Shimba Hills Tour: Your Complete Review & Guide
Dreaming of seeing wildlife while you’re visiting Mombasa or Diani? So, a day trip to Shimba Hills National Reserve just might be the answer! But is it actually worth your precious time and money? That’s what this guide is all about, very, very honestly giving you the inside scoop on everything you need to know so you can decide if it is that experience that suits you. We’ll cover the highlights, the potential pitfalls, and basically what to realistically expect on this quick safari getaway.
What is Shimba Hills National Reserve?
Shimba Hills National Reserve, found a little bit inland from Kenya’s coast, isn’t the biggest park you’ll ever see; yet, it’s special. So, it is like a compact wildlife haven easily reached from popular beach towns like Mombasa and Diani. What sets it apart is, in a way, that it offers a different kind of landscape compared to the usual savanna – think lush, rolling hills and dense forests. Now, it may not have the sheer numbers of animals that some of the bigger parks do, but it is a pretty nice place to spot elephants, various kinds of antelopes, and a ton of bird species, and all that contributes to its charm.
One thing people often mention is that the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary is not too far away from Shimba Hills, which you could pair that together if that seems very, very appealing, but you might need to schedule that tour separately. So, if you are fond of wildlife and bird watching, Shimba Hills could be just what you’re after!
Planning Your Day Tour: What to Expect
First, you’ll need a ride! That means considering either booking through a tour company or getting a private taxi. Now, tour companies basically handle all the details – park fees, transport, a guide and basically even lunch are covered for you. Getting a private taxi tends to be a cheaper option, however, it means you’re in charge of sorting everything out yourself. So, there can be some pros and cons to each that is worth taking a little peek at.
The tour commonly starts early, which is about 6 am or 7 am, to try and miss that Mombasa traffic and to hopefully catch the animals while it’s a bit cooler. Expect a drive of roughly one to two hours from Mombasa or Diani, in that direction! It may be wise to make sure your vehicle has air conditioning for some extra comfort because that sun can really be intense, it could be, in some respects, very unpleasant otherwise!
Then you might hop into an open-roof safari vehicle, it might be with other tourists. From that point forward, you are out for a morning game drive which lasts somewhere between three and four hours. Usually the highlight tends to be that Sheldrick Falls visit, and sometimes you might find yourself eating lunch in that Shimba Hills lodge before traveling back.
Wildlife Encounters: What You Might See
So, what will you see? Remember that, since this is not the Mara, so the kinds and numbers of animals differ a little. This park is pretty well-known for its elephants. This park boasts basically one of the highest densities of elephants within Kenya, that are basically all over the place! Spotting a sable antelope is quite popular among animal lovers. Aside from that, you might also come across giraffes, buffaloes, and that is that the region’s biodiversity is pretty captivating!
There are quite a few opportunities for avid bird watchers as there are so many different bird species inside that park. So, be sure to bring those binoculars along! Basically just a heads up though – the tall grass and dense vegetation in the area means seeing them sometimes depends more on chance.
Sheldrick Falls: A Refreshing Interlude
Visiting the Sheldrick Falls involves some walking. So, you’ll want comfortable footwear because of the walk down into a valley, about a 2-3km hike, that can at times be difficult. The trek itself has quite the scenery that some find equally rewarding. So, bring drinking water and enjoy just being immersed in that kind of habitat!
The waterfall offers a good place for snapping photos, but bear in mind there might not be the most space available at the base because everyone wants those gorgeous angles, alright. With a camera, you are bound to get quite a few nice clicks to show to people back at home! So, there may even be chances of you swimming, but I’d find out ahead of time if this is allowed.
Accommodation and Food Options
You won’t be stuck for choices when it comes to dining; it might be arranged within the tour package that you selected! Lunch normally takes place in the Shimba Hills lodge and, it has some nice views! The place does serve food in the form of a buffet so everyone will probably find something that appeals.
Should you elect to make different arrangement, that isn’t a problem either! If that doesn’t happen to tickle your fancy then simply get in touch with your tour people and request your preferences ahead of the day so it goes how you wanted! A large number of tourists suggest you can request special foods if you notify the establishment in good time; it is almost as simple as it appears!
Potential Downsides: Be Aware
Going on safari usually conjures up images from magazine, where animals fill those planes, yet, depending on luck and the specific time you may not be able to see big groupings. Tall vegetation around the vicinity may mean animals will be difficult to notice, that can prove hard for anyone on safari wanting photos, which is common if animals prove elusive.
Compared against more expansive national reserves such as Masai Mara; Shimba is that tiny. Therefore; those in need of that ultimate wildlife extravaganza may be slightly disillusioned if animal quantities are scarce; which may well occur so keep expectations real! There tends to be crowds during peak seasons, with that comes higher numbers inside those smaller compounds of the park as can ruin parts which make visitors hope in wildlife spotting without lots around.
What to Bring: Essential Packing List
Therefore what do guests need packing-wise during expeditions so everything sails smoothly at all moments within that great bush: First-most item happens; good pair reliable comfortable sneakers most definitely during trekking onto the bottom level towards Shelldrick falls secondly protection factors such as lotions, hats, and also sunglasses too! Furthermore carry a portable charger when using cameras often throughout drives otherwise no photograph captures for displaying at back. So, carrying mosquito repellents and also sunscreen tends to go such lengths toward making this safari tour pleasant!
Is Shimba Hills Worth It? Final Thoughts
Would a Shimba Hills adventure live upto its build up in practice when travelling along parts either Mombasa & Diani then mostly yes but provided caveats set before stepping throughout, especially where expectation stages can often greatly sway how one regards certain affairs such visits can easily work where they need them working; just realise everything around one remains natural thereby causing limited control particularly throughout peak hours!
If anyone expects big drives teeming animal masses mostly similar onto displays on Nat-Geo likely then probably hold such high aims and look more within those much expanded reserves across Kenyan parts and probably be sure money will adequately go! On average by considering its convenience of location so, cost effective-nature makes going this reserve more valuable especially among peoples low across timeline plans otherwise only after simple brief tasting type outings closer seaside locations anyway which renders them worthwhile pursuits especially on family levels coupled beginner adventurers or anybody limited funds also desiring nonetheless look straight eye Africa wilds; that one point most make regarding experiences and thoughts too.
Regardless however so if one finds keen interested in witnessing distinct landscapes then definitely explore nature close beside Kenya’s stunning seashores probably consider visiting this unique haven among Shimba reserve despite shortcomings discussed prior; that generally most summarize journeys after all.
Key Takeaways:
- Shimba Hills provides a compact yet unique safari feel just close enough for guests from Mombasa & Diani who wish a small getaway during trips anyway!
- Possibilities relating seeing some type mammals exists albeit expectations will require holding against those Mara large groups always throughout safaris elsewhere although!
- Falling streams at Shelldrick remains truly something that warrants one witnessing regardless its path although, get footwear right regardless.
- Taking part mostly always on packages generally will relieve most worries however choosing individual transport modes does generally yield options budget considerations however always more coordination must still also occur too although and.
Hopefully after hearing on every inch across our journey at a wildlife park such as what happens onto the parts found round along Kenya this article helps for preparations should someone find inspired at travelling that magnificent nature!