Shimba Hills National Reserve is a coastal rainforest sanctuary inland from Diani Beach, where emerald hills rise above the Indian Ocean plains and offer one of Kenya's only habitats for the magnificent sable antelope with its sweeping curved horns. The reserve protects the largest coastal forest in East Africa after Arabuko Sokoke, sheltering forest elephant, buffalo, leopard, Sykes monkey, and over three hundred bird species within misty valleys and grassland clearings. Sheldrick Falls, a sixty metre cascade reached by forest trail, provides a refreshing hike through towering trees and ferns. Elephant Hill viewpoint delivers panoramas stretching from the Shimba ridge to the coast on clear days. Shimba Hills suits day trips from Diani or overnight stays in the reserve lodge for dawn and dusk game drives when forest wildlife is most active. The cooler, wetter climate contrasts sharply with nearby beaches, making it an ideal bush interlude on a south coast holiday. Combined with Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Diani's reefs, Shimba Hills completes a south Kenya itinerary that balances rainforest wildlife, waterfalls, and tropical ocean in a compact and rewarding region. The reserve's sable antelope population is carefully monitored, and sightings of these majestic animals are a highlight for repeat Kenya visitors. Pregame drives from the Shimba Hills Lodge track forest elephant as they emerge from thick cover at dawn. Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary adjacent to the reserve extends conservation efforts and community benefits. A morning in Shimba Hills followed by an afternoon reef trip from Diani creates the perfect.