Shimba Hills National Reserve
Shimba Hills National Reserve is situated approximately thirty three kilometres south of Mombasa town, in Kwale district. The National reserve is rich in flora and fauna and is home to one of the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. The coastal habitat is composed of a mixed habitat which consists of tropical plantations, forests, grasslands as well as scrublands. The environment holds one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke forest.
Wild animals that can be spotted in the area are the rare and endangered Sable Antelope, elephant, hyena, waterbuck, buffalo, reedbuck, warthog, serval, giraffe, bush pig, baboon and bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bat. The forest is also full of bird life best for bird watching.
The size of the park is 300 km2 and the climatic condition is hot and moist. The annual rainfall is 855mm-1682mm and the mean annual temperature is 25 degrees Centigrade.
Its hills have spectacular view points that offer marvelous views of the hilly and forested countryside and far the Tsavo plains and Taita hills to the West and the Indian ocean and Chale island to the East
The National Reserve is perfectly set for a day trip if you are staying in Mombasa or Diani Beach. The park can be accessed by road from Mombasa via Diani or a flight to Diani; Ukunda airstrip then drive to the park. The main entrance gate to the park is situated three kilometers from Kwale.
Gates to Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Kivumoni Gate
- Shimba Gate
- Main gate
- Kidongo Gate
Attractions at Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Elephant habitat
- Sable Antelope
- Sheldrick Falls
- Spectacular view points
- Mwaluganje Forest
- Scenic landscape
Activities at Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Game viewing
- Camping
- Trekking
- walking safaris
Other Kenya National Parks and Game Reserves