A Coastal Forest & Wildlife Escape

1 Day Shimba Hills National Reserve Safari

Enjoy a 1 day Shimba Hills safari from Diani or Mombasa. Visit waterfalls, see rare sable antelopes, forest wildlife and coastal rainforest scenery in Kenya.

A Coastal Forest & Wildlife Escape

1 Day Shimba Hills National Reserve Safari

Just a short drive from the beaches of Diani and Mombasa lies a completely different world. The 1 day Shimba Hills National Reserve safari takes you into one of Kenya’s rare coastal rainforest ecosystems — Shimba Hills National Reserve — where lush green hills, waterfalls, and unique wildlife replace the coastal sand and ocean views. This is a perfect day trip for travelers staying in Diani Beach or Mombasa who want a mix of nature, scenery, wildlife, and light adventure without traveling far. It’s calm, green, refreshing — and very different from the typical savannah safari.

The Shimba Hills Experience

Shimba Hills is one of the last remaining coastal rainforests in East Africa.

It offers rolling hills, dense forest, open grasslands, and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean in the distance.

Unlike large safari parks, this experience feels more intimate, peaceful, and immersive in nature.

It is especially famous for rare wildlife species found nowhere else along the coast.

Safari Highlights

 

  • 1 day Shimba Hills safari
  • Departure from Diani or Mombasa
  • Game drives in forest reserve
  • Sheldrick Falls guided walk
  • Coastal rainforest experience
  • Private or shared safari options
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

The Shimba Hills Experience Safari Itinerary

Safari Itinerary

Morning Departure

Depart early from your hotel in Diani or Mombasa and drive inland toward Shimba Hills National Reserve.

The road gradually climbs from the coast into cooler, greener forest landscapes.


 Morning Game Drive

Enter the reserve and begin a guided game drive through forest trails and open grasslands.

Wildlife you may encounter:

  • Sable antelope (rare and iconic)
  • Elephants (forest herds)
  • Bushbucks
  • Monkeys and baboons
  • Colorful bird species

The forest atmosphere creates a unique safari experience different from open savannah parks.


 Sheldrick Falls Visit

Continue to the famous Sheldrick Falls, a hidden waterfall deep inside the forest.

Enjoy a guided nature walk down to the falls where you can:

  • Relax in natural pools
  • Take photos
  • Enjoy the cool forest air
  • Experience untouched nature

This is one of the highlights of the reserve.


 Picnic Lunch in Nature

Enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic viewpoint inside the reserve.

Surrounded by forest and birdsong, this is a peaceful break before the afternoon drive.


 Afternoon Exploration

Continue exploring different sections of the reserve with your guide.

Enjoy panoramic viewpoints where, on clear days, you can see the coastline and Indian Ocean from the hills.


 Return to Coast

Drive back to Diani or Mombasa in the late afternoon.

Arrive at your hotel refreshed after a day of nature and wildlife.

Package Includes

  • Park entry fees
  • Transport in safari vehicle
  • Professional driver-guide
  • Game drives and guided walks
  • Bottled drinking water
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Package Excludes

  • Lunch and drinks
  • Personal shopping expenses
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional museum fees (if not included)
  • Travel insurance

Our Signature Tours

🌿 What Makes This Safari Special

This Shimba Hills safari is unique because it offers:

  • A rare coastal rainforest ecosystem
  • Close proximity to Diani Beach
  • Waterfall and forest hiking experience
  • Rare sable antelope sightings
  • Scenic viewpoints over the Indian Ocean
  • A peaceful, less crowded safari experience

It’s the perfect nature escape from the beach.

Our Signature Tours

What You’ll Experience on This Safari

  • Forest game drive experience
  • Rare sable antelope sightings
  • Elephants in a rainforest setting
  • Sheldrick Falls waterfall visit
  • Scenic coastal viewpoints
  • Birdwatching and nature walks
  • Relaxed, low-impact safari

Our Signature Tours

Optional Experiences

 Hot air balloon safari over the Mara
 Maasai village cultural visit
 Private safari vehicle upgrade
 Luxury camp upgrades

Our Signature Tours

Who Is This Safari Ideal For?

First-time safari travelers
Wildlife photographers
Couples and honeymooners
Adventure seekers
Travelers short on time

Why Book With Us

The T Classic Safaris Difference

Kenya-based, locally owned, KATO licensed. No middlemen — you deal directly with the team running your safari.

 

Locally Based & Owned

Kenya-owned with offices in Nairobi and Diani. You book directly with the people who run your safari.

Tailor-Made Itineraries

Every safari customised to your interests, budget and style — private, group, family or luxury.

Responsible Tourism

Low-impact travel that conserves Kenya's wildlife and supports local Maasai and coastal communities.

Expert Safari Guides

KWS-licensed naturalists with deep knowledge and genuine passion for Kenya's wilderness.

Guest Reviews

5-Star Safari Experiences

Why Book With Us

Book Your 1 Day Shimba Hills National Reserve Safari

Four days in the Masai Mara gives you time to slow down and truly experience Africa’s most famous wildlife reserve.

Big cats. Endless plains. And unforgettable safari moments.

Book Your Safari Now
Request a Custom Masai Mara Itinerary
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