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  :  ABOUT SHIMBA RAINFOREST LODGE  :  ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS  :  MAP  :  FACT FILE  :

 

ABOUT SHIMBA RAINFOREST LODGE :
Set discreetly in the heart of an ancient tropical rain forest, just 45 minutes from Diani's silver beaches, Shimba Rainforest Lodge, cleverly constructed in indigenous timber, blends perfectly with the luxuriant forest vegetation of the Shimba Hills National Reserve. The only tree hotel on the Kenyan Coast, shares this scenic home with herds of sable antelope, elephant, buffalo, civet and genet cat, who can be sighted most evenings at Shimba's floodlit waterholes. A real treat for guests is the frequent visits by members of the unusually high leopard population.
ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS :
Shimba can accommodate 65 people. All rooms have balcony vantage points overlooking the waterhole, The rooms are small but well designed and cheerful with big windows, twin beds and ceiling fan. A wooden walkway extends 120m into the tropical rainforest. At the end is place for a bird watchers to sit quiently and enjoy the birds and butterflies, the sights and sounds of the forest and soothing trickle of water flowing from a spring

The dining room is a covered verandah facing the floodlit waterhole. There's a special atmosphere of a night in the jungle - the rasp of cicadas, croaking of frogs and the screams of the bush babies who often visit the bar for titbits.

The Sheldrick's falls walk is generally a 2 - 3 hour excursion either morning or afternoon. Guests drive for about 20 minutes through the reserve to the `set-off' point.

The Cycad Forest is a remarkable forest where prehistoric ferns grow in abundance about 20 kms from Shimba. Here, elephants seek refuge from the sun and the bird life is magnificent. Participants have the opportunity to visit a local village during this excursion.

11kms from Shimba is a flooded river valley, the Marere Dam, an exceptional rewarding walking area. Many of Shimba's 230 species of birds can be seen here as the Dam is a haven for a host of water birds.

Facilities:

  • Raised walkway
  • Viewing platform
  • Jungle Bar
  • Gift Shop
  • Weddings

Standard Meal Plan

  • Half Board

Available Activities:

  • Sundowner Safari
  • Sheldrick's Falls Walk
  • Game Drives
  • Cycad Forest Excursion
  • Marere Dam Bird Walk

 
MAP :

FACT FILE :
Number of rooms:

23 double rooms

5 triple rooms

2 suites

 

Room Décor:

All rooms are comfortably and uniquely furnished, some with the gnarled trunk of tree providing a natural center piece, overlooking the waterhole.

 

Special Features

All rooms with the exception of suites share bathroom and toilet facilities of which there are plenty, roughly one toilet and one shower for every 3 guests

 

Restaurants/Bars

Dining Room

The side facing the waterhole is completely open allowing for game viewing during meals. The opposite wall has been artistically `burnt' and carved to create a remarkable mural resembling historical cave paintings.

 

Jungle Bar

The jungle bar opens onto an observation area overlooking the waterhole.

 

Observation Areas

There are several observation areas and game viewing platforms on each floor. There is also a 120m walkway extending well into the forest. This enables guests to view game at close quarters and gives bird-lovers the opportunity to sit quietly and enjoy the colorful spectacle of many forest birds. Guests can enjoy drinks from the small bar at the end of the walkway.

Excursions & Activities

Sundowner Safari

This leaves at 5.00 p.m. After a 20-minute drive, often encountering elephant, buffalo and sykes and colobus monkeys en route, you arrive at a clearing in the rain forest. There is also a chance of seeing one of Africa's largest eagles, the Crowned Hawk Eagle, nesting. A campfire is lit and a steward serves drinks from a cool box (guests pre-purchase drinks from the Shimba bar). The view as the sun sets lasts a lifetime.

 

Sheldrick's Falls Walk

This is generally a 2 - 3 hour excursion either morning or afternoon. Guests drive for about 20 minutes through the reserve to the `set-off' point. The 4kms walk takes about an hour and is relatively strenuous on the return leg. The Falls are most attractive, with a shelf allowing walkers to walk right behind them. At the base of the Falls is a small pool perfectly safe for bathing in. On the drive to and from the `set off' point, you are quite likely to encounter elephants or a herd of sable.

Game Drives

They are available on a seat-in-car or exclusive basis. Window seats are not guaranteed. Although there is not an abundance of game. Shimba is the only reserve in Kenya where sable antelope are frequently sighted. There are also several herds of elephant, giraffe, buffalo and Warthog.

 

Cycad Forest Excursion

This is a remarkable forest where prehistoric ferns grow in abundance about 20 kms from Shimba. Here, elephants seek refuge from the sun and the bird life is magnificent. Participants have the opportunity to visit a local village during this excursion.

 

Marere Dam Bird Walk

11kms from Shimba is a flooded river valley, the Marere Dam, an exceptional rewarding walking area. Many of Shimba's 230 species of birds can be seen here as the Dam is home to a host of water birds. This excellent walk, always accompanied by an armed escort can be scheduled before breakfast. This excursion can also be combined with a visit to Cycad Forest.

 

Special functions

Weddings

In an evergreen tropical rain forest with the chorus of forest birds and a herd of elephants trumpeting the `wedding march'. All information is available from Block Hotels headoffice or from Nyali Beach Hotel with advice on regulations and requirements involved in a civil ceremony.

 

Other Facilities

Bureau de Change

The cashier can exchange reasonable amounts of foreign currency.

 

Location

From Diani Beach, Shimba Lodge lies between 30-40kms (about 45 minute's drive), from Likoni Ferry (Mombasa) 40 kms about (45 minute's drive) having crossed the ferry, from Voi 207kms.

 

Climate

The climate is tropical and Mombasa is generally at sea level. February - March being the hottest months and May / Jun / Jul being the coolest. Temperatures range between 20c - 36c.

 

Communication

Telephone services are available.

 

Children

Children under 7 years are not allowed at Shimba Rainforest Lodge.
 

© Block Hotels Ltd / Choices Wild Limited, 2004. All Rights Reserved.