1-Day Shimba Hills Safari from Diani
Book a 1-day Shimba Hills Safari from Diani Beach or Mombasa. Spot elephants, rare sable antelopes, giraffes & Sheldrick Falls. Perfect short safari from the coast.
Overview – Shimba Hills Safari
If you’re short on time but still want a wildlife safari near Diani Beach or Mombasa, the Shimba Hills National Reserve day trip is the perfect choice.
Just an hour’s drive from Diani, Shimba Hills Safari combines breathtaking coastal rainforest, rolling hills, and unique wildlife encounters. It’s the only place in Kenya where you can spot the rare sable antelope, along with elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and over 100 bird species.
This short safari also includes a hike to the stunning Sheldrick Falls, making it both an adventure and a nature escape.
Shimba Hills Safari Highlights
Spot elephants, sable antelope, giraffes, and buffalo
Explore coastal rainforest and rolling hills
Over 100 bird species, including hornbills & sunbirds
Guided hike to Sheldrick Falls
Short drive from Diani & Mombasa – perfect day trip
1-Day Shimba Hills Safari Itinerary
06:00 AM – Pick-up from Hotel
Early morning pick-up from your Diani or Mombasa beach hotel. Drive to Shimba Hills National Reserve (approx. 1 hr).
07:30 AM – Morning Game Drive
Enter the park for a game drive, spotting elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and the rare sable antelope.
10:30 AM – Sheldrick Falls Hike
Guided nature walk to the scenic Sheldrick Falls. Enjoy the cool spray and take photos.
01:00 PM – Lunch with a View
Delicious lunch at Shimba Hills Green Safari Lodge, overlooking the forested hills.
02:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive
Another chance to see wildlife and enjoy panoramic views before heading back.
05:00 PM – Return to Diani/Mombasa
Drive back to your hotel in time for dinner.
What’s Included
Pick-up & drop-off (Diani or Mombasa hotels)
Transport in a safari 4×4 or minivan
Professional safari guide
Park entrance fees
Lunch at Shimba Hills lodge
Bottled water
What’s Not Included
Tips & gratuities
Personal expenses
Best Time to Visit Shimba Hills
Shimba Hills is open year-round, but the best time is during the dry season (June–October & January–March) when trails are less slippery and wildlife is easier to spot.
FAQS: Shimba Hills
Only about 30 km (1 hour) drive, making it the closest safari to Diani.
Elephants, giraffes, buffalo, sable antelope, warthogs, baboons, and many bird species.
It’s a moderate 2 km walk. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.
Yes, this safari is family-friendly, though younger kids may skip the waterfall hike.
Light clothing, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, walking shoes, binoculars, and a camera.
Yes! Pick-up is available from both Diani & Mombasa beach hotels.
Yes. Private 4x4 safari tours are available for couples, families, or small groups.
Absolutely! The mix of wildlife, landscapes, and Sheldrick Falls makes it a photographer’s dream.
No special gear is needed, just comfortable walking shoes.
Yes, it’s a quiet safari reserve, ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful wildlife experience.