Private-feeling escape · Kenya’s coast
Rainforest trails, wild encounters and a hidden waterfall — just beyond Kenya’s coast.
The other side of Kenya
One of East Africa’s largest coastal forests—cool, lush and home to Kenya’s highest density of African elephants.
Beyond the forest edge, grasslands reveal rare sable antelope, buffalo, giraffe, warthog and vivid birdlife. Deeper still, the 30-metre Sheldrick Falls tumbles into a natural pool.
Rare encounters
Shimba Hills protects Kenya’s only population of sable antelope. Here, their sweeping horns rise above the grasslands at the edge of the coastal forest.
Into the rainforest
Follow a guided forest trail to the 30-metre cascade and its natural pool—a cool, hidden reward deep beneath the canopy.
Beneath the canopy
Step away from the vehicle and into dense vegetation, shifting light and the quieter rhythm of Kenya’s coastal rainforest.
Lunch above the wilderness
Settle into the coast’s only tree hotel for lunch above the waterhole, with the rainforest and its wildlife still in view as the day slows down.
One day, many worlds
From open clearings to rainforest shade, explore the encounters that shape a day in Shimba Hills.
One remarkable day · 07:00—17:00
From your coastal hotel to elephant country, Sheldrick Falls and a rainforest lunch, every chapter is arranged so you can simply be present.
Chapter one · Hotel collection
Your guide collects you from your hotel and the day begins with an approximately 45-minute drive inland. The air cools, the road climbs and the landscape gives way to the deep green canopy of Shimba Hills.
Chapter two · Morning game drive
Raise the pop-up roof and scan the clearings for elephant, giraffe, buffalo and warthog. Your guide follows the signs of the reserve’s rare sable antelope while vivid birdlife moves through the canopy.
Chapter three · Guided forest walk
Step out beneath the trees for the approximately 45-minute descent to a 30-metre cascade and its natural pool. The trail rewards a little effort with one of the reserve’s most memorable views; firm shoes and reasonable fitness are recommended.
Chapter four · The signature pause
Settle into Shimba Rainforest Lodge, the coast’s only tree hotel. Lunch is served in its elevated rainforest setting, where the waterhole below keeps the wild close even while the day slows down.
Final chapter · Afternoon game drive
Return to the reserve for a final game drive as the afternoon light settles across the hills. You then journey back to your accommodation, arriving at around 17:00 with a full day of memories behind you.
Ready when you are
Share your preferred date and group size. We’ll confirm availability and take care of the details.
Park fees · Game drives · Sheldrick Falls walk · Rainforest lunch · Hotel transport
Everything considered
Your reserve access, lunch, transport, water and guided experiences are arranged before you set out.
All park fees
Guided Sheldrick Falls walk
Lunch at Shimba Rainforest Lodge
Game drives in a pop-up-roof safari van
Insured transport
2 litres of mineral water per guest
Drinks
Tips for service
Yellow fever vaccination
Visa
Personal-use items
Good to know
Pack for the dayFirm all-weather shoes, light daywear, a long-sleeved layer, hat, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, sun protection and insect repellent.
Seasonal supplementA surcharge applies over Easter and selected festive dates. The exact supplement is confirmed when you book.
Your day in the wild
Rainforest, rare wildlife and one unforgettable day — just beyond Kenya’s coast.
Enquire about this safari Hotel pick-up · Full-day experience · Local safari experts