​Wildlife & Animals – Shimba Hills NR

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Shimba Hills has a big population of elephants. They disappear easily into the forest and close-up sightings are not guaranteed, but an eagle’s eye view over the forest from one of the lookout points – especially Elephant Hill – often proves productive. Other common mammals include buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe and bushbuck.

Abundant
Common
Occasional
Rare
None
ElephantCommon
GiraffeCommon
HippoCommon
BuffaloCommon
ZebraCommon
WildebeestNone
White RhinoNone
Black RhinoNone
LionNone
LeopardVery Rare
CheetahNone
HyenaRare
Wild DogNone

Wildlife Highlights

Shimba Hills is a sanctuary for the endangered Roosevelt's sable antelope. Several primate species can be seen including yellow baboon, Sykes monkey, vervet monkey and the beautiful Angolan colobus monkey. Charming nocturnal greater galagos (or bushbabies) are regular visitors to Shimba Hills Lodge, and their piercing cries can be heard at night. Two other species of galago occur here: the small-eared galago (or lesser bushbaby) and the tiny Zanzibar galago.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Shimba Hills can be visited throughout the year, but heavy downfalls may restrict game drives and hiking trips. There is rain along the coast throughout the year. However, the peak of the short rains in November and the long rains in April and May make these months less appealing.

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