Diani Beach · Tours & Safaris
Shimba Hills Safari from Diani
The closest safari to Diani — a cool, green coastal-rainforest reserve that’s the best place in Kenya to see the rare sable antelope, with elephants and a forest waterfall.
Just inland from Diani’s beaches, the land rises into a cool, green plateau of coastal rainforest and rolling grassland: Shimba Hills National Reserve. It’s the closest safari to the beach, the best place in Kenya to see the rare sable antelope, home to elephants and a lovely forest waterfall — and, unlike the big inland parks, it makes a genuinely rewarding half-day trip. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Why visit Shimba Hills?
Shimba Hills is special because it packs a real safari — big game, rare species and dramatic scenery — into a reserve close enough to visit before lunch. Managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), it protects one of East Africa’s largest remaining coastal rainforests, a habitat far rarer than the famous savannahs, rich in rare plants, butterflies and birds. On a clear day the plateau even offers views back down to the Indian Ocean.
The sable antelope — Shimba’s signature
The sable (the eastern race, Hippotragus niger roosevelti) is one of Africa’s most beautiful antelopes and, in Kenya, one of the rarest — which is precisely why wildlife enthusiasts make the trip. Look for them in the reserve’s grassland glades, especially in the cool of early morning.
Elephants and other wildlife
Elephants are the other big draw, and the neighbouring community-run Mwaluganje sanctuary was created partly to ease human–elephant conflict and protect their migration corridor. Leopards are present but, as everywhere, very rarely seen. The forest’s biodiversity — including rare cycads and orchids — is a highlight for naturalists.
Sheldrick Falls
Named after David Sheldrick, the walk down through the forest to the falls is a rare chance to explore a Kenyan reserve on foot, accompanied by an armed ranger (required because of elephants). The pool below is a refreshing reward.
Visiting Shimba Hills from Diani
When to go and entry fees
The dry seasons (roughly June–October and January–February) offer the easiest game viewing and firmer tracks. Entry is by KWS conservation fee, which is higher for non-residents than for residents and citizens — confirm current rates, as most day-trip packages add the park fee on top of the tour price. See timing on our best time to visit guide.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is Shimba Hills famous?
Shimba Hills National Reserve holds Kenya’s main population of the rare sable antelope, and is also home to elephants, buffalo, giraffe and elusive leopards in a rare coastal rainforest, plus the 21-metre Sheldrick Falls. It’s the closest safari to Diani Beach.
How far is Shimba Hills from Diani?
About an hour’s drive, which makes it ideal for a half-day or full-day safari from Diani — a morning game drive and the Sheldrick Falls walk, then back to the beach.
Can you see elephants in Shimba Hills?
Yes. Shimba Hills and the adjoining Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary support a resident elephant population, and elephants are among the reserve’s main attractions alongside the rare sable antelope.
What is Sheldrick Falls?
Sheldrick Falls is a 21-metre waterfall inside Shimba Hills, reached by a guided forest walk of about 30–45 minutes each way with a KWS ranger. There’s a natural pool at the base for a cooling swim.
Is Shimba Hills worth it as a day trip from Diani?
Yes. Unlike the big inland parks, Shimba Hills is close enough for a rewarding half-day safari without a lot of driving — you can see sable antelope and elephants, walk to Sheldrick Falls, and be back at the beach for lunch.
Sources & further reading
- Kenya Wildlife Service — Shimba Hills National Reserve (managing authority: sable antelope, wildlife, Sheldrick Falls, fees; primary)
- Kenya Wildlife Service — conservation fees & park information (primary)
Images: Wikimedia Commons, used under their respective licences — verify and attribute each per its file page before publishing. Prices, schedules, wildlife sightings and opening details change; confirm before you travel or book. Last updated: 2026.
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