Shimba Hills Itineraries: Day Trip, 2 Day and 5 Day Coastal Wildlife Plans

Shimba Hills rises behind the south coast of Kenya, a cooler, green landscape of grassland and patches of coastal rainforest. It is the one place in Kenya where visitors can see sable antelope, and elephants are a regular highlight.

Because it lies a short drive inland from the resorts, it offers a simple way to add wildlife to a beach holiday. The sample plans below show how to do that without rushing.

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

Why Visit Shimba Hills

Many coast visitors never leave the sand, yet this reserve offers a wholly different mood: breezy ridges, forest shade and open views towards the sea. Wildlife is less dense than in the big savannah parks, so treat it as a rewarding half or full day rather than a substitute for the Mara. Start with the Mombasa and Kenyan coast guide and the Diani Beach guide to choose your base.

One-Day Itinerary: A Day Trip From Diani or Mombasa

• Early morning: Leave the coast soon after sunrise to reach the reserve while animals are active.
• Morning: Game drive across the grassland in search of sable antelope, elephants, buffalo and giraffe.
• Midday: Picnic lunch at a viewpoint, then walk to Sheldrick Falls with a ranger.
• Afternoon: Short second drive and return to the coast.

The falls walk takes you through shaded forest, which is a welcome change from the open plains.

Two-Day Itinerary: A Night Near the Reserve

• Day 1: Travel inland in the morning, enjoy a lunch stop and an afternoon drive.
• Day 2: Dawn game drive, forest or birding walk, then return to the coast by midday.

Staying overnight lets you catch the soft light and the cooler air of early morning, when sable and other antelope are easiest to spot. It also leaves the heat of the day for travel.

Five-Day Itinerary: Coast, Shimba Hills and Tsavo East

• Day 1: Arrive at the coast and relax on the beach.
• Day 2: Full day at Shimba Hills with a drive and the falls walk.
• Day 3: Travel inland to Tsavo East for a first game drive.
• Day 4: Full day in Tsavo East, looking for red-dusted elephants and big cats.
• Day 5: Return to the coast for a final swim or onward flight.

This route pairs forest and hills with a big dry-country park, and still keeps most nights near the sea.

Pacing and Seasons

Plan the main drive for early morning and keep midday for rest or the forest walk. The reserve is accessible all year, though heavy rain can make tracks slippery and the long rains are quieter. See best time to visit Kenya for seasonal notes and the packing list for light layers and insect repellent.

Practical Tips

Book an experienced guide, because wildlife is more dispersed here than on open plains. Official reserve fees apply and your operator will confirm inclusions. For more variety, read Kenya safari itineraries, which shows how short coastal trips fit into wider routes.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

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