½ Day Shimba Hills

Trip programme

½-Day shimba hills: Experience Nature, Wildlife & Waterfalls – All in Just Half a Day! Looking for a quick but unforgettable safari near the coast? Just a short drive from Mombasa or Diani Beach, Shimba Hills National Reserve offers a half-day getaway into coastal rainforest, wildlife viewing, and one of Kenya’s most scenic waterfalls.

This tour is perfect for travelers on tight schedules, cruise passengers, or beachgoers looking for something beyond the sand.

½-Day shimba hills

Itinerary & Highlights Duration: 4–5 Hours Departure: Early morning (around 6:00–6:30 AM) Pickup: Mombasa, Nyali, Diani, or Ukunda hotels/resorts

Hotel Pickup & Scenic Drive Start the day with a comfortable drive through rural villages, palm plantations, and the rolling hills of Kwale County. Watch the scenery shift from coastal towns to forested highlands.

½-Day shimba hills

 Game Drive Upon entering the reserve, embark on a guided game drive through lush rainforest and open grasslands. Shimba Hills is home to: Rare sable antelope (the only place in Kenya) Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, bushbuck A wide variety of birds and butterflies Enjoy panoramic views from forest lookouts across the Usambara Mountains and Indian Ocean.

½-day shimba hills

Guided Nature Walk to Sheldrick Falls After the game drive, join a park ranger for a short guided hike (about 1 km each way) through indigenous forest to reach the majestic 25-meter Sheldrick Falls. Here, you can take photos, dip your feet in the cool water, or just relax to the sounds of the cascade. Note: The walk requires moderate fitness and closed shoes.

Return Safari Drive & Drop-Off Enjoy more wildlife sightings on the drive back through the park before returning to your hotel or beach resort by late morning or early afternoon—perfect timing for lunch or beach time.