Shimba Hills National Reserve
Beyond the serene sandy beaches of Mombasa, elephants and sable antelopes leisurely patrol the gently rolling and one of the largest coastal rain forest of Shimba Hills National Reserve in Kwale County. This reserve has the last breeding herd of the rare sable antelope in Kenya. The vanishing rain forest antelopes are on the priority list of nationally endangered species in Kenya and the organization is keen on seeing that a national conservation strategy is developed to guide all efforts to conserve the species for posterity. Sable antelopes are highly matriarchal in their social structure and congregate in herds of 15 to 20 individuals and the most dominant female in the herd becomes their leader.
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
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.
Shimba Hills National Reserve |
Citizen |
Resident |
Non-Resident |
|||
Adults KSH |
Child KSH |
Adult KSH |
Child KSH |
Adult USD |
Child USD |
|
300 |
125 |
300 |
125 |
22 |
13 |
MODE OF PAYMENT: All KWS services are payable through Ecitizen (https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/ ) via MPesa, Visa Card, RTGS ,Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Special Services/Activities:
Security/Guided tour per guide:
Ksh. 1,720 – up to 4 hours
Ksh. 3,015 – Over 4 hours
Vehicle Charges per Day:
No. of Seats KSH.
Less than 6 seats 300
6-12 seats 1,030
13-24seats 2,585
25-44 seats 4,050
45 seats and above 5,000
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
Climate
Hot and moist but is cooler than that at the coast with strong sea breezes and frequent mist and cloud in the early morning. Annual rainfall is 855mm -1682mm. Mean annual temperature is 24.2 degrees Centigrade.
Are you the adrenaline filled outdoor adventure junkie? Always on the go, up for some adventure? Immerse your senses in the quiet of
nature as you flex your muscles hiking on the trails of nature on the hills of Shimba, experience and soak in the cool refreshing pool at
the foot of Sheldrick falls. Enjoy camping under a starry wild night and picnicking if you just want to be in the reserve for just a day trip.
Magnificent view of the landscape from the Ocean view point and Pengo the highest point in Shimba hills.
Set in the quietude of nature, KWS offers a modest and wide range of self-catering accommodation options targeting the budget traveler.Whether you are looking to get away from the daily grind of life,away from the hustle and bustle of life in the city in the serenity of the bush, or just to soak in your senses and reconnect with nature, KWS bandas and guesthouses offer a perfect ambience.
Shimba Hills National Reserve offers the following;
Sable Bandas
Accommodation; 4units, 2pax per unit
The units consist of one bedroom each with two single beds.
Amenities;
Each unit has an en-suite bathroom. A verandah with a dining table and benches. Beddings, mosquito nets, towels and toiletries are provided. Lighting is by solar and kerosene lamps. There's a communal kitchen available for hire in the nearby campsite. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, kitchen utensils and cutlery. A caretaker is available.
Rates;
Citizens; Residents Ksh. 3,000
Non-Residents US$ 50
Camping:
Public Campsites
Professional
Makadara camping site
Sable bandas campsite
For this category standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/bathroom and kitchen area.
Public campsites do not require prior booking.
*Reservation of bandas/guesthouses should be done through the park warden or through KWS headquarters reservations desk;
*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day for both special and public campsites including other park charges.
Privately owned Lodges:
Shimba Hills Lodge; Nestled in the heart of the reserve’s tropical rain forest, the tree lodge offers a large open veranda decking with a spacious dining area which overlooks the waterhole. The lodge gives visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding forest while reconnecting with nature.
*Reservation; jumbohilltoplodgekwale@gmail.com
Mobile: 0704467855
Email: shimbahills@kws.go.ke
Postal Address:
The Warden,
Shimba Hills National Reserve,
P.O. Box 30,
Kwale,
Kenya




