Shimba Hills National Reserve Day Tour
Explore Kenya’s only coastal rainforest on a Shimba Hills National Reserve Day Tour from Diani or Mombasa. Spot elephants, sable antelopes & waterfalls with Annest Kenya Safaris — your trusted Kenya tour operator.
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Shimba Hills National Reserve Day Tour
Coastal Rainforest Adventure from Diani & Mombasa.
Just an hour’s drive from Diani Beach, the Shimba Hills National Reserve Day Tour offers one of Kenya’s most unique wildlife experiences — a journey into an ancient coastal rainforest alive with birdsong, rolling hills, and rare wildlife you won’t find anywhere else.
Join Annest Kenya Safaris, your trusted Kenya tour operator, for a guided exploration of this tropical paradise — where you’ll meet elephants, gaze at the Sheldrick Waterfalls, and stand atop green cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Shimba Hills General Overview
The Shimba Hills National Reserve is Kenya’s only coastal rainforest — a lush, emerald sanctuary just 45 km from Mombasa and 30 km from Diani Beach.
Covering more than 300 square kilometers, it’s home to over 700 elephants, endangered Sable antelopes, giraffes, leopards, and countless bird species.
Its mix of rolling grasslands, river valleys, and tropical trees makes it a favorite for both nature lovers and photographers looking for a quieter, more intimate safari near the coast.
How to Get To Shimba Hills
From Diani Beach: Approx. 1 hour drive (35 km)
From Mombasa: Around 2 hours including ferry crossing
Transfer Options: Annest Kenya Safaris provides private 4×4 transport with professional driver-guides.
Best for: Day safaris, short breaks, and eco-travelers looking for a taste of Kenya’s wild side.
Best Time to Visit Shimba Hills
Shimba Hills is open year-round, but the best times to visit are:
June – October: Clear skies, easy access to waterfalls.
December – March: Lush green scenery after short rains, great for photography.
Early morning departures ensure cooler weather and excellent wildlife sightings.
Wildlife & Landscape
Unlike Kenya’s vast savannahs, Shimba Hills National Reserve offers a unique blend of dense rainforest, open glades, and misty valleys.
It’s home to:
African elephants (one of Kenya’s largest coastal herds)
Rare sable antelopes – only found here in Kenya
Giraffes, buffaloes, bushbucks, monkeys, and leopards
Over 100 bird species including crowned eagles, sunbirds, and hornbills
You’ll also explore Sheldrick Falls, a 25-meter waterfall hidden deep within the forest — perfect for photos and a refreshing stop.
Itinerary – Shimba Hills Day Safari
6:00 AM – Pick-up from your hotel
Your driver-guide will collect you from your Diani or Mombasa hotel in a 4×4 safari vehicle. Drive through rural villages and rolling hills as the forest draws near.
8:00 AM – Enter Shimba Hills National Reserve
Begin your safari adventure through thick forest and open glades, spotting elephants, giraffes, and sable antelopes along the way.
10:00 AM – Sheldrick Waterfalls Nature Walk
Take a short guided walk (about 45 minutes) through lush vegetation to reach the falls. The path is scenic and shaded — a chance to experience the forest’s magic up close.
12:30 PM – Lunch at Shimba Hills Lodge
Enjoy a relaxing meal with panoramic views over the forest canopy. Occasionally, elephants gather near the waterhole below the lodge terrace.
2:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
A scenic drive toward Marere viewpoint — gaze over the forest to the sparkling Indian Ocean beyond.
4:30 PM – Depart for Diani / Mombasa
Relax on the drive back as you reflect on a truly enchanting coastal safari experience.
Accommodation Options Nearby
If you’d like to extend your experience, we recommend:
Shimba Hills Lodge – set deep within the reserve, offering treehouse-style stays.
Swahili Beach Resort – Diani – perfect for combining beach and forest.
The Sands at Nomad – luxury beachfront stay with easy access to day tours.
Why Choose Annest Kenya Safaris
Locally owned and operated near Diani & Mombasa
Experienced guides who know the park intimately
Flexible private or group tours
Custom safari combinations (Tsavo, Diani, Tamarind Dhow, Wasini)
Trusted Kenya tour operator with 5-star traveler reviews
We’re passionate about creating experiences that blend coastal serenity and wild adventure — giving every guest a story they’ll carry home.
Book Your Shimba Hills Safari from Diani
Escape the beach for a day and explore Kenya’s lush coastal wilderness. Our Shimba Hills day tour is the perfect balance of nature, wildlife, waterfalls, and fresh air — all without needing an overnight stay.
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FAQs – Shimba Hills National Reserve Day Tour
Shimba Hills is only 35 km (about 1 hour) from Diani Beach, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips in Kenya.
It’s Kenya’s only coastal rainforest and the only place in the country to see the rare sable antelope. It also features Sheldrick Falls and stunning ocean viewpoints.
Elephants, giraffes, buffalos, bushbucks, monkeys, and antelopes are common. Occasionally, leopards or serval cats are sighted early in the morning.
The walk is moderately challenging — about 45 minutes round trip — and suitable for most visitors in good health. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.
Light clothing, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes. Bring a camera — the viewpoints are spectacular!
Yes! Combine your Shimba Hills Day Safari with a Wasini Dolphin Tour, Tamarind Dhow Cruise, or 1-Day Tsavo East Safari for a full coastal adventure.
Yes, lunch is served at Shimba Hills Lodge, offering scenic forest views. Vegetarian options available.
You can book directly with Annest Kenya Safaris online or via our Diani office. We offer instant confirmation and safe payment options.
