Shimba Hills National Reserve

The national reserve lies approximately 33km south of Mombasa town, in Kwale district of coast province. The coastal ecosystem comprise of a heterogeneous habitat including forestlands, exotic plantations, scrublands and grasslands. The ecosystem holds one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke forest. The reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species found in the area are Sable antelope, black and rufous elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bat. The forest is an important bird area and is endowed with forest birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spurfowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop.

                sable antelopes                                                                       shadrack falls                                                                 Elephants at Shimbahills

From Mombasa, take the ferry at Likoni to access the southern coastline where Diani and Tiwi beaches are. Then, take the main A14 coast road 10 km southwards until you join the main crossroad. Take the road climbing to Kwale Town (C106). The main gate is located at 1 km from the C106 road and 3 km from KwaleACCESS

RESERVE GATES

• Main gate
• Kivumoni Gate
• Kidongo Gate
• Shimba Gate

SIZE / LOCATION

• 300 km2
• The reserve is approximately 33 km South of Mombasa, in Kwale district of Coast Province

CLIMATE

• Hot and moist but is cooler than that at the coast with strong sea breezes and frequent mist and cloud in the early morning. Annual rainfall is 855mm-1682mm. Mean annual temperature is 24.2 degrees Centigrade.

SAFARI CARD REQUIRED?

• At present the reserve does not operate the Safari Card system. Entry is by cash only.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

• Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

• Sable Antelope
• Elephant habitat
• Sheldrick Falls
• Various view points
• Mwaluganje Forest

Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park

The marine park is located on the south coast, 40km from Ukunda town in Msambeni District of coast province.  The ecosystem covers a marine area with four small islands surrounded by coral-reef. Kisite island is covered in low grass and herbs while Mpunguti Islands have dense coastal equatorial forest. Sea grasses Cymodocea serrulata and Syringodium isoetifolium cover a large area of the sub-littoral zone of the reef. Marine algae include Padina commersonii, Dictyota bartayresiana, Bostrychia binderi, Ulva lactuca, Dictyosphaora sp., Udotea indica, and Halimeda opuntia. Major attractions include the Dolphins, coral gardens and it is an important site for snorkelling, diving and bird watching. The beautiful sandy beach is good for  enviromental friendly recreational activities

ACTIVITY OPTIONS

• Sunbathing
• Recreational activities that are enviromentally friendly 
• Licenced filming
• Bird watching
• Dolphin Watch
• Diving

WHERE TO STAY

• In - Park Accommodation
•   There is Currently no accommodation in the reserve. Visitors can stay in Diani town which offers various accommodation options. There are lots of luxurious, comfortable and culturally rich hotels and lodges to choose from.
• KWS Self – Catering Accommodation:
• The Shimoni Bandas.
• Camping site
• Chlobus Campsite
• Mpunguti Special Campsite honeymooners
• Community accomodation:
• The Shimoni gardens
• Shimoni Reef Hotel