Sheldrick Falls
Discover the enchanting Sheldrick Falls, a hidden gem within Kenya's Shimba Hills National Reserve, offering a rewarding rainforest hike and a refresh...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and enjoy cooler hikes.
Sheldrick Falls
Best Time
Beat the heat and enjoy cooler hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the enchanting Sheldrick Falls, a hidden gem within Kenya's Shimba Hills National Reserve, offering a rewarding rainforest hike and a refreshing natural escape.
"The falls are beautiful and worth the effort it’ll take getting there."
👟 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Essential for the trek; the descent is easier than the climb back up. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack Light, Quick-Dry Clothing
You'll likely get wet from rain or the falls themselves. :sweat_drops:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sheldrick Falls
Shimba Hills National Reserve
A stunning waterfall nestled within a lush rainforest, offering a refreshing escape and a rewarding hike.
Rainforest Trek
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Embark on a scenic 30-40 minute hike through a vibrant coastal forest, alive with diverse flora.
Wildlife Spotting Opportunities
Shimba Hills National Reserve
While known for its falls, the reserve is home to elephants and sable antelopes, adding an element of surprise.
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Essential Gear for Your Hike
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Essential for the trek; the descent is easier than the climb back up. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack Light, Quick-Dry Clothing
You'll likely get wet from rain or the falls themselves. :sweat_drops:
🛡️ Hire an Armed Ranger
Mandatory for hiking; ensures safety in the park. :shield:
⏰ Arrive Early for Escort
Aim for 10 AM or 2 PM for an escorted walk to the falls. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes
Essential for the trek; the descent is easier than the climb back up. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Pack Light, Quick-Dry Clothing
You'll likely get wet from rain or the falls themselves. :sweat_drops:
🛡️ Hire an Armed Ranger
Mandatory for hiking; ensures safety in the park. :shield:
⏰ Arrive Early for Escort
Aim for 10 AM or 2 PM for an escorted walk to the falls. :clock1:
🏊♀️ Enjoy a Waterfall Massage
The cool waters are perfect for a refreshing dip and a natural massage. :swimming_man:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sheldrick Falls is praised for its beautiful scenery and the rewarding hike through a lush rainforest. Visitors enjoy the refreshing waterfall and the opportunity for a swim. While the hike can be challenging on the return, the overall experience is considered well worth the effort and park fees.
"Great reserve with well maintained and marked roads. Its about 20 minute drive from the main gate to the car park and then you walk 30-40 minutes to the fall deep in the forest. Keep in mind the descent is easier and things get tougher going back to the car park. The falls are beautful and worth the effort it’ll take getting there. Get there early 10am or 2pm and an armed guard will escort you. Entrance was ksh. 300 per person and another ksh. 300 for the vehicle"
David
"The heat is too much but the waterfall is so pretty! Tucked inside Shimba Hills National Reserve. Entry fee was 300 and 1050 for the car. The hike was easy in my opinion and will take a total of 3hrs to and from."
Nikita Laura
"Fantastic hike in a beautiful park. You can go without a tour company but you will need to pay the entrance fee and hire the ranger yourself. You are not permitted to hike without an armed ranger. We didn’t see any leopards or cobra but they are in the park and it is good to have protection! Take your time to swim in the waterfall and enjoy a nice massage as the water pounds down on your back."
David Baake
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sheldrick Falls is located within the Shimba Hills National Reserve in Kenya. It's approximately a 1 to 1.5-hour drive from Diani or Mombasa. You'll drive from the main gate to the car park, followed by a hike into the forest.
Yes, you can visit without a tour company. However, you will need to pay the park entrance fee and hire an armed ranger for your hike, as hiking without one is not permitted.
The roads within the reserve are generally well-maintained and marked, making the drive to the car park relatively straightforward.
Absolutely! Sheldrick Falls is a popular day trip from Diani Beach, offering a refreshing escape into nature just a short drive away.
From the car park, it's a hike of about 30-40 minutes deep into the forest to reach the falls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees typically include a fee per person and a fee per vehicle. Expect around KSh 300 per person and KSh 1050 for the vehicle, though prices can vary. +1
Tickets are usually purchased at the park entrance. It's advisable to check the official Shimba Hills National Reserve website or contact them for the most up-to-date information on booking procedures.
It's recommended to arrive early, around 10 AM or 2 PM, to ensure you can get an escorted walk to the falls.
Yes, in addition to the park entrance fees, you will need to pay to hire an armed ranger for your hike.
It's best to carry cash (Kenyan Shillings) as not all park entrances may accept credit card payments. Confirm payment methods beforehand.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike is about 30-40 minutes each way through a beautiful rainforest. The descent is easier than the return climb, which can be challenging. +1
Yes, it's considered a perfect family adventure. The 45-minute hike is fun, and the falls offer a great reward.
The reserve is known for its elephants and sable antelopes. While not guaranteed, keep an eye out for these and other forest inhabitants.
Absolutely! The cool waters are perfect for swimming and offer a refreshing experience, with the falling water providing a natural massage.
The area is a rainforest, so expect humidity and the possibility of tropical rain, even if you're already wet from the falls.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the majestic waterfall itself, the lush rainforest surroundings, and any wildlife you encounter. The journey through the forest also offers scenic shots. 
Yes, but be mindful of the humid environment and the possibility of getting wet. Consider a waterproof case or bag for your electronics.
The area around the falls provides excellent vantage points. The hike itself also offers glimpses of the forest's beauty.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light, but the midday sun can also create dramatic contrasts in the rainforest.
While Sheldrick Falls is in Shimba Hills, the famous Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant orphanage is a separate location in Nairobi. Videos show incredible elephant interactions there. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The opportunity to swim in the waterfall provides a unique and exciting experience for kids. Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and swimwear. The reserve is also a chance to introduce children to Kenya's diverse wildlife, even if sightings are not guaranteed. 🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
+1 The hike, while requiring an armed ranger, is well worth the effort for the stunning waterfall and the refreshing swim it offers. 📸 Photographers
The journey through the forest offers picturesque scenes, and the falls themselves are a breathtaking subject. Consider bringing a waterproof bag for your camera gear, as the environment can be damp. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Shimba Hills National Reserve Ecosystem
The reserve's landscape is characterized by rolling hills and dense forests, offering a stark contrast to the coastal plains. This varied terrain supports a wide array of plant life, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. Visitors often remark on the refreshing change of scenery and the immersive natural environment.
+1Conservation efforts within Shimba Hills are crucial for protecting its endemic species and maintaining the integrity of this important coastal forest. The presence of the Sheldrick Falls adds to the reserve's allure, drawing visitors seeking both natural beauty and a sense of adventure.
Hiking to Sheldrick Falls: What to Expect
It's mandatory to be accompanied by an armed ranger for the hike, ensuring your safety within the park. This measure is in place due to the presence of wildlife, including leopards and snakes, though sightings are not guaranteed. The ranger's presence also adds a layer of security and local knowledge to your adventure.
Many visitors describe the hike as a fantastic experience, with the reward of reaching the beautiful falls making the effort worthwhile. The opportunity to swim in the cool, refreshing waters at the base of the falls is a highlight for many, offering a natural massage from the pounding water.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust: A Separate but Related Marvel
Videos from the SWT often feature individual elephants like Mwinzi, Mr. Bean (a warthog who lives among the elephants), and Spencer (a bush baby). These clips highlight the incredible care provided, from feeding time to playful interactions, and the ultimate goal of reintegrating these elephants back into the wild.
Although geographically separate, the spirit of wildlife conservation connects both Sheldrick Falls and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Both offer unique ways to appreciate Kenya's natural heritage, with the falls providing a scenic natural escape and the orphanage offering an intimate look at elephant rehabilitation.
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