Shimba Hills

“ The Sable Antelope Paradise”

By size one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke Forest,  rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species found  are the unique Sable antelope, elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bats.

The Shimba Hills National Reserve 60km from Mombasa, is ideal for a day visit. It contains one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa and is where a great diversity of Kenya’s plant species are found, many of which are endangered. The forest is an crucial bird area and is endowed with forest birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spur fowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop. The scenic Sheldrick Falls and the dense Mwaluganje Forest are also found here along with four campsites.

Wildlife – Shimba Hills National Reserve

From 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.

The Kenya Wildlife Service offers guided walks to the Sheldrick Falls – a great opportunity to see the birdlife in the forest. Game drives are more adventurous than on the savannahs as animals are harder to spot. You can also go for sundowners on Pengo Hill, which faces west and watch the sun drop down below the horizon. On a clear day you can see the Tsavo Plains and Mt Kilimanjaro.