Exploring Shimba Hills National Reserve on Kenya Safari Tours
A Kenya Safari Tours experience at Shimba Hills National Reserve is different. It is not like the open savannahs of the Masai Mara or the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu. On Kenya Safari Tours here, the reserve sits in the coastal hinterland of Kenya, near the Indian Ocean, approximately 33 kilometers from Mombasa and 45 minutes from Diani Beach . It was established in 1968 and covers about 300 square kilometers . A Kenya Safari Tours experience here gives you a completely different landscape: rolling hills, lush coastal rainforest, dense forests, and breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Indian Ocean . The best part of Kenya Safari Tours here is the chance to see the rare sable antelope, which is found nowhere else in Kenya, and the high concentration of elephants, making your Kenya Safari Tours truly unique .
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Wildlife in Shimba Hills National Reserve on Kenya Safari Tours
A Kenya Safari Tours adventure here is not about the Big Five. On Kenya Safari Tours, you come for the rare and unique species. The reserve's main attraction is the sable antelope, a beautiful dark-coated antelope with long, curved horns, and it is the only place in Kenya where you can see them . Elephants are also abundant, with a high density, though their forest habitat makes sightings less predictable . On Kenya Safari Tours, you will also see buffalo, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and various monkey species, including the Angola colobus and Sykes' monkeys . Leopards are present but elusive on Kenya Safari Tours, and lions are rare . For the best wildlife viewing on Kenya Safari Tours, aim for the dry season from July to September and January to February, when animals gather around water sources .
Birding in Shimba Hills National Reserve on Kenya Safari Tours
Kenya Safari Tours birders will find this place a paradise. On Kenya Safari Tours, the reserve is a haven with over 111 bird species recorded, including 20 coastal endemics, making Kenya Safari Tours a birder's dream destination . The coastal rainforest and grasslands attract a variety of species, including the Zanzibar red bishop, croaking cisticola, African hawk eagle, and palm-nut vulture . The best time for birding on Kenya Safari Tours is during the wet season, though the reserve offers good birding year-round. Early morning is best for Kenya Safari Tours. Bring a good pair of binoculars and a spotting scope to make the most of your Kenya Safari Tours adventure.
Best Time to Visit Shimba Hills National Reserve on Kenya Safari Tours
A Kenya Safari Tours experience during the dry seasons from July to September and January to February is best for wildlife viewing, ensuring your Kenya Safari Tours are rewarding . On Kenya Safari Tours, the weather is pleasant with little rain, and animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot, which is ideal for Kenya Safari Tours . The reserve is seldom crowded on Kenya Safari Tours, even in peak season, ensuring an exclusive experience . Daytime temperatures on Kenya Safari Tours are warm, averaging around 28°C, so pack accordingly for Kenya Safari Tours . The wet season on Kenya Safari Tours from April to May is best for birding and offers lush, green landscapes . However, roads can get muddy and wildlife is more dispersed on Kenya Safari Tours . For most travelers on Kenya Safari Tours, the dry seasons offer optimal Kenya Safari Tours experiences.
Weather and Climate in Shimba Hills National Reserve on Kenya Safari Tours
Kenya Safari Tours weather here is tropical and humid due to the coastal location, making Kenya Safari Tours a refreshing experience. On Kenya Safari Tours, the reserve sits at a low altitude, with temperatures averaging around 24°C to 30°C . The area is cooled by sea breezes and misty mornings, creating a pleasant environment for Kenya Safari Tours . During the dry season on Kenya Safari Tours, days are sunny and warm, perfect for Kenya Safari Tours activities. The wet season on Kenya Safari Tours brings more rain, creating lush landscapes for Kenya Safari Tours . Rain is common on Kenya Safari Tours in April and May (long rains) and November (short rains) . The biggest weather challenge on Kenya Safari Tours is the humidity, so prepare properly for Kenya Safari Tours. The sun is strong on Kenya Safari Tours, so a hat and sunscreen are essential for all Kenya Safari Tours travelers.
How to Get to Shimba Hills National Reserve on Kenya Safari Tours
Kenya Safari Tours travelers will find getting here easy. On Kenya Safari Tours, the reserve is about a 1-hour drive from Mombasa or 45 minutes from Diani Beach, making Kenya Safari Tours accessible . The main gate is located near Kwale town, 3 kilometers from the town center . A regular 2-wheel drive vehicle can get you to the park gates, but for the park roads, a 4x4 is highly recommended for Kenya Safari Tours, ensuring smooth Kenya Safari Tours travel . If you do not want to drive yourself on Kenya Safari Tours, you can fly from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Ukunda Airstrip in Diani, followed by a short road transfer . Many tour operators handle transport, park fees, and guides for Kenya Safari Tours, making Kenya Safari Tours stress-free .
Security, Safety & Malaria in Shimba Hills National Reserve on Kenya Safari Tours
Kenya Safari Tours are generally safe, and this reserve is no exception, ensuring peace of mind for Kenya Safari Tours. On Kenya Safari Tours, the reserve is well-managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and considered safe for visitors . Keep your valuables secure during Kenya Safari Tours. Malaria is present here due to the coastal location, so it is advisable to take precautions and use insect repellent on Kenya Safari Tours, ensuring healthy Kenya Safari Tours . When on a game drive or walking safari during Kenya Safari Tours, stay close to your guide, as safety is paramount for Kenya Safari Tours . The guides are trained for Kenya Safari Tours. Do not wander off on Kenya Safari Tours. The park is home to elephants, buffalo, and leopards, so always follow your guide's instructions on Kenya Safari Tours . Drink bottled water on Kenya Safari Tours to stay healthy.
Accommodation In and Near Shimba Hills National Reserve on Kenya Safari Tours
Kenya Safari Tours accommodation options here are limited but unique, offering unforgettable stays for Kenya Safari Tours. On Kenya Safari Tours, the most famous place to stay is Shimba Hills Lodge, a tree lodge built on wooden decks overlooking a floodlit waterhole, providing iconic Kenya Safari Tours experiences . Here, you can watch elephants and other nocturnal wildlife from your balcony . For a more affordable option on Kenya Safari Tours, Shimba Green Lodge offers a comfortable stay with scenic views . For budget travelers on Kenya Safari Tours, there are public campsites inside the reserve, such as the campsites near the lodge, offering immersive Kenya Safari Tours experiences . Book in advance for Kenya Safari Tours, especially during the dry season, to secure your preferred accommodation .
Why Book with Dav Safaris for Kenya Safari Tours
Kenya Safari Tours with Dav Safaris offers reliable guided trips to Shimba Hills National Reserve, ensuring unforgettable Kenya Safari Tours. On Kenya Safari Tours, our local guides know the best game viewing routes, the best spots for sable antelope sightings, and the hidden trails to Sheldrick Falls, making your Kenya Safari Tours exceptional . A Kenya Safari Tours with Dav Safaris handles all logistics, including transport, park fees, guides, and accommodation, so you can focus on enjoying your Kenya Safari Tours. You just show up with your camera and binoculars for Kenya Safari Tours. Our itineraries are flexible on Kenya Safari Tours. Want to focus on the sable antelope on Kenya Safari Tours? We can do that. Want to combine a visit to Shimba Hills with a beach holiday on the Kenyan coast on Kenya Safari Tours? We can arrange it . Want a mix of game drives, nature walks, and cultural experiences on Kenya Safari Tours? We can do that too, ensuring your Kenya Safari Tours are tailored to you.
