"Misty Coastal Rainforests, the Rare Sable Antelope, and Jungle Waterfalls: Diani Beach’s Ultimate Cool Highland Nature Escape"
Safari Overview
Located just 45 minutes inland from the turquoise shores of Diani Beach, Shimba Hills National Reserve rises into a lush, mist-draped plateau that shelters one of East Africa’s largest coastal rainforests. This day safari transports you into the exclusive sanctuary of Kenya’s last breeding herd of the endangered Sable Antelope. Experience an exhilarating nature trek escorted by armed KWS rangers down to the 82-foot Sheldrick Falls for a refreshing swim in crystal jungle pools. Complete the day with a clifftop lunch overlooking the coastal savanna and an afternoon game drive spotting forest elephants, leopards, and colobus monkeys.
Key Excursion Highlights
Endangered Sable Antelope Sanctuary
Track the rare, majestic Sable Antelope with its curved horns across open hilltop grasslands.
Guided Sheldrick Falls Jungle Trek
A scenic 2-hour guided hike through dense equatorial forest to an 82-foot natural rainforest waterfall.
Coastal Forest Elephant Herds
Observe forest elephants foraging in misty acacia valleys and dense mahogany canopies.
Panoramic Ocean & Mountain Vistas
Take in sweeping views stretching across the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania and the Indian Ocean coastline.
Clifftop Lunch at Shimba Green Safari Lodge
Dine high above the forest canopy with views over wildlife feeding grounds.
🌿 Highland Wilderness Safari: Shimba Hills National Reserve & Sheldrick Waterfalls Trek - Circuit Route Map
Detailed Timed Itinerary
Step-by-step expedition timeline from hotel pickup to evening drop-off.
Pick-Up from Diani Beach Resort
Depart your beach hotel in a custom pop-up roof safari vehicle, ascending the coastal ridge into Kwale County.
Gate Clearance & Morning Game Drive
Enter Shimba Hills through the Main Gate. Embark on a crisp morning game drive seeking sable antelopes, buffalos, and giraffes.
Guided Trek to Sheldrick Falls
Rendezvous with an armed Kenya Wildlife Service ranger at the trailhead and hike down into the tropical gorge to Sheldrick Falls.
Swim & Rest at Waterfall Plunge Pool
Cool off in the freshwater plunge pool beneath the cascades while admiring lush ferns and rare tropical butterflies.
Scenic Ascent & Viewpoint Stop
Hike back up to the vehicles and stop at Pengo Hill viewpoint for sweeping photographic panoramas.
Lodge Lunch with Forest Vistas
Enjoy a hot lunch and cold drinks at Shimba Green Safari Lodge overlooking the forest canopy.
Afternoon Forest Game Drive
Search for coastal elephants, leopards, civet cats, and red duikers as they feed during the cooler afternoon hours.
Return Transfer to Diani Beach
Exit the reserve and descend the scenic escarpment, arriving at your hotel by early evening.
What’s Included
- ✔️ Round-trip transportation in customized 4x4 Land Cruiser or safari minivan with pop-up roof
- ✔️ All Shimba Hills National Reserve park conservation fees (KWS)
- ✔️ Armed KWS wildlife ranger escort for the Sheldrick Falls hike
- ✔️ Comprehensive morning and afternoon game drives with professional driver-guide
- ✔️ Multi-course hot lunch at Shimba Green Safari Lodge / Eco-camp
- ✔️ Chilled bottled mineral water provided throughout the day
- ✔️ Hotel pick-up and drop-off anywhere in Diani Beach / Ukunda / Tiwi
What’s Not Included
- ❌ Alcoholic beverages, beers, and sodas at the lodge
- ❌ Tips and gratuities for the driver-guide and KWS walking ranger
- ❌ Personal travel and hiking insurance
- ❌ Personal outdoor gear and swimwear
Ready for the Rainforest & Wildlife?
Book your private transfer and entry passes with Southern Grevy Tours Limited. Direct hotel pickup in Diani, Mombasa, or Nairobi included.