Shimba Hills Lodge

Shimba Hills Lodge is constructed entirely from timber and stands on stilts deep within the dense coastal rainforest of the Shimba Hills National Reserve. This biome is a unique and ecologically significant area in Kenya. The lodge overlooks a crucial, floodlit waterhole that attracts a high concentration of wildlife, providing a focal point for guest viewing.

Location and Access to Shimba Hills Lodge

The lodge's position inside the 300-square-kilometre National Reserve provides guests with immediate access to the park's game drive circuits. Shimba Hills Lodge is approximately 33 kilometres south of Mombasa, and the road transfer from the Diani Beach coastal resorts typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes. This proximity makes the lodge a viable short-stay safari option for coastal visitors. The final approach uses a graded park track, the condition of which is subject to prevailing weather.

Architectural Design and Security at Shimba Hills Lodge

Shimba Hills Lodge follows a classic 'tree hotel' design, with all structures elevated on wooden stilts and interconnected by a network of raised walkways. This elevated construction provides a commanding vantage point for wildlife viewing and offers inherent security from ground-level predators. The extensive use of dark-stained timber and open-air corridors integrates the lodge into the forest canopy. The multiple flights of stairs and long walkways, however, present a logistical challenge for guests with mobility impairments or families with very young, unsupervised children.

Timber Cabins and Guest Rooms at Shimba Hills Lodge

The lodge offers a total of 29 timber-constructed cabins, each providing a compact yet functional space for guests. The design of every room is oriented towards the waterhole to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities. The shared timber construction means that a degree of sound transference between adjacent rooms can be expected.

Standard Room Configurations

Rooms are configured as singles, doubles, or triples. The interior design prioritises the viewing experience, with large windows and a small private balcony in each room directed towards the waterhole.

Standard room features include:

• En-suite bathroom with a shower facility
• Mosquito netting suspended over each bed
• A small private balcony with seating
• Basic wardrobe and luggage storage space

The Floodlit Waterhole Wildlife Viewing Experience

The central focus of Shimba Hills Lodge is the large, excavated waterhole located directly in front of the main structure. A permanent water source, it is the primary attraction for the reserve's fauna, particularly during drier seasons. After sunset, the area is illuminated by floodlights. Guests can anticipate frequent and often close-range sightings of large elephant herds and resident buffalo. Other common visitors include bushbuck, warthogs, and a diverse array of forest birdlife.

Dedicated viewing decks extend from the main lounge and bar area, providing unobstructed, elevated perspectives for photography and general observation. The height of these platforms places guests at or near eye-level with larger animals, offering a different viewing dynamic compared to ground-level hides. The floodlights are activated after dusk, allowing for continued observation of nocturnal activity.

Lodge Facilities Power and Dining

Core facilities at Shimba Hills Lodge are designed to support the wildlife viewing experience while managing the logistics of a remote forest location. Power and dining are centralised in the main lodge building, creating a communal hub for all guests.

Generator Power and Wi-Fi Connectivity

The lodge operates on generator power, which is scheduled for specific periods. Power is typically available in the early morning, late afternoon, and throughout the evening until late. This schedule dictates the availability of hot water and in-room lighting. Shimba Hills Lodge provides complimentary Wi-Fi, though the signal is generally confined to the main lounge and reception area and its performance can be intermittent.

Restaurant Bar and Lounge Area

A central, open-sided restaurant serves buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu featuring standard international and local Kenyan options. Its positioning affords continuous views of the waterhole during meals. Adjacent to the restaurant is a well-stocked bar and lounge area, which serves as the primary communal space for guests to relax between activities.

Activities from Shimba Hills Lodge

Game drives through the Shimba Hills National Reserve are the principal activity, focusing on locating the unique species of the coastal forest. The reserve is a critical habitat for the endangered Sable antelope, and game drives offer a chance to see one of the last remaining breeding herds in Kenya. The lodge also organises guided nature walks in the immediate vicinity with a Kenya Wildlife Service ranger. A popular excursion is the trek to Sheldrick Falls, a 21-metre waterfall. This is a 2-kilometre walk that requires a reasonable level of fitness due to the steep, humid terrain, particularly on the return ascent.

Shimba Hills Lodge Fact Sheet

Is Shimba Hills Lodge a Good Choice for Your Safari

Shimba Hills Lodge is best suited for first-time safari-goers or visitors based on the Kenyan coast seeking a short, highly accessible wildlife experience. Its core strength lies in the fixed, elevated, and comfortable viewing of the waterhole. This setup makes it a strong option for keen photographers who value a stable observation post over the mobility of a traditional vehicle-based safari. Shimba Hills Lodge is not recommended for guests with significant mobility challenges or families with toddlers requiring constant supervision, due to the extensive network of stairs and elevated open walkways.