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Location
Shimba Hills National Park is located in Kwale County in Kasemeni sinango Rd, 20 miles from Mombasa.
Size
Shimba Hills National Park is 120 square miles
History
Initially recognized as a national forest in the early 20th century, Shimba Hills National Park was gazetted in 1968 as a national reserve. Known as the “Paradise of the Sable Antelope” Shimba Hills is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa. It features the attractive Sheldrick Falls and is adjacent to the Mwaluganje Forest.
Entrance Fees & Permits
The cost to enter Shimba Hills National Park is USD 25 per adult and USD 15 per child under 12 years old.
Hours of Operation
Shimba Hills National Park is open between 6am and 6pm daily.
By Road
The drive from Nairobi to Mombasa is a distance of around 300 miles and takes approximately eight hours. From Mombasa, a 30-mile drive via the Likon-Ukunda Rd/ A14 onto the C106 to the main gate of Shimba Hills will take around two hours.
By Air
A flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Mombasa will take just over one hour. From here, visitors will be transferred along the Likon-Ukunda Rd/ A14 onto the C106 to the main gate of Shimba Hills, a 30-mile drive taking approximately two hours.
Weather & Climate
Shimba Hills has a hot and humid coastal climate with average daytime temperatures usually around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The short rains fall during the months of October and November while the long rains falling during April and May. The dry, winter season between June and September offers sunny days and optimal game viewing amongst the short grass.
Avoiding Crowds
Visitors looking to avoid crowds should consider visiting Shimba Hills National Park between the short and long rains from December to early March. Bird life and the birthing season will be in full swing and there will be more availability with regard to accommodation options.
Value for Money
Shimba Hills National Park is not as well-known as some of the larger or more famous parks and reserves in Kenya. However, it certainly offers a wonderful wildlife experience. Shimba Hills offers affordable accommodation in the park and nearby. It is also close enough to combine a beach stay, so an ideal ‘safari and sea’ destination.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Shimba Hills Conservancy
Shimba Hills National Park is home to large herds of elephants, ranking among the highest in Kenya, as well as other ‘Big Five’ favorites such as buffalo and leopard. Spotting sable antelope is a highlight of this area and the park boasts a wide variety of bird species.
The Terrain
The terrain of the Shimba Hills National Park consists of dense coastal forest, woodland area and sections of grasslands. There are rolling hills and dramatic rock face that forms the backdrop of Sheldrick Falls. There are around 160 species of rare plants found at Shimba Hills which include striking orchids and cycads.
Game Drives
Guests can enjoy game drives in enclosed 4×4 game drive vehicles. Qualified guides direct guests through the forest floor and over undulating hills and grasslands. Guests will have a chance to see buffalo and elephants, as well as other plains game such as the sable antelope, giraffe and bushy-tailed mongoose.
Guided Walking Safaris
Visitors to Shimba Hills National Park can enjoy a wildlife walk with a qualified safari guide to the majestic Sheldrick Falls. Not just a beautiful sight, but a haven for birds and a delight for birding enthusiasts.
There are only few accommodation options within the Shimba Hills National Park on offer to visitors. However, there are many resorts and hotels along the nearby Mombasa coastline that offer easy access to Shimba Hills National Park. Accommodation options vary from humble bed and breakfasts to wonderful resorts to classic, moderate lodge-style accommodations.
Shimba Hills National Park Lodging – Distance from park entrance
Lodge or Hotel | Distance to park entrance (in miles) |
Shimba Hills Lodge | Located within the park, 1 mile from the entrance gate |
Shimba Lodge | Situated outside the Park, 9 miles from the main gate |
Shimba Hills Green Lodge | Situated outside the Park, 12 miles from the main gate |
Kutazuma Lodge | Situated outside the Park, 12.5 miles from the main gate |
Situated along the Mombasa Coastline, 31 miles from the main park entrance gate | |
Zubeida Resort Diani | Situated along the Mombasa Coastline, 32 miles from the main park entrance gate |
Sheldrick Waterfall
A splendid wall of water that drops into a natural plunge pool, surrounded by rich green fauna and flora. Visitors can enjoy a walk to the Falls and have the opportunity to spot beautiful butterflies and incredible birdlife.
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
This elephant sanctuary is owned by the community and provides visitors with an insight into the rehabilitation and overall conservation of these incredible gentle giants.
The dry winter months between June and September is the best time to visit Shimba Hills National Park. Game viewing is at its best at this time of year and the rain is at bay.
Most accommodation options are located outside the park with options ranging from USD100 to USD 300 per person per night. The entrance fee into the park is USD 25 per adult and USD 15 per child under 12yrs old. A 4×4 safari in the park ranges in cost from USD 250 per person single to USD 180 per person if there are two or more guests.
Driving from Mombasa is best at a distance of 30 miles. Guests can fly into Mombasa from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and then do the 30-mile drive.
Shimba Hills National Park is a forested reserve and is a lot quieter than other more popular and larger parks in Kenya. It is home to a large number of elephants and the beautiful Sable Antelope, as well as the Sheldrick Falls.
Elephants, buffalo, sable antelope, leopards, giraffes and an impressive list of bird species are commonly spotted in the Shimba Hills National Park.
Shimba Hills National Park is open between 6am and 6pm.
It is advisable to pre-book your visit to Shimba Hills National Park.
Enjoy an enclosed 4×4 safari experience, or a guided bush walk with a qualified guide, who will take you to visit wonderful sites such as the Sheldrick Waterfalls.
There is only one moderate lodge situated within the Shimba Hills National Park, the Shimba Hills Lodge. Other accommodation consists of modest guest houses or hotels located outside the park or along the Mombasa coastline.
The only restaurant inside the Shimba Hills National Park is located at the Shimba Hills Lodge. Other restaurants can be found along the Mombasa Coastline.
The Sheldrick Waterfalls are one of the most impressive and feature attractions situated in the Shimba Hills National Park. Adjacent to the park is the Mwalunganje Elephant Sanctuary, a community-owned, proud elephant conservation destination.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season (December– February and June - August) when conditions are especially good for trekking to view mountain gorillas. Game drives in the national parks are also fruitful during this time.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Uganda safari. Dress in layers and bring a warm sweater for morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sunhat and gardening gloves are also a good idea; the jungle is dense and thick.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda with basic accommodations starting at $96 per person, per day, plus the Uganda gorilla trekking permit which costs $700 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips range from $10 to $20 per person per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
If you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek in Uganda, your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas or in regions close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Uganda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Uganda live at between 4,900 to 7,500 feet. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the country’s mountain gorillas, has a high point of 8,550ft.
The best time to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda is during the dry season (June - September) when conditions are best for trekking to view the country’s highlight: the fascinating mountain gorillas.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Rwanda gorilla trek. Dress in layers and don’t forget a sweater for chilly morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, broken-in hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sun visor and protective gloves – such as gardening gloves - are also useful.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda with basic accommodations starting at $720 per person, per day, plus the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit which costs $1,500 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips for your guide are $25 per person, per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, particularly if you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek. Your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas. Cross-border travel into the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Burundi is not safe, however, so steer clear of this.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Rwanda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Rwanda live at between 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Volcanoes National Park has a high point of 15,000ft.
Contact us for more information
For more information about our safari excursions, or to book your dream safari trip with Natural World Kenya Safaris, simply get in touch with our friendly travel advisors. Give us a call on +254 704 001 122 or leave your details on our contact us page, and we'll reply as quickly as possible.
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