Shimba

The Shimba Hills National Reserve is a small National Park (115 sq.mi) in Kwale District, in the Coast Province of Kenya, 20 miles from Mombasa. The reserve is an area of coastal rainforest, woodland and grassland. It is an important area for plant biodiversity – over 50 % of the 159 rare plants in Kenya are found in the Shimba Hills, including some endangered species of cycad and orchids. It is also a nationally important site for birds and butterflies.

The reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya.

The Animals:

Animal species found in the area are:

Endangered Sable Antelope

Elephant

Giraffe

Leopard

Genet

Civet cat

Hyena

Waterbuck

Bush pig

Buffalo

African Bush Baby

Bushbuck

Coastal Black and white Colobus

Blue, Bush & Red Duiker

Greater Galago

Black-faced Vervet Monkey

Sykes Monkey

Serval cat

Black and Red Shrew

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

Kenya Crested Guinea-fowl

Greater Honey guide

Crowned Hornbill

Blue Quail

Sunbird

Uluguru

Red-necked-Spurfowl

Croaking Cisticola

Zanzibar Red Bishop

Attractions and Activities:

Game viewing: Game drives are designed to take you close to the wildlife rich spots in the Conservancy. This gives you an opportunity to view wild animals in their natural habitat as they go about their daily activities.

Game drives are often done in the morning and late afternoon. Early morning game drives start just before sunrise, when one is woken up to a cup of steaming hot Kenyan highland coffee. As the sun rises, you are out on the savannah, taking in the fresh smell of the moist grasses and observing the scenic nature and its amazing wildlife. Afternoon game drives start late afternoon ending just before the darkness fall upon Northern Kenya.

You are accompanied by your driver-guide knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, landscape, and Kenyan culture.

Mwaluganje Forest Sanctuary: A community-owned elephant park, a conservation area for elephants and Encephalartos cycads in Kwale District of the Coast Province of Kenya.

Bird watching: For the keen bird watcher, the sight and sound of the close to 111 bird species is an absolute delight. Do bring along your bird book and you will enjoy marking the birds off your list.

How to Get There

By Road: Drive 20 miles south of Mombasa, towards Kwale Town.