What animals are in the Shimba Hills?
What animals are in the Shimba Hills? A hidden treasure and a kenya safari destination, Shimba Hills National Reserve boasts a variety of animals, rare coastal rainforests, and breathtaking landscape. Find out why this reserve is a must-see in Kenya, experience the best Kenya safari tour activities, and be in awe of must-see sights like Elephant Hill and Sheldrick Falls.
Why visit Shimba Hills National Reserve?
The endangered sable antelope and massive herds of African elephants can be found in East Africa’s Shimba Hills National Reserve, a distinctive coastal rainforest region. Because of the reserve’s deep forest and colder temperatures, the last breeding herd of sable antelope can be seen there. The most visited Kenya safari attractions in the reserve is the Elephant Hill and Sheldrick Waterfalls.
The Best time to visit Shimba Hills just like other National parks in Kenya is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. Kenya safari activities include guided game drives, bird watching, and picturesque treks. Simba Hills National Reserve serves a migration corridor for Elephants as it borders Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary.
The coastal rainforest in Shimba Hills reserve is part of the large coastal forests, makes it stand out among other reserves in East Africa. The about 193 square kilometre reserve in Kwale County is home to broad grasslands, thick woods, and rolling hills, all of which combine to provide a mosaic of ecosystems that sustain a great diversity of species. Kenya wildlife Services is in charge of maintaining the ecological integrity and safeguarding the fauna of this nationally significant kenya safari destination, which is called the Simba Hills National Reserve.
The wildlife in Shimba Hills National Reserve
The reserve is home to a sizable population of elephants and the endangered sable antelope, which is renowned for its magnificent scimitar-shaped horns and striking ebony colouring. In addition, the reserve is home to other wildlife, including bushbucks, waterbucks, and the elusive bushy-tailed mongoose. Shimba Hills too has a variety of kenya safari attractions other than its wildlife such as Sheldrick Falls, which is a stunning 21-meter waterfall. These kenya wildlife safari attractions, make Shimba Hills an ideal safari in kenya destination for nature lovers.
Shimba Hills National Reserve is a Kenyan hotspot for birdwatchers, home to more than 200 different kinds of birds. A wide range of bird species, including the east coast akalat and the Zanzibar red bishop, are found in the coastal rainforest. The Shimba Hills National Reserve is home to enormous herds of African elephants and the endangered sable antelope. Its varied habitats range from wide grasslands to forests.
Kenya Wildlife Services in collaboration with local communities are responsible to protect the endangered species and preserve the reserve’s natural beauty. Among the unique species found at Shimba National Reserve are waterbuck, bush pigs, coastal black and white, bush duiker, blue duiker, fish eagles, guinea fowls, large ebony-coloured antelope, golden palm weaver, African hawks, White Colobus, African Bush Baby, and ostrich eagle.
Shimba Hills National Reserve landscape
In addition to being a Kenyan wildlife safari sanctuary, Shimba Hills National Reserve is also a botanical park. The coastal rainforest ecosystem of the reserve is home to around 1,000 distinct plant species. Because of its high plant richness, including Kenya’s endangered orchids and cycads, this region is essential for plant conservation. The unique vegetation of Shimba Hills National Reserve is crucial to maintaining the ecological equilibrium and providing habitats for species. As Kenya safari visitors walk through the lush woodlands, they will notice a variety of trees, bushes, and flowering plants that thrive there.
What is the Best Time to visit ?
During the dry season, which lasts from June to October, Shimba Hills National Reserve is the ideal place to see wildlife. The weather is good and there is a much greater chance of seeing a variety of wildlife during these months. The dry circumstances make it easier to notice animals congregating around water sources, providing wonderful opportunity for wildlife observation.
April, May, and November are the rainiest months to visit; this is because there is greater rainfall during these times, which can make it harder to spot game. Organising a trip during the dry season increases the likelihood of taking in all of Shimba Hills’ breathtaking natural beauty.
How to get to Shimba Hills National Reserve?
A specially equipped 4×4 vehicle is advised for a comfortable and enjoyable journey as it can handle the terrain more effectively. Kenya tour visitors can easily combine their beach vacation with a nature adventure at Shimba Hills National Reserve, which is also conveniently located near popular Kenya safari tourist areas like Diani Beach. Moi International Airport is the closest airport, and the reserve’s main gate is about an hour’s drive from Mombasa, making it great for day trips or longer stays.
Accommodations in Shimba Hills National Reserve
There are a variety of world class lodges available for Kenya safari tour visitors to Shimba Hills National Reserve. The safari lodges range from budget , economy to the most luxurious accommodations with excellent game viewing opportunities. The safari camp and lodges have comfortable rooms, restaurants and many great opportunities for game viewing and to reconnect with nature.
Some of the best known safari hotels at Shimba Hills National Reserve include the Sarova salt lick Game lodge which is the most photographed safari lodge in the world and the Voi wildlife lodge.
Kenya safari activities in Shimba Hills National Reserve
When it comes to safari tour in kenya , there are plenty of fun filling activities to do just like in the other popular kenya safari tour destinations such as Maasai Mara National Reserve and Shimba Hills National Reserve is not an exception.
Game viewing is it major activity with much focus being its large herds of elephants and the endangered sable antelopes. It is also a birding safari in kenya destination with plenty of bird life with over 111 bird species found in the reserve.
Guided nature walks
Shimba Hills National Reserve is one of the few National reserves in Kenya which can be explored on foot. Kenya safari tour visitors can have organised group safaris or private nature walks both offering great kenya safari tour opportunities to connect with nature.
Bird watching
The reserve is a birdwatcher’s heaven with over 100 different bird species with the most of the notable birds include the fish eagles, guinea fowl and the colourful Zanzibar red bishop.
