As one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa (300 Sq. m) after Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Shimba Hills National reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Set high in the hills above the South Coast, this small Park is best known for the herds of rare Sable antelope which graze in the rolling hills. Elephant live in the pockets of rainforest, giraffe, zebra and ostrich (all introduced in recent years) may be seen, bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bats. The forest is an important bird area and is endowed with forest birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spur fowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop. The air at this elevation is clean and cool and it is a beautiful area in which to take a break from the hot and steamy temperatures of the coast.

The Shimba Hills National Reserve is a small National Park in the Coast Province of Kenya, 33 km from Mombasa and 15 km from the coast.

There are estimated to be approximately 700 elephants in the reserve.

The coastal ecosystem comprise of a heterogeneous habitat including forestlands, exotic plantations, scrub lands and grasslands.

The ecosystem holds one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke forest.

Other game present in this park include Coastal Black and white Colobus, Blue Duiker, Bush Duiker, Red Duiker, Greater Galago,Black-faced Vervet Monkey, Sykes Monkey, Serval cat, Black and Red Shrew, and Knob-bristled Suni Shrew.

Bird Watching. Over 100 bird species have been recorded, of which 22 are coastal endemic among them are: Ostrich Eagle, African Hawk; Falcon, Cuckoo; Guinea-fowl, Kenya Crested; Honey guide, Greater; Hornbill, Crowned; Quail, Blue; Sunbird, Uluguru