Viewpoints
Forest to the horizon.
Mutisya Maingi — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Holger Günther — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Bonaya Adam — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Holger Günther — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Holger Günther — CC BY-SA 3.0
Shimba Hills is a reserve of coastal forest and green hills near Kenya's south coast. Dense rainforest gives way to open grassland, and from the viewpoints the forest runs to the horizon with a river winding through a valley. The reserve is 33 km from Mombasa and 15 km from the coast. It is one of Kenya's most important plant areas, holding over half of the country's 159 rare plants, including endangered cycads and orchids. It has about 700 elephants and Kenya's only population of sable antelope, about 100 of them, and is a nationally important site for birds and butterflies. You drive the reserve's tracks between forest and grassland, stop at the viewpoints and watch for elephants and antelope. The reserve is about 23 km in a straight line west of Diani, an easy day trip from the beach. The tracks are dirt, so a four-wheel drive is best, and stay in the vehicle near elephants.
Forest to the horizon.
Long horns.
In the forest.
Kwale County, southwest of Mombasa
Yes, from Diani or Mombasa.
It is best.