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Description
Paradise of the Sable Antelope
Beyond the serene sandy beaches of Mombasa, elephants and sable antelopes leisurely patrol the gently rolling and one of the largest coastal rain forest of Shimba Hills National Reserve in Kwale County. This reserve has the last breeding herd of the rare sable antelope in Kenya. The vanishing rain forest antelopes are on the priority list of nationally endangered species in Kenya and the organization is keen on seeing that a national conservation strategy is developed to guide all efforts to conserve the species for posterity. Sable antelopes are highly matriarchal in their social structure and congregate in herds of 15 to 20 individuals and the most dominant female in the herd becomes their leader.
As one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, this reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species found in the area are Sable antelope, elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bats. The forest is an important bird area and is endowed with forest birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spur fowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop. The scenic Sheldrick Falls and the dense Mwaluganje Forest are also found here along with four campsites.
Attractions & Activities
Are you the adrenaline filled outdoor adventure junkie? Always on the go, up for some adventure? Immerse your senses in the quiet of nature as you flex your muscles hiking on the trails of nature on the hills of Shimba, experience and soak in the cool refreshing pool at the foot of Sheldrick falls. Enjoy camping under a starry wild night and picnicking if you just want to be in the reserve for just a day trip.
Magnificent view of the landscape from the Ocean view point and Pengo the highest point in Shimba hills.
Promo Video
Stay in the Wild. Explore. Create memories
Set in the quietude of nature, KWS offers a modest and wide range of self-catering accommodation options targeting the budget traveler. Whether you are looking to get away from the daily grind of life, away from the hustle and bustle of life in the city in the serenity of the bush, or just to soak in your senses and reconnect with nature, KWS bandas and guesthouses offer a perfect ambience.
Sable Bandas
Accommodation: 4units, 2pax per unit
The units consist of one bedroom each with two single beds.
Amenities: Each unit has an en-suite bathroom. A verandah with a dining table and benches. Beddings, mosquito nets, towels and toiletries are provided. Lighting is by solar and kerosene lamps. There's a communal kitchen available for hire in the nearby campsite. The kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, kitchen utensils and cutlery. A caretaker is available.
Rates:
Citizens & Residents: KES 3,000
Non-Residents: US$ 50
Public Campsites
• Professional
• Makadara camping site
• Sable bandas campsite
For this category standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/bathroom and kitchen area.
Public campsites do not require prior booking.
*Reservation of bandas/guesthouses should be done through the park warden or through KWS headquarters reservations desk; reservations@kws.go.ke
*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day for both special and public campsites including other park charges.
What to take with you
Whether camping or just visiting for a day trip, visitors are advised to carry with them the following; personal effects, drinking water, food, camping equipment if the visitor intends to stay overnight.
Also important are; Camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, first aid kit, sunglasses, appropriate hiking gear and reserve car fuel if intending to be in the park longer.
Security/Guided tour per guide
• KES 1,720 – up to 4 hours
• KES 3,015 – Over 4 hours
Vehicle Charges per day
• Less than 6 seats - KES 300
• 6-12 seats - KES 1,030
• 13-24 seats - KES 2,585
• 25-44 seats - KES 4,050
• 45 seats and above - KES 5,000
By Road: Located in Kwale, a distance of 36.6km south of Mombasa town via Likoni – Ukunda road branching off at Kombani Junction for a distance of 19 KM to the main gate.
From Diani to the main gate is a distance of 30.6 km Via Likoni –Ukunda road branching off at Kombani junction.
By Air: Served by the Diani airport, 36 km away from the park.
By Rail: Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Syokimau (Nairobi Terminus) to Miritini (Mombasa Terminus) train stations then connect by road.
Working Hours
- Monday Open all day
- Tuesday Open all day
- Wednesday Open all day
- Thursday Open all day
- Friday Open all day
- Saturday Open all day
- Sunday Open all day
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