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Shimba Forest Lodge

OFFICIAL CATEGORY (Ministry of Tourism classification): 3 ***

Set discreetly in the heart of an ancient tropical rain forest, just 45minutes from Dianisilver beaches, Shimba Rainforest Lodge, cleverly constructed in indigenous timber, blends perfectly with the luxuriant forest vegetation of the Shimba Hills National Reserve. The only tree hotel on the Kenyan Coast shares this scenic home with herds of sable antelope, elephant, buffalo, civet and genet cat, who can be sighted most evenings at Shimbas floodlit waterholes. A real treat for guests is the frequent visits by members of the unusually high leopard population.

Location

In Shimba Hills National Reserve. From Diani Beach, Shimba lies between 30-40kms (about 45 minute drive), from Likoni Ferry (Mombasa) 40 Kms about (45 minute drive) having crossed the ferry, from Voi 207kms.

Climate

The climate is tropical and Mombasa is generally at sea level.February - March being the hottest months and May / Jun / Jul being the coolest. Temperatures range between 20c - 36c. Special functions-Weddings - In an evergreen tropical rain forest with the chorus of forest birds and a herd of elephants trumpeting the wedding march. All information is available from Block Hotels head office in Nairobi or from Nyali Beach Hotel with advice on regulations and requirements involved in a civil ceremony.

Hotel Details

Number of Rooms:

23 double rooms, 5 triple rooms and 2 suites. 

 

Room decor: All rooms are comfortably and uniquely furnished, some with the gnarled trunk of tree providing a natural center piece, overlooking the waterhole.

 

In- room amenities: All rooms with the exception of suites share bathroom and toilet 
facilities of which there are plenty, roughly one toilet and one shower for every 3 
guests.

 

Special features: There are several observation areas and game viewing platforms on each floor.There is also a 120m walkway extending well into the forest.This enables guests to view game at close quarters and gives bird-lovers the opportunity to sit quietly and enjoy the colorful spectacle of many forest birds. Guests can enjoy drinks from the small bar at the end of the walkway.

Food & Drink

Dining Room - The side facing the waterhole is completely open allowing for game viewing during meals The opposite wall has been artistically  burnt and carved to create a remarkable mural resembling historical cave paintings.

 

Jungle Bar - The jungle bar opens onto an observation area overlooking the waterhole.

General Facilities

  • Communication - Telephone services are available.
  • Children - Children under 7 are not allowed at Shimba
  • Bureau de Change - The cashier can exchange reasonable amounts of foreign currency.

Recreational Facilities

Sundowner Safari - This leaves at 5.00 p.m.After a 20-minute drive, often encountering elephant, buffalo and sykes and colobus monkeys en route, you arrive at a clearing in the rain forest.There is also a chance of seeing one of Africas largest eagles, the Crowned Hawk Eagle, nesting. A campfire is lit and a steward serves drinks from a cool box (guests pre-purchase drinks from the Shimba bar).The view as the sun sets lasts a lifetime.

 

Sheldricks Falls Walk - This is generally a 2 - 3 hour excursion either morning or afternoon. Guests drive for about 20 Minutes through the reserve to theset-off point.
The 4kms walk takes about an hour and is relatively strenuous on the return leg. The Falls are most attractive, with a shelf allowing walkers to walk right behind them.
At the base of the Falls is a small pool perfectly safe for 
bathing in. On the drive to and from theset off point,
you are quite likely to encounter elephants.

 

Game Drives - They are available on a seat-in-car or exclusive basis.Window seats are not guaranteed. Although there is not an abundance of game. Shimba is the only reserve in Kenya where sable antelope are frequently sighted.There are also several herds of elephant, giraffe, buffalo and Warthog.

 

Cycad Forest Excursion - This is a remarkable forest where prehistoric ferns grow in abundance about 20 kms from Shimba. Here, elephants seek refuge from the sun and the bird life is magnificent. Participants have the opportunity to visit a local village during this excursion.

 

Marere Dam Bird Walk - 11kms from Shimba is a flooded river valley, the Marere Dam, an exceptional rewarding walking area.Many of Shimbas 230 species of birds can be seen here as the Dam is home to a host of water birds. This excellent walk, always accompanied by an armed escort can be scheduled before breakfast. This excursion can also be combined with a visit to Cycad Forest.

Current Situation
19.05.2012


partly cloudy
28°C
Sunrise 06:18:00
Sunset 18:13:00

Today's Forecast
19.05.2012


partly cloudy
23 °C (Low)
31°C (High)
 

Tomorrow's Forecast
20.05.2012


partly cloudy
23 °C (Low)
32°C (High)
 

 
airOn request, we can combine your safari itinerary with a stay at the beach hotels in Mombasa, Malindi, Lamu and Zanzibar for any number of nights.