Day trip to the Shimba Hills National Reserve.

Game drive in search of saber antelopes, walk to Sheldrick Falls, with a stop at Shimba Hills Lodge for lunch.

The national reserve is located about 33km south of Mombasa, in the Kwale district, coastal province. The coastal ecosystem consists of a heterogeneous habitat including forests, exotic plantations, scrubland and grassland. The ecosystem includes one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after the Arabuko – Sokoke forest. The nature reserve is rich in flora and fauna and is home to the highest density of African elephants in Kenya. Other species found in the area include the sable antelope, the black and reddish-brown bushy elephant shrew, mongoose, and other small mammals such as the flying fox. The forest is an important bird sanctuary and has a rich bird life, while the meadows are home to local species such as the Red-throated Francolin, the Strichelcist Cisticola, and the Fire Weaver (Euplectes nigroventris).

Route coming from Mombasa:
From Mombasa we take the ferry at Likoni to the southern coast, where the Diani and Tiwi beaches are. Then we take the main A14 coastal road 10 km south to the main junction. Then we go up to Kwale Town ( C106 ). The main gate is 1 km from the C106 road and 3 km from Kwale.

Size / location 300 km² , the nature reserve is about 33 km south of Mombasa, in the Kwale district, coastal province.

Climate
Hot and humid, but cooler than on the coast with strong sea breezes and frequent fog and clouds in the early morning hours. The annual rainfall is 855mm – 1682mm. The average annual temperature is 24.2 degrees Celsius.

What you should take with you
Useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, repellants (skin spray), bathing utensils and a bottle of water.

Sights and attractions

• Sable antelope
• Elephant habitat
• Sheldrick Cases
• Various viewpoints
• Mwaluganje Forest

Wildlife
Endangered sabre antelope, elephant, giraffe, leopard, genet, civet cat, hyena, waterbuck, bush pig, buffalo, galago’s (Galagonidae or Galagidae) – also called bush babies, bushbuck, black and white stump monkeys, Blue duiker – also called blue goat, bush duiker, red duiker, giant galagos, southern green sea cat, white-throated sea cat, serval cat, black shrew and red tooth shrew and other shrew species.

Birds
111 bird species have been registered, of which 22 are endemic to coastal regions: Ostriches, African Bonelli’s Eagle, Falcons, Cuckoos, Guinea Fowl, Crested Hoods, Guinea Fowl, Honey Scorpion, Double Hornbill, Blue Quails, Lobelia Sunbird

Reptiles

• Python, cobra, lizard, and gecko
• Insects
• Butterflies , mosquitoes , beetles

Optional Activities

• Wildlife observation
• Camping
• Trekking

We pick you Early in the Morning at 6.30 Am from Your Hotel and drive along Kwale Road approximately km 35.Enter Shimba Hills National Reserve to search for Elephant,Buffalo,Giraffe,Warthog, Birds, Lesser kudu and the Sable Antelope. Walk to the Sheldrick water falls with a guided armed Ranger (2 Hours Good shoes recommended) where you can swim. Then drive to the Shimba Hills Lodge or Green Lodge for your Lunch.
Afternoon Game viewing up-to the Marere view point where you will see the whole of Rain forest and part of the coast. Then drop to your Hotel or the Moi International Airport arriving at 6.00 pm

PRICE INCLUDES:
Game Drives with pop up roof Minivan or Jeep, Park Entrance Fee, Free Mineral water in Vehicle, Lunch at  Shimba Hills Lodge or green lodge ,Walk to the Sheldrick Water Fall with Armed Ranger. Pick up from your hotel and drop at the same hotel after the trip.

PRICE EXCLUDES:
Drinks at the Lodge, Driver Tip.