Shimba Hills National Reserve (192 sq. km)
Shimba Hills National Reserve about 40 kilometres from Mombasa is near the South Coast holiday resorts. It stands at an altitude of 300 - 400 metres and consists of rolling hills of grasslands alternating with beautiful patches of equatorial rain forest remnants. It was established in 1968 for the protection of the last breeding herd of Sable antelope in the country.
A herd of their cousins, the Roan antelopes was translocated from Ithanga Hills ranch near Thika where their future was threatened by human settlement and used to be seen in the reserve. The reserve offers a cool change from the coastal heat and panoramic views of the ocean to the south and the Usambara and Pare mountains across the border to Tanzania.
Other animals found in the Reserve include elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, Red duiker, Bushbuck, Bush duiker, suni, Blue monkey, Black and white colobus, Serval cat and Black-faced vervet monkeys.Birds are plentiful with common species like hawk eagle, Crested guineafowl, Hornbills, Turaco, Barbets, Honey guide, Woodpecker, Flycatcher, Shrikes, Orioles, Sunbirds and many others.
The combination of the rolling grasslands, sea views and the tropical rain forest makes the Reserve a true delight for nature lovers.
Governors' Camp Game Report, Masai Mara
