Day Trip to Shimba Hills National Reserve

Your day trip to Shimba Hills National Park begins early in the morning, typically with pickup around 6:30 AM from Mombasa or 7:00 AM from Diani Beach, depending on your location. If departing from Mombasa, the drive includes a scenic ferry crossing at Likoni Channel, offering a brief glimpse of local coastal life and bustling harbor activity. From there, you’ll drive inland past small villages, coconut palms, and baobab trees before reaching Kwale town, the nearest urban center to the park. If departing from Diani Beach, the journey is smoother and shorter, taking 45 minutes to 1 hour via well-paved roads. As you ascend into the Shimba Hills escarpment, the temperature cools noticeably, and the landscape transforms into lush greenery with panoramic views.

Upon Arrival at the park’s main gate marks the start of your guided game drive in a 4×4 safari vehicle or Safari mini van. Shimba Hills National Park is known for its diverse topography, featuring coastal rainforests, open glades, and deep valleys, making it distinct from the dry savannahs typical of inland parks. It is home to an impressive population of African elephants, often spotted in small herds near waterholes. One of the park’s most iconic residents is the rare sable antelope, recognizable by its curved horns and glossy black coat—found nowhere else in Kenya in such numbers. Other wildlife includes bushbuck, warthogs, buffaloes, baboons, and a rich variety of birdlife, with over 100 recorded species such as hornbills, African fish eagles, sunbirds, and green-headed orioles.

Around mid-morning, your guide will lead you to the Ocean View Point, a scenic lookout that offers a breathtaking panorama of the Indian Ocean, the surrounding hills, and on clear days, even parts of Diani Beach in the distance. This is a perfect stop for photography, relaxation, and enjoying the refreshing coastal breeze. From here, your safari continues toward the Sheldrick Falls trailhead. Here you’ll begin a 2-kilometer nature walk, guided by a KWS ranger through shady forest paths. Along the way, you may encounter butterflies, monkeys, and learn about indigenous plants with traditional medicinal uses.

After approximately 30–40 minutes of walking, you’ll reach Sheldrick Falls, a hidden gem nestled deep within the forest. The waterfall, about 25 meters high, spills into a natural plunge pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks and tropical foliage. Depending on conditions and your guide’s advice, you may be able to wade in the water or relax by the rocks, enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature. This is an ideal time for a break, and don’t forget your camera—this lush spot is one of the most photogenic areas in the park.

After a relaxed stay at the falls, you’ll hike back to the vehicle and proceed to your lunch stop. If arranged in advance, you may dine at the Shimba Hills Lodge or Shimba Green Lodge—Kenya’s only tree lodge on the coast—overlooking a forest waterhole that attracts elephants, bush pigs, and other wildlife. The lodge offers a unique blend of rustic charm and comfort, perched on stilts amidst the trees. If the lodge is unavailable, you can enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the official picnic sites like Makadara or Pengo Hill, both offering shaded spots with scenic views.

After Lunch you’ll begin your return journey, descending from the hills back to the coast. You’ll arrive in Diani Beach by 4:00 PM or Mombasa by 5:00 PM, depending on road and ferry traffic. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views, local markets, and the picturesque coastal countryside.

This day trip to Shimba Hills National Park offers a rich combination of wildlife viewing, scenic landscapes, cultural interest, and light hiking, making it ideal for travelers seeking a short but immersive safari experience without venturing too far inland. It is perfect for couples, families with children, and photography enthusiasts looking for a diverse and memorable outing close to Kenya’s coast.