Wildlife Safari
Search for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, warthogs, baboons and rich birdlife.
Wildlife • Waterfall • Kenya Coast
Shimba Hills Day Trip
Escape the beach for a day of wildlife, rolling green hills, coastal forest and the spectacular Sheldrick Falls — an ideal excursion from Diani Beach or Mombasa.
A safari close to the coastWildlife • Sheldrick Falls • Forest • Viewpoints
DurationFull Day
DepartureDiani / Mombasa
TransportSafari Vehicle
ExperienceGame Viewing
HighlightSheldrick Falls
LandscapeCoastal Forest
A Different Side of the Coast
From white beaches to green wilderness
Shimba Hills National Reserve offers a refreshing contrast to the beaches of Kenya’s south coast. Rolling hills, woodland, grasslands and forest create a beautiful setting for a short wildlife safari.
The reserve can be explored as a full-day excursion from Diani Beach or Mombasa. Wildlife sightings vary naturally, but the landscape itself makes Shimba Hills a rewarding addition to a beach holiday.
Tour Highlights
Wildlife, forest and waterfalls
A compact coast safari combining game viewing with some of Kwale County’s most beautiful scenery.
Sheldrick Falls
Discover one of Shimba Hills’ best-known scenic attractions, surrounded by lush vegetation.
Panoramic Views
Enjoy sweeping views across rolling hills, forest and the wider coastal landscape.
Coastal Forest
Experience a dramatically different landscape from the beach, with forest, grasslands and birdlife.
06:30–07:30
Hotel Pickup
Pickup from your Diani Beach or Mombasa hotel followed by a drive toward Shimba Hills National Reserve.
08:00
Enter Shimba Hills
Begin the morning game drive through rolling grasslands, forest patches and scenic viewpoints.
09:00–11:00
Wildlife & Scenic Game Drive
Search for elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, warthogs, baboons and birds while exploring the reserve.
11:00–13:00
Sheldrick Falls Experience
Subject to current access and conditions, enjoy the Sheldrick Falls area and its beautiful forested surroundings.
13:00–14:00
Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at the arranged location before continuing with the afternoon experience.
14:00–15:30
Afternoon Game Drive
Continue through the reserve, stopping at viewpoints and wildlife areas before beginning the return journey.
16:00–17:30
Return to Hotel
Drive back to Diani Beach or Mombasa and drop off at your hotel. Timing varies with traffic and hotel location.
Tour Includes
- Hotel pickup and return transfer from agreed areas
- Safari transport
- Professional safari driver/guide
- Game drives in Shimba Hills
- Park entry where specified in your quotation
- Lunch where specified in your package
Tour Excludes
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Drinks unless specified
- Optional activities not included in the quotation
- Personal travel insurance
Gallery
Shimba Hills in pictures
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
Shimba Hills is close enough to Diani Beach for a convenient full-day excursion. Driving time varies with hotel location, road and traffic conditions.
Possible sightings include elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, warthogs, baboons and many bird species. Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed.
The falls may be included when access, weather, trail and operational conditions allow. Your guide will advise on conditions on the day.
Yes. Pickup can be arranged from Mombasa as well as Diani Beach, with timing adjusted according to your hotel location.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat, drinking water, a camera and suitable clothing for the day’s weather.
