...Set discreetly in the heart of an ancient rainforest...The only tree hotel on the Kenyan Coast.
Set deep in the heart of an ancient tropical rainforest, Shimba cleverly constructed in indigenous timber, blends perfectly with the luxuriant forest vegetation.
Just 45 minutes from Diani's silver beaches, Shimba Hills National Reserve's 192 sq. kms. of rolling downs and rainforest have been reserved for Kenya's last breeding herds of Sable antelope.
Elephant, buffalo, civet, serval and genet cat share this scenic home and can be sighted most evenings at Shimba's floodlit waterholes. And a real treat for our guests are the frequent visits by members of the unusually high leopard population.
All rooms, comfortably and uniquely furnished, some with the gnarled trunk of a tree providing a natural centrepiece, overlook the waterhole. Double and triple rooms have access to toilet and shower facilities. Suites have their own bathrooms. The open-fronted dining room and bar allow unrestricted game and bird viewing at all times and an elevated walkway extending well into the forest gives peace-seeking visitors a few rare moments alone with nature.
Access to Shimba is an adventure in itself. Arriving at the reserve gate, guests transfer to safari cruisers and accompanied by our resident naturalist drive to within walking distance of the lodge. The last few hundred metres are covered on foot, stepping cautiously in the footprints of elephant, marvelling at festoons of lichen and giant tree ferns and the same hues of the colourful forest birds, rare and exotic orchids. Those not wishing to walk to Shimba can be transferred to the lodge.
Excitement doesn't end at the lodge. Shimba is one of the few places in a National Reserve from which guests can experience the wilderness on foot. Accompanied by an armed guard, there are walks to the Marere Dam, Sheldrick Falls and to a unique Cycad forest. Early morning and evening game drives in Shimba safari cruisers are available and the Shimba sundowner excursion, with views well into neighbouring Tanzania is a must. Do make sure you allow enough time to make the most of a unique sanctuary and an exceptional lodge.
To avoid alarming game at the waterhole, children under 7 years are not allowed at Shimba.