Parque Nacional de las Colinas Shimba
Kenia
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Where Rainforest Meets the Ocean
Shimba Hills National Reserve is one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa and a stunning contrast to the traditional Kenyan savannah. Located just 33km south of Mombasa, this lush sanctuary is a mosaic of ancient rainforest, woodland, and rolling grasslands. It is famously the only place in Kenya where you can spot the regal Sable Antelope, known for its scimitar-shaped horns and striking black coat.
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What to expect
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The Rare Sable Antelope: A high-priority sighting for wildlife enthusiasts, these majestic animals thrive in the park’s grassland clearings.
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Elephant Sanctuary: Home to a significant population of African elephants, often seen emerging from the thick forest canopy to drink at waterholes.
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Biodiversity Hotspot: A paradise for botanists and birders, featuring over 50% of Kenya’s rare plant species and a variety of forest-dwelling birds and butterflies.
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The Landscape: Dramatic ridges offer panoramic views that, on clear days, stretch all the way to the Indian Ocean and the peaks of the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania.
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Seasonal Overview
Shimba Hills enjoys a tropical coastal climate, making it a refreshing escape from the heat of the beaches at any time of year:
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The Mist & Bloom Season: Following the rains, the forest is at its most vibrant. The hills are often draped in a mystical morning mist, and the rare orchids and lilies of the park burst into bloom. This is the ultimate season for photographers seeking «moody» forest shots and lush green landscapes.
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The Clear Horizon Season: As the skies clear, the reserve offers its best panoramic views of the coastline. This season is ideal for hiking to the waterfalls and spotting predators like leopards, who are more likely to move through the thinning undergrowth.
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The Birding & Butterfly Season: During the transitional months, the reserve becomes a flurry of color. Migratory birds arrive from the north, and the park’s famous butterflies are most active, creating a magical atmosphere within the forest canopy.
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Logia de las Colinas Shimba
Shimba Hills Lodge
An award-winning «tree lodge» built entirely of wood. It overlooks a floodlit waterhole where you can watch elephants and elusive leopards from the comfort of the bar or your private balcony. It is the only lodge of its kind at the coast.
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Aventura en la naturaleza costera Shimba Hills es un destino para quienes aman explorar tanto a pie como en vehículo.
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Caminata hasta las Cataratas Sheldrick: Emprende una caminata guiada de 2 horas por el bosque hasta las espectaculares Cataratas Sheldrick, de 21 metros de altura. Puedes refrescarte con un baño refrescante en la piscina natural del fondo.
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Rastreo de antílopes sable: Únete a nuestros guías expertos en una búsqueda especializada de la «estrella del parque». Conocemos los claros específicos donde estos raros antílopes prefieren pastar durante las horas doradas.
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Observación de Elephant Hill: Conduce hasta el punto más alto del parque para tomar un atardecer o hacer un picnic. Desde aquí, puedes mirar hacia abajo sobre el dosel del bosque y a menudo ver manadas de elefantes moviéndose por los valles de abajo.
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Paseos guiados por la naturaleza: Explora las maravillas botánicas del bosque. Aprende sobre las raras «cícadas» (plantas antiguas) y los usos medicinales de los distintos árboles que se encuentran en este ecosistema único.
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Observación de aves e identificación de mariposas: Con más de 111 especies de aves y cientos de variedades de mariposas, un paseo matutino con nuestros guías especializados es imprescindible para los amantes de la naturaleza.
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Atardecer en Mwalughanje: Disfruta de una copa en los miradores panorámicos que dominan el Santuario de Elefantes de Mwalughanje, viendo cómo se pone el sol sobre las montañas lejanas.
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