Sable antelope and forest wildlife
Shimba Hills is the only place in Kenya where you can see the sable antelope, a striking animal with sweeping, scimitar-shaped horns; the males turn almost black with age. The reserve also holds elephant, buffalo, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck and the black-and-white colobus monkey, and leopard live in the forest, though they are rarely seen.
The forest is rich in plants, including rare orchids and cycads, and the birdlife is excellent, with coastal forest species that are hard to find elsewhere in Kenya.
The walk to Sheldrick Falls
The highlight for many visitors is the guided walk down to Sheldrick Falls, where the river drops about 25 metres into a plunge pool surrounded by forest. The trail descends through woodland and back up again, taking around two hours, and an armed ranger accompanies walkers because elephants use the same paths.
Bring sturdy shoes, water and a swimsuit if you want to swim at the base of the falls. The cooler air on the plateau makes walking pleasant even when the coast is hot.
Mwaluganje and planning your visit
Next to the reserve, the community-run Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary protects the corridor elephants use to move between Shimba and the surrounding land, and local landowners share in the revenue it earns. It can be combined with a Shimba visit.
Shimba works as a day trip from Diani or Mombasa, but staying one night at Shimba Hills Green Lodge gives you an evening and an early-morning game drive, the best times for wildlife, and you are still back at the beach before lunch.
Questions travelers ask
How far is Shimba Hills from Diani?
About an hour by road from Diani and one to one and a half hours from Mombasa, which makes it the easiest safari from the south coast.
What animals can you see in Shimba Hills?
Sable antelope, which in Kenya live only here, plus elephant, buffalo, giraffe, bushbuck, waterbuck, colobus monkeys and a rich variety of forest birds.
Can you swim at Sheldrick Falls?
Yes, there is a natural plunge pool at the base of the 25-metre falls. The guided walk down and back takes around two hours.
Is Shimba Hills worth visiting?
Yes, as a contrast to Tsavo: it offers rainforest, a waterfall walk and rare sable antelope, all within an hour of the beach.
