Elephants and Rainforest on the Kenya Coast, You think you know everything there is to know about Kenya’s national parks, which cover a huge area with fields, savannah, and rolling hills. You can see a different kind of scenery and wildlife when you go to Shimba Hills.

Imagine a rainforest close to the coast of Kenya. There would be cool breezes from the ocean that would blow through the dense, green woods. As long as people are on an African safari, this area always surprises them.

The elephants might be to blame. Over 700 elephants live in this strange park, making it the most densely populated with these magnificent animals in Kenya. The deer is another one. Not just any antelope, but the beautiful sable antelope, which can be recognized by its beautiful horns. That’s the only place in the country where you can find them.

Explore the Animals

The park’s elephant population is so dense with local elephants that their numbers were threatening to use up all the park’s resources. A sanctuary was built nearby so the elephants could find food and help keep the area and its animals alive.

You can see many other kinds of animals in this park, which is only a short drive from the beaches on the coast. These include Masai giraffes, buffalo, impalas, waterbuck, monkeys, and even the rare leopard.

Shimba Hills is a cool, misty area that sits 400 meters (1323 feet) above the ocean in Kenya. It is near Diani Beach and the port city of Mombasa. The area is home to a variety of birds that would be expected in such a lush jungle.

There are about 230 different kinds of birds in the forest and in the sky. These include African hawks, fish eagles, falcons, hornbills, guineafowls, kingfishers, and golden palm weaver. Hundreds of butterflies add even more color and complexity to the park’s lush plants.

A cool, shady place to hike

Not all parks in Africa let people get out of their Jeeps and walk through thick jungle for a while. But at this relaxing retreat, you can walk along paths lined with strange plants and flowers that lead to waterfalls and beautiful lookout places.

To get to Sheldrick Falls, you can walk. It’s a beautiful 21-meter (60-foot) drop of misty waterfalls surrounded by plants that’s a great place for a picnic. You can swim in that pool while birds and flowers fly around above you.

Ascend Elephant Hill to see the wildlife below and the Indian Ocean stretching out in front of you.

Wildlife from the park can be seen drinking from the Marere Dam’s cool water, and you can hear the calls and see the colors of the reserve’s many birds.

Shimba Hills National Park is only 30 km (18 mi) from Mombasa, making it one of the easiest places in Kenya to see wildlife. Take a break from the beach or the dry savannah to enjoy this secret world full of elephants, birds, and butterflies.