It is commonly known as the “The Sable antelope paradise”. This is because it is the only park in Kenya that hosts this exclusive species of ante- lopes. Sable antelopes are the main flagship species for Shimba Hills National Reserve. They are black in color with long scimitar horns and mostly move in herds. They are, however, very fearful, a spot of a car and they disappear dark in the forest! To ensure that you do not miss any moment during your game drive, be very keen and alert.
The park is located just a few kilometers from Kwale town, and covers about 24,000 hectares of land. For several decades now, since 1968, this park has been a home for buffaloes, warthogs, cheetahs, few giraffes, elephants, hyenas, bush babies, 111 birds’ species, snakes like pythons and cobra among many others.
An early morning drive to the park will give you more chances of meeting most of these awesome creatures, who normally get afraid to walk around when the sun is hot! If I were you, I would choose to spend a whole day at the park. It has numerous and clearly labeled routes with arrows showing different directions and what to expect. This makes it easier for any driver to maneuver around the park including first timers.
There is also the scenic Sheldrick falls, a 2KM foot path that takes up to one -hour to walk each way. The walk nor- mally takes place at 10 o’clock everyday accompanied by a ranger but if you miss the morning tour you can catch a second one at 2p.m. Ensure that you are in good shoes, a hat just in case the sun is hot, and enough drinking water. Most importantly, make sure you are fit!
There is also the Giryiama point; a per- fect spot for taking photos as you enjoy the spectacular view of the hilly and forested country side to a far as Tsavo hills in the west.
If you are lucky, you might see some troops of animals moving to drink water from the river across. Pack some snacks to have them as bitings while you enjoy your drive around the park, and enough water as well. They have two campsites within the park commonly known as bandas where you can have lunch and even book accommodation.
