Shimba hills tropical rain forest day trip

Exploring Kenya’s coastal rainforests and savannahs in one day sounds ambitious—and it really is. This Shimba Hills day trip offers a blend of wildlife encounters, scenic hikes, and a touch of adventure that can appeal to nature lovers and curious travelers alike. We looked into this experience to see if it lives up to its promise, and here’s what you need to know.

What immediately drew our attention was how the tour combines sightings of rare animals like the endangered sable antelope, a scenic waterfall hike for the more active, and a relaxing lunch at the region’s only treetop hotel. The professionalism of the multilingual guides and the inclusion of park entrance fees makes it a seamless experience. However, as with any nature-focused tour that involves walking and wildlife spotting, it’s not suited for everyone—particularly those with mobility challenges.

This trip feels best suited for those who love wildlife, scenic landscapes, and a bit of physical activity. If you’re after a relaxed, cultural experience or are traveling with little ones, it might be better to consider other options. Overall, it’s a well-rounded day trip that offers genuine encounters with Kenya’s natural beauty.

Contents show

Key Points

Wildlife Encounters: Spot endangered sable antelopes, giraffes, and colorful bird species like hornbills and ostriches.
Scenic Waterfall Hike: A 4-kilometer trek to Sheldrick Falls for the physically fit, with lush greenery and a plunge pool.
Luxury Lunch: Enjoy a meal at the only treetop hotel in the coast region, with a chance to see the playful African bush baby during lunch.
Expert Guide: A professional multilingual guide enriches the experience and helps you spot wildlife and explain key features.
Flexible Options: The waterfall visit is optional, allowing you to tailor the day based on your fitness and interests.
All-Inclusive: Park entry fees, water, and two game drives are included, providing good value for the $190 price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to Shimba Hills National Reserve

Situated just under two hours from Mombasa and Diani, Shimba Hills is a haven for nature enthusiasts. Its landscapes vary from lush coastal rainforests to rolling hills, giving you a chance to see Kenya’s diverse ecosystems in one compact area. The reserve is particularly noted for its endangered sable antelopes, a rare sighting that adds a special touch to this safari.

The day trip starts early, with pickups at 07:00 from Mombasa and 08:00 from Diani, which means you’ll get a full day of exploration. The driving time is manageable—about an hour from Diani and roughly an hour and a half from Mombasa—making this a convenient escape from the coast.

Looking for more options in Kenya? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Morning Game Drive

Your adventure kicks off with a safari game drive shortly after arrival, which lasts until around 10:00. The safari vehicles are equipped with pop-up rooftops, offering unobstructed views of wildlife and landscape. Guides are experienced and multilingual, capable of spotting animals and sharing insights in French, English, German, Italian, or Polish, according to your preference.

During the drive, expect to see a variety of animals, including the endangered sable antelope, which is a highlight of the reserve. Giraffes, bush pigs, and even the tiny but remarkable African bush baby can be observed. Birdwatchers will appreciate the variety of species such as ostriches, eagles, and hornbills, which make the reserve a birding paradise.

Sheldrick Waterfall Hike (Optional)

After the morning drive, your guide will ask if you’d like to visit Sheldrick Waterfalls—a 21-meter cascade surrounded by greenery and lianas, with a natural plunge pool at its base. This part of the tour is physically demanding, approximately a 4-kilometer walk to and from the waterfall, and recommended for those who are fit and comfortable with hiking.

The trek is somewhat strenuous due to the hilly terrain of Shimba Hills, with uneven paths and moderate ascents. Several reviews note that the descent is easier than the ascent, which can be steep and taxing. Reviewers mention that the experience was “truly worth it,” but only if you’re prepared for a bit of a workout—”strongly recommend the water fall visit to the physically fit only.” For those who prefer a lighter day, the guide is flexible to skip this part altogether.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lunch at the Treetop Hotel

Post-hike, everyone reconvenes at Shimba Hills Lodge, the only treetop hotel in the coast region. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch with views over the forest canopy. During your meal, there’s a good chance to see the African bush baby—a small, nocturnal primate often spotted during daylight hours in the trees nearby. The setting is tranquil, with a cool breeze and the sounds of forest life, making it a memorable dining experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Kenya

Afternoon Safari Drive

After lunch, the safari continues until around 15:00. The second game drive offers a different perspective and a chance to catch any wildlife you might have missed earlier. If you’re lucky, you might spot more giraffes, waterbucks, or even the elusive sable antelope again.

End of the Day and Return

By late afternoon, your group will leave the reserve and head back to your hotel, with plenty of time to relax or explore more of Mombasa or Diani. The tour concludes around 16:30-17:00, making it a full but manageable day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package includes two safaris, park entrance fees, a professional multilingual guide, water during the tour, and a lunch at the treetop hotel. These inclusions offer good value, especially considering the separate costs often associated with park entry and meals.

Additional expenses are mainly for drinks in the restaurant, which are not included, so you might want to bring some extra cash for beverages. The optional waterfall hike is not part of the package but can be easily added if you’re physically up for it.

The Real Value: Is It Worth $190?

At $190 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience packed with wildlife, scenery, and a touch of adventure. Given that park fees and two game drives are included, plus the lunch and optional waterfall hike, it’s quite a good deal for a full day out.

Many reviews highlight the professional guidance and the opportunity to see rare animals, especially the sable antelope. The luxury lunch at the treetop hotel adds a memorable touch, elevating what could be just a standard safari into a truly special outing.

Practical Tips for the Day

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and hiking if you plan to visit the waterfall.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for protection during the drives and hike.
Carry some cash or cards for extra drinks or souvenirs.
Be prepared for a full day outdoors—layer clothing if the weather is variable.
Respect wildlife and keep noise to a minimum during drives and walks.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers who don’t mind a little physical activity. It’s perfect if you’re eager to see rare animals like sable antelopes and enjoy scenic landscapes, all within a day. The flexible options to skip the waterfall mean it accommodates different fitness levels, while the inclusive pricing simplifies planning.

However, those with mobility issues or looking for a very relaxed, sit-back experience might find the hike challenging. It’s also not suitable for travelers with very young children, given the walking involved.

Overall, the Shimba Hills tropical rain forest day trip is a well-organized, value-packed excursion that offers authentic encounters with Kenya’s wildlife and scenery. It’s a fantastic way to experience the country’s natural diversity without an overnight commitment, making it a highlight for those staying on the coast.

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, guests are picked up from Mombasa or Diani and transported to Shimba Hills in a safari van with a pop-up roof for optimal wildlife viewing.

How long is the drive from Mombasa or Diani?
The drive takes approximately an hour from Diani and about an hour and a half from Mombasa, making it a manageable day trip.

What wildlife can I expect to see?
You’ll likely see endangered sable antelopes, giraffes, bush pigs, and various bird species like ostriches, hornbills, and eagles, depending on wildlife activity that day.

Is the waterfall visit suitable for everyone?
No, the waterfall hike is about 4 km and involves steep and uneven terrain, so it’s recommended only for the physically fit.

What’s included in the price?
Park entrance fees, two game drives, professional multilingual guides, water during the tour, and lunch at the treetop hotel are included.

Are drinks in the restaurant included?
No, all beverages outside of water are extra and not included in the package.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and some cash for extra drinks or tips are recommended. Bring layers if weather conditions vary.

In all, this tour provides a balanced mix of wildlife viewing, scenic hiking, and relaxing dining, making it a worthy addition to any coastal Kenya itinerary.