1 day Shimba Hills Tour

Planning a day trip to Kenya’s stunning Shimba Hills can sound like a simple adventure, but with so many options, it’s worth knowing what to expect. We’ve gone through the details of the popular 1-day Shimba Hills Tour offered by Kisite Discovery Safaris, and here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

This tour promises a combination of wildlife sightings, scenic waterfalls, and a taste of tropical rainforest, all within a manageable 8-hour window. What we love about it? The chance to see diverse animals, experience the vibrant birdlife, and enjoy a refreshing swim at Sheldrick Falls. Plus, the tour includes a visit to a waterhole at Shimba Lodge—an excellent spot for spotting animals up close.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that some reviews mention the challenge of spotting many animals, especially during overgrown or less active times. If your main goal is a safari with lots of animal sightings, this might not be the absolute top pick. Still, if you’re into nature, waterfalls, and a mix of adventure and relaxation, this trip can be quite rewarding. It’s best suited for those who enjoy guided tours, scenic hikes, and are ready for some physical activity.

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Key Points

Wildlife and Birding: Expect to see buffalos, giraffes, impalas, sable, and roan antelopes, along with diverse bird species like fish eagles and weaver birds.
Waterfalls and Nature Walks: Sheldrick Waterfalls offers a scenic spot for swimming and photos, with trails that require some trekking.
Expert Guides: Well-trained guides familiar with the area enhance the experience, offering insights and helping spot animals.
Value for Money: At $185 per person, this tour covers park entry fees, lunch, and multiple game drives—making it a cost-effective way to explore Shimba Hills.
Physical Activity: The hike to Sheldrick Falls can be strenuous, as noted by reviews mentioning steep uphill sections.
Wildlife Viewing Tips: The best chances to see animals are early in the day—morning game drives tend to be more fruitful.

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Detailed Breakdown of the Shimba Hills Tour

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Starting the Day: Early Pick-Up and Drive to Shimba Hills

Your adventure begins with a hotel pickup around 7:00 am, a time that’s quite standard for safaris. From Diani, it’s about a 35 km drive to the Shimba Hills entrance, a journey that typically takes about 30 minutes. Expect the ride to be comfortable, with the guide pointing out local sights or sharing interesting facts about the region.

Entering Shimba Hills: Scenic Drive and First Impressions

Once at the gate, the real magic starts. Shimba Hills is a tropical rainforest sprawling across 202 km², offering a lush backdrop for your day. The landscape features casuarina forests, grasslands, and water bodies such as Marere Dam, a vital water source for animals.

Game Drive and Sheldrick Waterfalls

By around 11:00 am, you’ll set off on your game drive, led by a knowledgeable ranger. Expect to see some of the resident wildlife: buffalos, giraffes, impalas, and occasionally elusive leopards. However, reviews suggest that sightings can sometimes be limited, especially if the terrain is overgrown. One traveler noted, “In the jungle, there are few animals to see, and the landscape is very overgrown.” That said, the guide’s expertise can help you locate wildlife and provide context about the ecosystem.

The highlight for many visitors is the visit to Sheldrick Waterfalls. The waterfalls are a beautiful spot for photos and swimming, with a trail leading to the falls that’s described as steep and strenuous. A reviewer pointed out that “the hike to the waterfall was pretty strenuous, but it was worth it.” Proper footwear like trekking shoes is recommended, especially since the terrain can be steep and uneven.

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Lunch Break at Shimba Lodge

After the waterfall adventure, you’ll head to Shimba Lodge for a well-deserved lunch. The lodge is known for its scenic location—set among trees with an excellent view of the waterhole. Travelers have appreciated the chance to watch animals come to drink while enjoying a meal. One reviewer mentioned, “Lunch was at a lodge with a wonderful view and a pool,” adding that seeing animals at the waterhole was a special touch.

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Afternoon Game Drive and Return

Post-lunch, a second game drive takes you until about 3:00 pm, giving you more chances to spot wildlife and enjoy the lush landscape. As the day winds down, you’ll head back to the hotel, arriving around 4:00 pm, making it a compact yet fulfilling day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included

All game drives with a professional guide familiar with the area, increasing your chances of sightings.
Park entrance fees, saving you the hassle of additional payments.
Transportation from and back to your hotel.
Lunch at Shimba Lodge.
Two bottles of water per person to stay hydrated.

Not Included

Personal items and souvenirs.
Drinks like sodas, beers, or wines purchased at lodges or camps.
Extra activities or optional tips for guides and staff.

Practical Tips

Bring your passport or ID card for park entry, plus essentials like a towel, swimwear for the waterfall, hiking shoes, and trekking gear. Remember, littering and feeding animals are strictly prohibited, so pack responsibly.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Perspective

Based on reviews, guides like Malwin are praised for being personable and answering questions in multiple languages, including German. Several travelers appreciated the friendly and informative guides, which significantly enriches the experience. One reviewer mentioned, “Malwin was very personable and could answer all our questions,” highlighting how a knowledgeable guide can turn a good trip into a memorable one.

Some reviews pointed out the challenge of limited animal sightings, which is common in overgrown or less active parks. For instance, “Because it is very overgrown, there are few animals to see, not like on a safari,” and “You might find that there aren’t many animals during your visit,” are honest reflections. Nevertheless, the scenery, waterfalls, and birdlife often compensate, giving visitors a chance to enjoy nature’s tranquility.

The Waterfalls and Hiking

Many found the hike to Sheldrick Falls rewarding despite its difficulty. “It’s a steep uphill walk, so hiking boots are a must,” one review suggests. The falls themselves are a picturesque sight, and swimming in the shallow pool is refreshing after the trek.

Wildlife and Bird Watching

While some guests did not see large herds or big cats, many still enjoyed spotting giraffes, buffalo, and antelopes, with some even seeing monkeys and ground hornbills. The birdlife, including fish eagles and weaver birds, adds to the park’s charm. One traveler noted, “We saw giraffes, monkeys, buffalo, and antelopes,” validating that decent sightings are possible.

Value for the Price

At $185, the tour covers transportation, park fees, lunch, and guided drives, which many consider reasonable for a full day immersed in Kenya’s natural beauty. The inclusion of a waterhole viewing at Shimba Lodge enhances the experience, offering potential wildlife encounters during the quieter afternoon hours.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers craving a blend of wildlife, scenery, and physical activity. It’s perfect for those comfortable with hiking and interested in seeing waterfalls up close. Families with active kids might enjoy the waterfalls more than the wildlife, especially given the hiking involved.

If your main goal is to see large herds of animals or the Big Five, this might not be your best choice. However, those who appreciate birding, enjoy scenic hikes, and want a taste of Kenya’s lush landscapes will find this day trip rewarding.

Final Thoughts

The 1-day Shimba Hills Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Kenya’s coastal rainforest. It combines wildlife sightings, scenic waterfalls, and the chance to walk through tropical terrain—all in one manageable day. The guided aspect adds value by providing insights and improving your chances of spotting wildlife, even if sightings can sometimes be limited due to dense overgrowth.

The tour’s real strength lies in its balance of adventure and relaxation, making it ideal for travelers seeking an authentic, active day immersed in nature. The inclusion of lunch and park fees, along with the opportunity to see animals at a waterhole, makes it a good value for those wanting a comprehensive experience without the longer commitment of multiple days.

If you’re prepared for some physical activity and eager to connect with Kenya’s lush landscapes and birdlife, this tour is worth considering.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
The tour kicks off with hotel pickup around 7:00 am, providing plenty of time for a full day of exploring.

How long is the drive from Diani to Shimba Hills?
It’s approximately a 30-35 km drive that takes about 30 minutes.

What should I bring for the hike to Sheldrick Falls?
Hiking shoes are recommended, along with a towel, swimwear, and trekking gear, since it involves a steep uphill walk.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
It’s best suited for those comfortable with physical activity. It’s not recommended for people with recent surgeries or those over 95 years old due to the strenuous hike.

What animals can I expect to see?
Common sightings include buffalos, giraffes, impalas, sable, and roan antelopes. Birdlife includes fish eagles, ground hornbills, and weaver birds. However, sightings depend on the day and weather.

Are park entry fees included?
Yes, all park entry fees are covered in the price.

Can I swim in Sheldrick Waterfalls?
Yes, you can enjoy swimming in the shallow pool at the base of the falls.

What’s the lunch like?
The lunch is served at Shimba Lodge, offering a scenic view and the chance to watch animals at the waterhole.

What makes this tour a good value?
It includes transportation, park fees, lunch, guide services, and multiple game drives, all within an accessible price point.

Is this tour flexible?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, allowing you to keep your plans flexible. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.

The 1-day Shimba Hills Tour offers a hearty dose of nature, scenic beauty, and gentle adventure, perfect for those who want a day away from the beach but still wish to experience Kenya’s incredible wildlife and landscapes.