Shimba Hills National Reserve

Coastal forest national reserve, with sable antelope and forest elephant

A national reserve covering hilly coastal forest about 30 kilometres inland from Diani Beach. Shimba Hills is the most accessible wildlife destination from the south coast and makes an excellent half-day or full-day excursion. The forest is lush and green year-round, very different in character from the open savanna of the Masai Mara.

The main attraction is the sable antelope — rare and handsome animals that are not found in any other Kenyan reserve. Forest elephants, buffalo, leopard, and a wide range of birds complete the wildlife list. The forest canopy walk above the treetops is a highlight. Most lodges and tour operators in Diani offer day trips to Shimba Hills; it can also be reached independently by matatu from Ukunda.

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A story
The Shimba Hills is the only Kenyan wildlife reserve where you can reliably see sable antelope — a large, magnificently horned antelope that is endangered in Kenya and exists in very small numbers elsewhere on the Kenyan coast. The reserve is also one of the few places in the country where forest elephants are regularly sighted, and the elevated forest gives it a completely different feel from the savanna parks.

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