Early Morning: Pickup from Your Hotel
Your Shimba Hills day safari begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel, resort or residence in Diani Beach, Ukunda or the surrounding South Coast. Shimba Hills' main gate is approximately 31 km from Diani Beach, while KWS places the reserve about 30 km southwest of Mombasa town.
Meet your professional English-speaking driver-guide and depart for Shimba Hills in a comfortable safari vehicle. An early start gives you more time inside the reserve and allows you to enjoy the cooler morning conditions.
Morning: Enter Shimba Hills National Reserve
Arrive at the reserve and begin your morning game drive. Shimba Hills is different from Kenya's large open savannah parks. Its landscape combines coastal rainforest, grasslands, rolling hills and forested areas, creating a distinctive wildlife-viewing experience.
Keep your eyes open for:
Sable antelope, Elephants, Buffalo, Giraffes, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Duikers, Monkeys, Warthogs & Various bird species.
The reserve is particularly significant for the sable antelope, with KWS describing Shimba Hills as home to Kenya's last breeding herd of this rare species. Wildlife sightings are naturally dependent on animal movements, weather and vegetation conditions.
Sheldrick Falls
Continue towards Sheldrick Falls, one of the reserve's best-known natural attractions.
The waterfall and surrounding forest provide a beautiful contrast to the open beaches of the Kenyan Coast. KWS specifically highlights Sheldrick Waterfall, scenic trails and hiking among the reserve's visitor attractions. Guests who choose the waterfall experience should be prepared for walking and uneven terrain. Comfortable closed walking shoes and sufficient drinking water are recommended.
The waterfall visit can be included according to the day's conditions, available time and applicable reserve arrangements.
Scenic Viewpoints
After the waterfall experience, continue exploring the reserve and visit one of the scenic viewpoints. Take photographs and enjoy the panoramic scenery of the hills, forest and surrounding coastal landscape.
Lunch – Optional
Enjoy a picnic lunch or lunch at a suitable location depending on your selected package and itinerary. You can also request a restaurant or lodge lunch if preferred.
Lunch is optional unless specifically included in your quotation.
Afternoon: Final Game Drive
After lunch, continue with a final game drive through selected areas of the reserve. Your guide will look for additional wildlife and birdlife while making stops at scenic locations where appropriate. This is also a good opportunity for photography and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the coastal forest.
Return to Diani Beach
Begin your journey back to Diani Beach or your preferred coastal hotel. Arrive in the late afternoon, marking the end of your Shimba Hills National Reserve day safari.
End of tour.
