“Paradise of the Sable antelope”
As one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, this reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species found in the area are Sable antelope, elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bats. The forest is an important bird area and is endowed with forest birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spur fowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop. The scenic Sheldrick Falls and the dense Mwaluganje Forest are also found here along with four campsites.
Key features
Wildlife
- Include Endangered Sable Antelope, Elephants, Giraffes, Leopard, Genet, Civet cat, 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, and 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; Guinea-fowl, Kenya Crested; Honey guide, Greater; Hornbill, Crowned; Quail, Blue; Sunbird, Uluguru
Reptiles
- Python, Cobra, Lizard, and Gecko.
Insects
- Butterflies, mosquito, beetle
Protected Area Type
Park Size
Climate
What to take with you
- Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight.
- Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks.
How to get there
- From Mombasa, take the ferry at Likoni to access the southern coastline where Diani and Tiwi beaches are. Then, take the main A14 coast road 10 km southwards until you join the main crossroad. Take the road climbing to Kwale Town (C106). The main gate is located at 1 km from the C106 road and 3 km from Kwale
Attractions
- Sable Antelope
- Elephant habitat
- Sheldrick Falls
- Various view points
- Mwaluganje Forest
Campsites
Privately Owned Lodges
Park Entry Fee
Shimba Hills National Reserve | Citizen | Resident | Non-Resident | |||
Adults KSH | Child KSH | Adults KSH | Child KSH | Adults USD | Child USD | |
300 | 125 | 300 | 125 | 22 | 13 | |
* Kindly refer to the KWS Conservation Fees document below for other services and charges.
* Mode of payment; Pay for your entry to any of our Parks or Reserves via eCitizen government platform.
* Create a personal account on the eCitizen Government platform by visiting https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke and make park payments in advance for a fast and convenient park entry.
Park Resources
Mobile: 0704467855
Email: shimbahills@kws.go.ke
Postal Address:
The Warden,
Shimba Hills National Reserve,
P.O. Box 30,
Kwale,
Kenya.
