– a small protected area of coastal woodland, rainforest and grassland that is home to an incredible array of birds, butterflies and plant life.  The flora includes some endangered species of orchid and a large proportion of Kenya’s rare plant species can be found in this small area.  Shimba Hills is also home to a large number of forest elephant and Kenya’s only population of the increasingly rare Sable Antelope.  There are several places to stay in Shimba, including bandas run by the KWS, but one rather special place is the Shimba, part of the Aberdare Safari Hotel group.  Shimba overlooks a waterhole, which is floodlit at night and is a spectacular place to view both the birds and the animals.  Often you may see civets, buffalos and even the occasional elephant.  All of this is so close to the coast it is a great place to go for an overnight without cutting too much into your beach holiday time.  For details on Shimba visit www.aberdaresafarihotels.com. 

By Sara Engel – www.discoverwatamu.com.