Shimba Hills National Reserve

Shimba Hills rises in cool green rainforest just inland from Diani, close enough for an easy day trip off the beach. It's the only place in Kenya to see the rare sable antelope, and elephants, giraffe and bushbuck are regularly seen from the tracks and viewpoints. The highlight for families is the ranger-guided walk down to Sheldrick Falls, where you can swim in the pool at the bottom.

How a family visit works

1. 1Treat this as a full day inland from Diani, not a beach morning. Shimba Hills is cool rainforest above the coast.
2. 2Enter the reserve and arrange a ranger for the walk to Sheldrick Falls. The walk is about 45 minutes each way.
3. 3Pack swimming things and water shoes. The payoff is a swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls.
4. 4On the drives and viewpoints, look for sable antelope — this is the only place in Kenya to see them — plus elephants, giraffe and bushbuck.
5. 5Carry water on the falls walk. Start early enough that you are not doing the return climb in the hottest part of the day.
6. 6Drive back to Diani in daylight. It is close enough for a day trip if you leave in the morning.

What kids actually do here

• Coastal rainforest a short drive from Diani
• Ranger-guided walk to Sheldrick Falls
• A swim in the pool at the base of the falls
• Rare sable antelope — only here in Kenya
• Elephants, giraffe and bushbuck from the tracks
• Cooler air than the beach

What to pack

• Swimming things and water shoes for the falls
• Drinking water for the 45-minute walk each way
• Closed shoes until you change at the pool
• A light long-sleeve for forest sun and insects

Parent questions

Can we do the falls without a ranger?

The family highlight is the ranger-guided walk to Sheldrick Falls. Arrange the ranger when you go in, and budget time for 45 minutes each way plus a swim.

Hours, tickets and activity rules change. Confirm the current details on the official site or at the gate before you travel.