Shimba Hills National Reserve Day Trip
See Elephants, Giraffes & Monkeys on a 1 Day Shimba Hills Safari Tour!
Join Shimba Hills Tours from Diani Beach & Other Resorts
Diani Beach and Kenya’s other coastal resorts are a taste of paradise. But still, you’re in the greatest wildlife-watching country in the world so why not take advantage? Only 30 km (18 mi) from your Diani resort you can explore a coastal rainforest filled with elephants, antelope… even leopards.
At Shimba Hills National Reserve you’ll enter an enchanted world of cool misty ocean breezes, waterfalls, wildlife, birds, and butterflies. And elephants – the reserve boasts just about the highest density of elephants in Kenya. But you’ll also be looking for Masai Giraffe, buffalo, zebra, impala, and gazelle.
Imagine, just a short hop from the warm sands of your resort, you’ll be trekking through the morning mists, coming upon monkeys, baboons, and bushy-tailed mongoose!
Elephant Hill – Find Your Thrill
Living up to its name, the Hill is a great vantage point to view the reserve and its healthy elephant population. You’ll look out over the reserve’s great valley and be rewarded with ocean vistas in the distance.
Sheldrick Falls
Everything about Shimba is easy, cool, and fun. Take a short relaxing walk through the rainforest and come upon this spectacular falls. At 21 m (60 ft) high, the falls’ thick mists feed a montage of vines and lush greenery along its flanks. This is a great spot for picnicking, swimming, or just hanging out.
The Rare Sable Antelope
These graceful creatures are so rare this is the only place in Kenya you’ll find them. Look for their distinctive ringed horns which are used for protection and displays of dominance. The larger males have been known to stand up to lion and leopard to protect their herds.
Time Capsule: Safari to Shimba Hills Reserve
Be ready to depart your Diani Beach resort at 7:00 am for the quick trip to the reserve. Your Africa Kenya Safaris guide will pick you up in a private 4 x 4 Land Cruiser Jeep.
We’ll get to the park for a morning game drive, on the lookout for antelope, elephant, giraffe, civet cat, monkey, mongoose, and more. Occasionally lion and leopard are spotted.
You won’t have to look far or hard to spot the park’s 100 or so bird species like ostrich, eagle, and hawk. And fluttering about in colorful display, enjoy the more than 300 varieties of butterflies.
The park is compact and some parts can easily be explored on foot – it’s just a half-hour hike to the cascading waters of stunning Sheldrick Falls.
Soon it’s lunchtime and we’ll rest at Shimba Hills Green Safari Lodge to eat and take in the views.
We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this charming reserve and head back to the beach in the mid- afternoon.
Shimba hills national park is more of a natural experience rather than a dedicated wildlife viewing experience.
We hope you enjoyed your safari outing and will come back when you want to explore some of Kenya’s many other wildlife parks. A big thanks from Africa Kenya Safaris!
Tour Highlights
- Sheldrick Falls -bring some walking shoes.
- Sable Antelope
- Elephants
- Coastal rainforest
- Bird viewing
- Mwaluganje Forest
- View Points and vistas of the park and ocean
OUR TOUR PRICES
Please check out our prices for these private safaris – you’ll see they are the most reasonable anywhere for each tour. There are no hidden fees.
Prices are USD
| 2026 / 2027 safari prices | Price in USD |
|---|---|
| 1 Person in a private tour | $ 350 |
| 2 Persons in a private tour | $ 215 |
| 3 Persons in a private tour | $ 170 |
| 4 Persons in a private tour | $ 150 |
| 5 Persons in a private tour | $ 135 |
| 6 Persons in a private tour | $ 130 |
| 7 Persons in a private tour | $ 120 |
| Children below 3 Years Children between 3-12 Years Children above 12 years and below 18 years | FREE 75% of adult rate $10 Discount |
Your Tour Includes
- Transport in a private 4 x 4 Landcruiser Jeep
- Pick up and drop off at your Diani resort/South Coast locations
- Our experienced and friendly English speaking/other language guide/driver
- Bottled drinking water
- Park entrance fees
- Game viewing drives
- Buffet lunch
- Government taxes and local levies
- The Flying Doctors emergency medical evacuation/rescue insurance cover
– Breakfast
– Bottled & Soft Drinks
– Items and services of a personal nature
– Tips & Gratuities
