Description
Shimba Hills
As one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, this reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species found in the area are Sable antelope, elephant shrew, 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 scenic Sheldrick Falls and the dense Mwaluganje Forest are also found here along with four campsites.
Taita Hills
The Taita Hills, a fertile area of verdant hills and scrub forest, is a far cry from the semi-arid landscape of Tsavo. Within the hills is the private wildlife sanctuary, covering an area of 100 sq km – the landscape is dramatic and all the plains wildlife is here in abundance. Visiting involves a good mix of pretty landscapes, good birdwatching and decent mammal populations – nothing is guaranteed here but lions and elephants are frequently sighted.