Buffalo and Wildlife Game Drives — Guided vehicle tours through the reserve to observe buffalo herds, bushbuck, duiker, and other forest residents along established tracks.

Food to try

• Freshly Grilled Fish — Locally caught snapper or grouper grilled over charcoal with coconut milk sauce, available at beachside lodges and nearby coastal villages.
• Ugali with Sukuma Wiki — The staple Kenyan cornmeal dish served with collard greens, commonly offered at local eateries and lodge restaurants throughout the region.
• Coconut Rice and Seafood Curry — Rice cooked in fresh coconut milk with prawns or fish in a spiced curry sauce, reflecting the coastal Swahili culinary tradition.
• Mkate wa Kumimina — Traditional Swahili coconut bread, a sweet baked treat flavored with coconut and cardamom, sold by local vendors near the reserve entrance.
• Samaki wa Pweza — Octopus seasoned with lime, garlic, and chili then grilled, a delicacy prepared fresh at beachside restaurants near Shimba.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Forest Protocols — Always visit with an authorized guide, as the forest is home to wildlife and the reserve has established rules to protect both visitors and animals.
• Learn Basic Swahili — The local language is Swahili; learning phrases like 'Jambo' (hello) and 'Asante' (thank you) is appreciated by guides and lodge staff.
• Morning and Evening Wildlife Viewing — Respect the local rhythm of wildlife activity by timing game drives and walks for dawn and dusk, when animals are most active and visible.
• Support Local Communities — Purchase crafts and meals from local vendors and guides, as tourism revenue directly supports the surrounding Digo and Duruma communities who coexist with the reserve.

Nearby

• Diani Beach (Southern Region) — 22 km
• Wasini Island — 33 km
• Mombasa — 49 km
• Fort Jesus — 49 km