Look, I often read articles about Shimba Hills National Reserve that were nothing short of exhilarating and got me dreaming. Have you never dreamed of going to an adventurous safari in Africa in the middle of nowhere, in a place that would constantly immerse you in breathtaking scenery, and offer you new experiences on a budget? Well, Shimba Hills National Reserve does exactly that!
Overview
Shimba Hills is located in Kenya about 25 km south of Mombasa city, in Kwale county, and about 15 km from the Indian Ocean. It is part of the 250k Shimba Hills conservation area, which not only consists of the National Reserve but also Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, and Mkongani Forest Reserves.
Wildlife & birds
You can expect to find rare protected species like sable antelopes, buffalos, waterbucks, giraffes, bushbucks, and elephants at this game reserve. More than 150 bird species are also restricted within the rainforest habitat in the reserve.
Getting there
The reserve is ideal for a day visit. You can start your trip from Mombasa, about three hours from the reserve, or Diani beach, an epic touristy destination, which will take an hour off your trip to the reserve or any other location on the Kenyan coast. Most tourists from North America or Europefly to Kenya via Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) the largest airport in the country. From Nairobi, you can then take a domestic flight straight to Diani beach or Mombasa. Optionally you can fly straight to Moi International Airport (MBA)in Mombasa if you are on Turkish airlines, Lufthansa, or Ethiopian airlines.
Travel options
- Self-drive
This is the cheapest mode of travel and comes highly recommended for locals or if you have an international driving license.
- Uber
This will cost you about $80 from Mombasa, the good thing is, Kenyan drivers are always open and friendly and will be willing to give you a better rate off the app, as a private taxi
, if you are willing to negotiate.
- Using a tour company
There is a lot of tour companies that offer all-inclusive tour packages for visiting the reserve. The packages are, however, often way pricey with most starting at $155 per person inclusive of transport and park fees.
Luckily the roads to the reserve are good, the landscape is green and will give you views full of local digo community architecture and culture. Occasionally, you will no doubt, catch a glimpse of baboons crossing the road as you go by.
There is plenty of memorable things to do at the reserve!
The reserve is home to must-see rare wildlife and unique indigenous rainforest habitat. Therefore, a game drive is a must-do!
TIP:
-The best time to catch a glimpse of these wild animals is early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler luring them to go out to their waterholes.
One of the most memorable experiences at the reserve that you cannot afford to miss is theShedrick Nature hiking trail that takes you down to the picturesque Sheldrick Waterfall. The walk is about an hour from the starting point. The track will test put your fitness to the test but the magnificent and breathtaking views along the way will make up for every bit of pain. Once at Sheldrick Falls, you will have a lot of photo opportunities and you are allowed to go under the waterfall or just take a cold dip in the pool.
TIPS:
-Only two scheduled sessions are available for guided walks with armed rangers. The first group departs at 10.00 o’clock in the morning and the last group at 2.00 o’clock in the afternoon. So, consider planning your time wisely so you are neither too early nor too late.
-Carry a lot of water with you.
-Carry hiking shoes and or trekking sticks, the path can be slippery.
-Carry your swimwear and sunscreen
- Picnic in the wild or dine at the safari lodge
You are allowed to picnic at any of the beautiful designated spots on the reserve. You can also choose to enjoy some of your favorite drinks and food at theShimba hills green lodge bar or restaurant. The lodge is a magical spot and has a picture-perfect infinity pool with stunning views of the reserve’s landscape. You might also sight some elephants or leopards near their waterholes while you dine.
TIP:
It is advisable to bring a guide along if you choose to picnic. The guides are affordable and can be found at the main gate.
- Enjoy lookout viewing points
There are at least two scenic viewing points in the reserve, Pengo hill and Ocean viewpoints. Pengo hill is 450m above sea level and gives you instagramable views of the famous Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the Indian Ocean, and Wasini Island.
TIP:
You can also ask your guide to walk you down to a Digo village to add to your African cultural and tribal art experience.
Where to stay
Yes, the reserve is ideal for a day visit, but you can choose to spend a night there and experience scenery changes at various hours and increase your chances of seeing native wildlife that you missed. Here are accommodation options to consider:
- Shimba Hills Green Lodge – Offers accommodation at the property. The ‘bandas’ can be as cheap as $30 and are secured.
- Kutazama Lodge – An exclusive lodge near the game reserve with spectacular views.
When to visit
I recommend visiting the reserve during the drier seasons that is December to March and June to September when animals easily congregate around their waterholes and the hiking trail is less slippery.
Overall, it would take you about four hours to go around for self-drive and trek to the waterfall. For me, timing is an important factor when it comes to getting the most of a destination. What are your thoughts on this?