The Shimba hills National Reserve is a small National Reserve in the coastal province of Kenya, 30 km south west of Mombasa and just south of Kwale town. The surrounding escarpment rises from around 120m to 300m across the bulk of the plateau and as high as 450m at Marare and Pengo hills.

The Shimba hills National Reserve is a small National Reserve in the coastal province of Kenya, 30 km south west of Mombasa and just south of Kwale town. The surrounding escarpment rises from around 120m to 300m across the bulk of the plateau and as high as 450m at Marare and Pengo hills.

The underlying rocks are the Triassic Shimba Grits and in the north central part near Kwale town Pliecone Magarini sands. Rivers flowing from the hills supply fresh water to Mombasa and the Diani/Ukunda area.

Shaba National Reserve (222km2 ) takes its name from a massive cone of volcanic rock that dominates the region. Shaba is also called the Born Free country. It is here that the famous conservationist Joy Adamson tamed Elsa the lioness. In addition to Born Free, other films that have been shot here include To Walk with the Lions.

The lifeline of the park is Ewaso Ngiro river, lined with doum palms which forms its Northern boundary. In addition to Ewaso Ngiro, the reserve has four springs, thus making it better watered that either the buffalo Springs or Samburu.

Accommodation: Sarova Shaba Lodge. Renowned of its beauty, the lodge has 85 rooms, restaurant, bar, gas station and swimming pool.

Location: 341 Km from Nairobi.

Getting there: Fly or drive to the park