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Diani Beach Excursions

1 Day Shimba Hills Excursion

A full-day private nature and wildlife excursion from Diani Beach to the green coastal highlands of Shimba Hills, combining scenic drives, wildlife viewing and a peaceful escape from the beach.

Duration1 Full Day
DepartureDiani Beach
ExperienceWildlife & Nature
HighlightCoastal Highlands
Day itinerary

A green safari escape from the coast

Shimba Hills offers a very different landscape from the beach, with rolling green hills, forest patches, open grassland and elevated viewpoints. This full-day excursion is designed for travellers staying in Diani Beach who want a shorter wildlife and nature experience without travelling deep into Kenya’s larger safari parks.

Early Morning

Pick-up from Diani Beach

Your guide and driver collect you from your hotel or agreed location in Diani Beach. Leave the coast and drive inland toward the Shimba Hills area, with the landscape becoming greener and more elevated as you approach the reserve.

Morning

Arrival at Shimba Hills

Arrive at the reserve entrance and complete the necessary entry procedures. Begin your excursion through the scenic coastal highland environment with your guide.

Morning

Wildlife Viewing Drive

Enjoy a guided drive through the reserve, looking for wildlife and taking in the contrast between open grassland, bush and forested sections. Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed, but the reserve offers a rewarding introduction to Kenya’s coastal wilderness.

Late Morning

Scenic Viewpoints

Stop at suitable viewpoints for photographs and broad views across the Shimba Hills landscape. On clear days, the elevated setting offers a beautiful perspective over the surrounding coastal countryside.

Midday

Optional Nature Walk / Sheldrick Falls Area

Where conditions, time and local arrangements permit, the programme may include a guided nature walk in the Sheldrick Falls area or another approved walking section. Walking activities are subject to park rules, weather, fitness considerations and guide availability.

Lunch

Lunch Break

Pause for lunch at the location arranged for your excursion. The exact venue and whether lunch is included should be confirmed when booking.

Afternoon

Afternoon Nature & Wildlife Experience

Continue exploring selected parts of the reserve before beginning the return journey. Depending on the day, there may be additional opportunities for wildlife, birdlife and landscape photography.

Late Afternoon

Return to Diani Beach

Leave Shimba Hills and drive back toward the coast. You will be dropped at your hotel or agreed location in Diani Beach, bringing your full-day excursion to an end.

Before you travel

Excursion information

Final inclusions should be confirmed when booking because park fees, lunch, walking activities and local guide arrangements may vary according to the selected excursion package.

Typical Inclusions

  • Pick-up and drop-off from the agreed Diani Beach location
  • Private road transport
  • Guided wildlife and scenic drive
  • Park entry where included in the confirmed package
  • Lunch where included in the confirmed package
  • Guided walking activity where specifically arranged

What to Bring

  • Light comfortable clothing
  • Comfortable closed walking shoes
  • Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Camera or binoculars
  • Drinking water and personal medication
  • Light rain protection when weather conditions suggest it
Please note: This is a suggested full-day itinerary. Wildlife sightings, walking activities, viewpoints and the order of stops depend on park regulations, weather, road conditions, guide availability and the final excursion arrangement.
Departing Diani Beach

Discover Shimba Hills in one day

Trade the beach for green hills, wildlife and coastal highland scenery on a private full-day excursion from Diani Beach.

Plan This Excursion
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