Shimba Hills: Game Drive, Waterfall Hike, and Lunch

Shimba Hills gives you three very different Kenyan experiences in one day: a safari drive, a forest walk to Sheldrick Falls, and a relaxed lunch beside a pool. The waterfall is the star for me. After a warm hike through the rainforest, you can cool off in its natural pool before heading to the lodge.

I also like the personal care from guide Florence and the chance to escape the busy coast for quieter scenery. The lunch and pool stop add real value, especially because the lodge has broad views over the plains. The main consideration is transport: one outing used a regular six-seat car rather than a proper safari vehicle, which made wildlife viewing harder.

Key points at a glance

• A three-part day: Combine a Shimba Hills game drive, a moderate forest hike, and lunch with swimming.
• A real waterfall swim: Sheldrick Falls ends with a cool natural pool where you can take a refreshing dip.
• Florence leads the day: Florence is the guide, with her brother Johnny or another safari driver handling transport on some departures.
• Wildlife is possible, not guaranteed: Look for buffaloes, warthogs, antelopes, zebras, birds, and perhaps rarer animals such as sable antelope or leopard.
• Shimba Green Lodge is more than a meal stop: You can eat, swim, rest, and enjoy far-reaching views.
• A full eight-hour outing: Pickup is available from Diani Beach or Mombasa, with return to either location.

Why Shimba Hills makes a good change from the coast

If you are staying in Diani Beach or Mombasa, Shimba Hills offers a useful change of pace. The reserve covers 202 square kilometers, with rolling hills, thick vegetation, forest, and open areas where animals feed. The drive from the coast takes about an hour in the information provided, so this is a practical day trip rather than a long safari expedition.

I like the way the day balances action and rest. You are not sitting in a vehicle from morning to evening. The game drive gives you a chance to search for wildlife, the walk gives you close contact with the forest, and the lodge lets you slow down with food and a swim.

This is also a good choice if you want more than a standard beach excursion. You get scenery, exercise, wildlife, and a comfortable lunch without needing a multi-day safari. Just keep your expectations sensible. Shimba Hills can produce excellent animal sightings, but it is not a zoo, and some drives may yield only antelopes and zebras.

The early pickup and one-hour drive

The day begins with pickup at your accommodation in Diani Beach or Mombasa. The listed transport is a van, and the drive to the reserve takes roughly one hour. Along the way, you pass local villages, green countryside, and rising hills.

An early start matters here. It gives you better odds of seeing animals when they are active and leaves enough time for the walk, lunch, and pool stop. It also protects the day from feeling rushed, since the full outing lasts about eight hours and includes the return journey.

Transport quality deserves a quick note. A comfortable safari vehicle is the right tool for this trip, particularly on reserve roads where you need a good view from the windows. One departure used an ordinary six-person car, making the game drive less effective. I would confirm the vehicle type before booking if wildlife viewing is your main reason for coming.

The four-hour reserve visit

The reserve visit lasts about four hours and includes the game drive and the walk to Sheldrick Falls. Rangers issue entry tickets at the gate, and your English-speaking guide and driver take you through the reserve’s designated routes.

Shimba Hills is known for its endangered sable antelope, as well as buffaloes, warthogs, and many bird species. The animal list also includes giraffes and leopards, though sightings of any particular species cannot be promised. You might see zebras, several types of antelope, dik-diks, monkeys, colorful birds, and butterflies.

A guide adds value by helping you notice small animals that are easy to miss. A tiny dik-dik beside the track can be more rewarding than waiting for a dramatic predator. One outing also spotted a small puff adder, a reminder that the reserve is a living place rather than a staged wildlife display. Keep your hands to yourself, stay close to the guide, and never feed an animal.

The safari portion is best for people who enjoy searching. You may get buffaloes and warthogs close to the vehicle, or you may spend time scanning the vegetation for movement. That uncertainty is part of the deal, but it is also why the quality of the driver and vehicle matters.

The 2.5-kilometer walk to Sheldrick Falls

The walk to Sheldrick Falls is about 2.5 kilometers and is described as moderate. It passes through tropical forest, with possible sightings of monkeys, birds, butterflies, and other small creatures.

You should treat this as a proper walk, not a short stroll from the parking area. Comfortable shoes are essential, and the route may feel demanding in heat or after rain. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, pregnant women, children under eight, or people afraid of heights.

The forest is the payoff. The temperature and sound change as you move away from the vehicle, and the walk lets you see a different side of Shimba Hills than the open tracks do. A ranger joins the waterfall section, which helps with direction and safety.

Take water, even though the official packing list focuses on shoes, a hat, swimwear, and sunscreen. Bring a towel if you have room, since you will likely want to swim at the falls. Your phone and camera should be protected from water.

Sheldrick Falls and the natural pool

Sheldrick Falls drops over rock into a clear pool surrounded by forest. You can relax at the base, take photographs, and swim beneath the falling water. The pool is the kind of simple, physical pleasure that makes the hike worthwhile: hot walk, cool water, quiet forest.

The time at the waterfall may be around 30 minutes on some outings. That is enough for a swim and a rest, but not a long picnic break. If you want extra time in the water, ask your guide early in the day how the schedule looks.

The rocks and approach may be slippery, so move carefully. The activity is not suitable for anyone who is uncomfortable with heights, and you should follow the rangers’ instructions around the falls. This is not the place for a rushed jump or a careless climb.

For me, the waterfall gives this trip its strongest sense of place. A game drive can resemble other safari outings, but a forest walk ending in a swim feels closely tied to Shimba Hills. You earn the refreshment rather than simply arriving at a pool by road.

Lunch and pool time at Shimba Green Lodge

After the walk, the group heads to Shimba Green Lodge for lunch. The lodge serves local and international food, and the setting is surrounded by greenery. Drinks are not included, so budget separately for anything you want beyond the meal.

The lodge is an important part of the value. You are not eating quickly beside the vehicle. Instead, you have a chance to sit down, recover from the hike, and take in wide views across the surrounding plains. One especially memorable detail is the tiered infinity pool, where you may spot an elephant moving through the vegetation below.

Swimming is included, and the pool gives the afternoon a gentle finish. The planned stop is about one hour, so expect time for a swim and a meal, but not a long resort afternoon. Some people may find that too brief, particularly if they want to linger over lunch and use the pool at leisure.

The lodge also helps balance the physical effort of the waterfall walk. If you are not a strong hiker, the meal and pool make the day feel less like an endurance test. If you are very active, you may wish the schedule allowed more time at both the falls and the lodge.

What Florence and the driver add

Florence is the guide named for this experience, and her brother Johnny has driven on some departures. Their role is more than pointing out animals. Florence can help pace the walk, offer water, arrange small comforts, and keep the day moving without making it feel mechanical.

The personal service is especially useful on a full day with several changes of activity. You begin in a vehicle, switch to a forest trail, swim at the falls, eat at the lodge, and return by road. A guide who pays attention to rest breaks and practical needs can make that sequence much easier.

The driver matters just as much during the safari. You need someone who can position the vehicle for a clear view while respecting reserve rules. Again, confirm whether your departure uses a safari vehicle or a standard car. The difference affects both comfort and your ability to see animals.

Is the $217 price fair?

At $217 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day near the Kenyan coast. The price needs to be judged against what is included: transport, the game drive, the Sheldrick Falls hike, lunch, and swimming at the lodge.

For a single activity, the price would feel high. For an eight-hour day combining a reserve visit, a guided forest walk, a waterfall swim, a full meal, and a lodge pool, it is easier to justify. You are paying for transport and coordination as well as the individual stops.

The value is strongest if you want variety and personal attention. It is weaker if you only want a long safari drive, since the waterfall and lunch take up a large part of the day. It is also less attractive if you dislike walking or have no interest in swimming.

Drinks are extra, so carry some spending money. The reserve entry is described as handled at the gate, while the tour includes the game drive and other listed activities. Ask for a clear final breakdown when booking if you want to know exactly what is covered.

Who should book this day

I would recommend it to couples, active adults, older children over eight who are comfortable walking, and anyone staying on the coast who wants a nature day without committing to a longer safari. It also suits people who like a mix of comfort and activity.

The trip is a good match for you if you enjoy:

• Moderate walking in a forest
• Swimming in natural water
• Searching for wildlife rather than expecting guaranteed sightings
• Local and international food in a peaceful lodge setting
• A guide-led day with pickup and return transport

I would think twice if you have mobility limits, are pregnant, are uneasy around steep or high sections, or want a luxury vehicle and long pool session. The day has several moving parts, and the walking portion is central rather than optional.

The activity is conducted in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your coastal plans are still changing.

What to pack and how to prepare

Wear shoes with a firm grip. Sandals may be fine around the lodge, but they are a poor choice for the forest trail. Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and a change of clothes if you dislike sitting in wet gear after the falls.

A small waterproof bag will protect your phone and other items near the waterfall. Bring money for drinks, since those are not included. Smoking and feeding animals are not allowed.

Keep your schedule flexible around wildlife. The game drive may produce buffaloes, warthogs, antelopes, zebras, dik-diks, or birds, but leopard and sable antelope sightings are never certain. The forest and waterfall remain worthwhile even on a quiet wildlife day.

Should you book Shimba Hills?

Book this trip if you want the coast to lead somewhere more interesting than another beach afternoon. The combination of safari, forest, waterfall, lunch, and pool time is well judged, and the waterfall swim gives the day a clear highlight.

The main things to confirm are the vehicle and the amount of time available at the lodge. If those details suit you, $217 buys a full, varied day with Florence, a reserve visit, a proper walk, and a comfortable finish at Shimba Green Lodge.

FAQ

How long is the Shimba Hills experience?

The activity lasts eight hours, including transport, the reserve visit, lunch, swimming, and the return journey.

Where can pickup take place?

Pickup is available from Diani Beach or Mombasa.

Where can I be dropped off?

Drop-off is available in Mombasa or Diani Beach.

How long is the drive to Shimba Hills?

The stated drive time is about one hour by van.

How long is the reserve visit?

The guided visit to Shimba Hills National Reserve is scheduled for about four hours.

Is the hike to Sheldrick Falls difficult?

The hike is moderate and covers about 2.5 kilometers. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I swim at Sheldrick Falls?

Yes. You can swim in the pool beneath the waterfall, subject to the conditions and guidance at the site.

Is swimming at Shimba Green Lodge included?

Yes. Swimming at the lodge is included, along with lunch.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include sable antelope, buffaloes, warthogs, giraffes, leopards, zebras, other antelopes, dik-diks, monkeys, and many bird species. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the tour suitable for children and people with mobility impairments?

It is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or people afraid of heights.