Birding at Shimba Hills National Reserve: Coastal Forest, Grassland and Raptors

The reserve sits a short way inland from the beaches and is cooler and greener than the coastal strip. Tall forest fills the valleys, grassland covers the ridges and the views stretch towards the ocean on clear days. It is best known for sable antelope and elephants, but the forest birds are an excellent reason to spend a morning here.

This guide explains the habitats, which birds to look for, when to go and how to combine the reserve with the beaches of Diani and the wider coast. It is aimed at beach visitors who want a day away from the sand and at birders planning a coastal circuit.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Forest and Grassland Compared

Forest birding is slow and rewarding, while the grassland offers wide views. Alternating between them keeps the day varied and increases your list.

Forest Birds

The forest is the main attraction for birders. Look and listen for Fischer’s turaco, a green-and-red bird with a loud call, and for hornbills moving through the canopy. Sunbirds visit flowering trees, and small insect-eaters join mixed flocks in the understorey. Light is dim, so photographers should be ready with a high ISO and a steady position. A local guide who knows the calls will find more birds than anyone searching by sight alone. See the turaco profile and hornbill profile for more on these groups.

Grassland and Raptors

The open ridges let you scan the sky. Crowned and other eagles may be seen soaring above forest edges, and buzzards and kestrels hunt over the grass. In the grassland itself, larks, pipits and widowbirds display in the breeding season. Because warm air rises along the slopes, the middle of the day can be good for raptors even when forest birds are quiet. The Shimba Hills wildlife guide covers the mammals that share this habitat, including sable antelope.

Best Months to Visit

Resident forest birds can be found all year. The drier months give easier walking and clearer views, while the rains produce lush growth, breeding activity and slippery paths. Migrants from Europe and Asia are present from about October to April, adding variety to the grassland and woodland. Read the Shimba Hills best time to visit guide and the Kenya beach best time guide to match the reserve to your coast plans.

How to Bird the Reserve

Go early, when birds are most active and the air is cool. Take a guide who knows the forest trails, and walk only where reserve rules and your guide allow, because elephants and buffalo live here. Bring binoculars, insect repellent, sturdy shoes and a light rain jacket. Move slowly, listen first and avoid playing recordings. Activities and access are described in Shimba Hills activities and how to get to Shimba Hills.

Combining the Reserve With the Coast

Shimba Hills makes an easy excursion from the south coast. Stay at Diani and travel inland for a morning, then return for the beach, or build a longer coastal route that adds Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek in the north. For beach ideas see the Diani Beach guide and Diani Beach activities and day trips. The wider planning picture is in the East Africa birding guide.

Planning Tips

Plan at least a half-day, and preferably a full day if you want both forest and grassland. Ask your hotel or operator for a driver-guide who has bird experience, and agree an early start. Pack water, snacks and sun protection, as shade is patchy on the ridges. For lodging near the reserve see where to stay at Shimba Hills, and for a ready-made route look at Shimba Hills itineraries.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team