Shimba Hills safari elephants monkeys buffalo Sheldrick falls waterfall hike national park antelope

Shimba Hills

Shimba hills is less than an hour from Shimoni, but light years from the ocean. This is bush country at its finest with elephants, buffalo, zebras, leopards and giraffes. It's hilly and forested, unlike traditional African plains, and game viewing is more challenging but more rewarding. A big bonus here is you can take a walk through the hills to the Sheldrick Falls and cool off at the end of a long game drive.

Though this is a small reserve compared to most Kenyan parks, it is an area of incredible bio-diversity, with coastal forest, woodlands, grasslands and streams. It is also one of the rare tropical forests in all of East Africa that hosts elephants.

We can organise a half or full-day trip with a break at the Shimba Hills Lodge for lunch and a siesta.

Sheldrick Falls, a spectacular 82 foot / 25 metre waterfall with a natural plunge pool, lies deep in the Shimba Hills national reserve. A ranger will accompany you up and down the trails for a shower in the cool, clean waters of the falls or a dip in the pool to refresh you after the walk. Don't worry, there are no lions or cheetahs to stalk you here.

Full-Day package includes:

  • Park fees
  • Private jeep (capacity 7)
  • Guided hike to Sheldrick Falls
  • Car entry fees
  • Lunch at the Rainforest lodge (optional)