Shimba Hills National Reserve
The national reserve is in Kwale district of coast province- approximately 33km south of Mombasa town The coastal ecosystem comprise of a heterogeneous habitat including forestlands, scrublands, exotic plantations, and grasslands. The ecosystem is the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke forest.
The reserve is rich in flora and fauna and has highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species are: Sable antelope, black and rufous elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bat. The forest is os home to several bird species such as red-necked-Spurfowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop.
ACCESS
From Mombasa take a ferry at Likoni to get you to South Cost then drive towards Kwale
RESERVE GATES
- Main gate
- Kivumoni Gate
- Kidongo Gate
- Shimba Gate
CLIMATE
Hot but cooler than the coast because of strong sea breezes,
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
Drinking water, binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
- Sheldrick Falls
- Various view points
- Mwaluganje Forest
- Sable Antelope
- Elephant habitat
WILDLIFE
Include Endangered Sable Antelope, , 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, Elephants, Giraffes, Leopard, Genet, Civet cat and Knob-bristled Suni Shrew.
BIRDS
Over 100 bird species have been recorded some are coastal endemic: Ostrich Eagle, African Hawk; Falcon, Hornbill, Crowned; Quail, Blue; Sunbird, Uluguru Cuckoo; Guinea-fowl, Kenya Crested; Honey guide, Greater
REPTILES
Python, Cobra, Lizard, and Gecko.
WHERE TO STAY
There is accommodation in the park and also surrounding areas
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
- Game viewing
- Camping
- Trekking