Shimba Hills National Reserve is a small National Park in the Coast Province of Kenya, 33 km from Mombasa and 15 km from the coast. The reserve is an area of coastal rainforest, woodland and grassland. It is an important area for plant biodiversity – over 50 % of the 159 rare plants in Kenya are found in the Shimba Hills, including some endangered species of cycad and orchids. It is also a nationally important site for birds and butterflies.
Shimba Hills National Reserve has a sharp contrast to the arid, flat plains of many other of the Kenyan parks. Much of the Reserve has beautiful views over the Indian Ocean, as Shimba Hills lies less than 50 kms from Kenya's coast. In spite of this proximity to the ocean, it lacks the coastal region’s tropical climate; at up to 500m above sea-level, the air is cool and refreshing.
The most distinctive of the Shimba Hills National Reserve's many species is the rare and impressive Sable antelope. Shimba Hills National Reserve is the only park in Kenya where you will see this impressive animal. . Both sexes of the Sable antelope carry 100-160 centimeter horns, which rise vertically before curving backward in a pronounced arc. Other wildlife to be seen in Shimba Hills Nation reserve include elephant, giraffe and buffalo, black and white colobus monkeys, warthogs, Serval cats and the elusive leopard. Bird lovers can spot a wealth of species, including woodpeckers, sunbirds, honey guides and turacos.
Also found within the forest are the spectacular Sheldrick Falls, which are over 25m high. Adjoining Shimba Hills is the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, linked by a game corridor and run by the local Duruma people this is a fine example of wildlife and people working together. The Mwaluganje River runs through the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary and though small, this is a very scenic area with the Golini escarpment in the background and large baobab trees dotting the landscape.