SHIMBA HILLS NATIONAL RESERVE

The national reserve lies approximately 33km south of Mombasa town, in Kwale district of coast province. The coastal ecosystem comprise of a heterogeneous habitat including forestlands, exotic plantations, scrublands and grasslands. The ecosystem holds one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke forest.

The reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species found in the area are Sable antelope, black and rufous elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bat. The forest is an important bird area and is endowed with forest birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spurfowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop.

ACCESS

• From Mombasa, take the ferry at Likoni to access the southern coastline where Diani and Tiwi beaches are. Then, take the main A14 coast road 10 km southwards until you join the main crossroad. Take the road climbing to Kwale Town (C106). The main gate is located at 1 km from the C106 road and 3 km from Kwale

RESERVE GATES

• Main gate
• Kivumoni Gate
• Kidongo Gate
• Shimba Gate

SIZE / LOCATION

• 300 km2
• The reserve is approximately 33 km South of Mombasa, in Kwale district of Coast Province

CLIMATE

• Hot and moist but is cooler than that at the coast with strong sea breezes and frequent mist and cloud in the early morning. Annual rainfall is 855mm-1682mm. Mean annual temperature is 24.2 degrees Centigrade.

SAFARI CARD REQUIRED?

• At present the reserve does not operate the Safari Card system. Entry is by cash only.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

• Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

• Sable Antelope
• Elephant habitat
• Sheldrick Falls
• Various view points
• Mwaluganje Forest

WILDLIFE

• Include Endangered Sable Antelope, Elephants, Giraffes, Leopard, Genet, Civet cat, Hyenas, Waterbuck, Bush pig, Buffalo, African Bush Baby, Bushbuck, Coastal Black and white Colobus, Blue Duiker, Bush Duiker, Red Duiker, Greater Galago,Black-faced Vervet Monkey, Sykes Monkey, Serval cat, Black and Red Shrew, and Knob-bristled Suni Shrew.

BIRDS

• 111 bird species have been recorded, of which 22 are coastal endemic among them are: Ostrich Eagle, African Hawk; Falcon, Cuckoo; Guinea-fowl, Kenya Crested; Honey guide, Greater; Hornbill, Crowned; Quail, Blue; Sunbird, Uluguru

REPTILES

• Python, Cobra, Lizard, and Gecko.

INSECTS

• Butterflies, mosquito, beetle

WHERE TO STAY

In – Reserve Accommodation

• Shimba Hills Lodge Block Hotels
• KWS Self – Catering Accommodation:
• Sable Bandas ; Located 2 km from the Main Gate the Bandas have four units with a capacity of two, with a fully furnished kitchen. Reservations are made through the warden or KWS HQ, Nairobi

Camping Facilities

• 4 public campsites: Professional (capacity 100), Makadara (capacity 50), Ocean view (capacity 50), Sheldrick Falls Walk (Capacity 50)

ACTIVITY OPTIONS

• Game viewing
• Camping
• Trekking