Shimba Hills National Reserve

The Shimba Hills rise from the coastal plain south of Mombasa, catching enough rain to hold coastal rainforest and grassland, and the reserve exists in large part for one animal: the sable antelope, a tall black bull with sweeping curved horns, whose only Kenyan population lives here. Elephants are present in numbers that create real conflict with surrounding farms, which is why a corridor was created to Mwaluganje next door. The forest holds rare cycads and orchids, colobus monkeys and a good bird list. The reserve's set-piece walk is to Sheldrick Falls, a twenty-one metre waterfall reached on a guided descent of around forty-five minutes through forest, with a pool at the bottom for swimming. A treetop lodge inside the reserve overlooks a waterhole.

What you actually see

• Sable antelope - Kenya's only population, on the grassland areas.
• Sheldrick Falls - a guided forest walk to the fall and its pool.
• Coastal rainforest - cycads, orchids and colobus in the hills.
• Elephants - substantial numbers moving through the reserve.

When to go

Dry seasons for the tracks; the hills are humid and rainy compared with the coast below. Mornings for the falls walk. It works as a day trip from Diani or Mombasa, with the ferry crossing adding time.

Honest expectations

The Likoni ferry can add an hour or more each way at busy times. Sable are not guaranteed and often distant. The falls walk requires a ranger escort and reasonable fitness for the climb back. Tracks are rough and 4x4 is advisable. Elephant encounters on foot are a real consideration.

Nearby

Mwaluganje elephant sanctuary adjoins; Diani beach lies east on the coast.