National Parks Africa » Shimba Hills National Park

Shimba Hills National Park is situated 56 kilometres (35 miles) south of Mombasa and consists of an area of 310 square kilometres (124 square miles), encompassing a line of gently rolling hills (rising up to 450 metres/ 1,500 feet) which run more or less parallel to the Kenya coastline. For sheer tranquility and lovely coastal views it is unbeatable. There are areas of open glades alternating with impressive stands of coastal rain forest. Herds of roan and spectacular sable antelope (occurring nowhere else in the country) can be found grazing here.

Fowl town: Lone bull buffalo can be seen and there is a resident herd which spends most of midday sheltering under the shade of one or two trees, normally in the area of the landing strip. There are signs of elephant everywhere and they can be seen going to drink in the mornings and evenings. They sometimes even wander into the outskirts of Kwale town. However, most of the time the herd are deep in the seemingly impenetrable forest in the middle of the park. Forest loving red duiker, bushbuck, waterbuck and grey duiker are also found. Lions and leopards are also present, although not in abundance. Bird-life, however, is profuse. Keep an eye out for the spur fowl kwale in Swahili from which the town takes its name.

An easy drive from any of the beach resorts south of Mombasa, the Shimba Hills offer a cool change from the humidity of the coastal strip. There are stunning views of the ocean and Tanzania’s Usambara and Pare mountains.

There is a new lodge just outside the park gate and self-help thatched bandas are located on the edge of an escarpment. Bring food and bedding for these. Otherwise, there’s plenty of beachfront accommodation between the townships of Tiwi and Diani, a 21-kilometre (13 mile) stretch south of Mombasa.