Review: Shimba Hills Reserve Day Trip From Mombasa & Diani

So, are you thinking of swapping those beach vibes for a day out in the bush? A Shimba Hills Reserve trip could be just what you want, that’s right. It’s quite an easy getaway from Mombasa and Diani, and trust me, that fresh air and views? Really they are a world away from the coast’s humidity, isn’t it. That said, here’s my take after a day spent exploring this spot, too.

Getting There and Settling In

Okay, first up, the drive, really. That departure point whether it’s Mombasa or Diani will affect travel time, just a little. From Mombasa, the trip takes about an hour, maybe a bit more, is that right. If you’re leaving from Diani, you’re looking at closer to 30-45 minutes, typically. So, as I was saying that the roads can be a little bumpy in sections, a 4×4 vehicle might be ideal, sometimes but that tour operators often manage perfectly well with the regular tour vans, really.

That when you reach the Shimba Hills National Reserve, you’ll notice you can almost feel the temperature drop ever so slightly as you climb in altitude, could be. I want to say that after you pay the entry fee (currently KSH 1030 for Kenyan citizens and $25 for non-residents, but do double-check because that changes!), you’ll meet your guide, who really, very much, will be key to spotting all the amazing wildlife in the reserve, like your personal wildlife whisperer, that. Don’t even get me started, actually anyway, the park fees really help to support the area’s conservation efforts and its communities, or so they say.

Wildlife Encounters and Game Drives

Anyway, the main event: that wildlife, of course! Shimba Hills may not be as famed as the Maasai Mara, or some of Kenya’s other spots, yet its charm lies in its intimacy, just a bit. The reserve’s especially pretty great if you like a smaller and more closely knitted ecosystem. The star attraction? Those majestic sable antelopes with their really long, curved horns and striking markings, too. Also it’s almost too easy to spot herds of these beauties grazing peacefully, as I was saying. You’re you probably want to keep an eye out for elephants, and that Shimba Hills is actually home to one of the highest densities of elephants in Kenya, arguably. You might catch a glimpse of giraffes, bushbucks, or even the elusive leopard if you’re super lucky, isn’t it.

Speaking of these encounters, that they unfold as you meander through the reserve’s gorgeous landscapes is part of the magic, you see. That mix of grasslands, forests, and occasional waterholes mean every turn seems to offer a totally new sight, pretty much. Oh yeah and during my visit, that we stopped by a watering hole, like your own private oasis and that became a magnet for birds, which meant taking that shot made my day and that I nearly didn’t see when it started raining, like a wildlife photographer’s dream, more or less. Don’t forget to ask your guide questions – you’ll get insight to learn about animal behavior and the plant life all over the region. That, that really adds another layer to the experience, like an open air classroom, is that right.

Sheldrick Falls: A Forest Hike Reward

The Sheldrick Falls: too, that you really cannot miss those cascading falls and this requires you to pull those hiking boots on for a 2-3 hour walk, give or take. Oh yeah, I nearly forgot to say the paths lead you through pretty nice lush forests. And so I would suggest checking if you’re in a group that is a decent place to break off and sit by the banks and watch smaller critters.

You know, I noticed, actually that on the way and after arriving at these really great waterfalls is super awesome to spend some time there taking some deep breaths of some air that makes you feel really fantastic, isn’t it. So, actually the hike isn’t bad however if you’re older you may want to rest periodically. So, you see too that there are benches that dot the terrain as you hike so, that being said that they don’t all connect too each other.

Packing and Preparation

To make that trip enjoyable and worthwhile you have to remember that preparation helps, isn’t it? Light clothes in neutral colours is important and really recommended so, it really is that way as the temperatures can rise as you hike, almost, isn’t it. It might rain even a little so, the key factor really would be taking with a lightweight jacket in case it does because too many times have I been burned without an umbrella of sorts, very.

That sunscreen with a high SPF can protect from some nasty sun so, make sure you pack sunglasses, right? That will really help with any vision acuity challenges during your trek too, obviously. A big plus really is a camera and so if you want to take photos it may not hurt bringing additional memory and charging for it because it’ll almost die for sure when you see so many nice things that you feel inclined to grab shots of, typically.

Now, listen too, it might just be really awesome if you brought local shillings if you happen to want to support local vendors or guides with tips. That could be awesome right, pretty much. Remember that too, right?