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Nestled in the Shimba Hills National Reserve, in the heart of an ancient tropical rainforest, the lodge is very well known for being a highlight at every Kenya visit. Built in 1987, the award-winning lodge is the only tree lodge at Kenya's coast. Wood and other natural materials as well as the open atrium with tropical plants in the centre and open spaces throughout the lodge provide an unlimited view to the rainforest and create a unique atmosphere in which one will experience the real "Jungle Feeling" The spacious veranda directly overlooking the small lake offers you the opportunity to observe in comfort wildlife such as the white-headed fish eagle, monitor lizards, monkeys, antelopes, hornbills, turtles and other animals in their natural habitat. A wooden tree top walkway leads directly from the lodge into the forest. On the platform at the end you may want to sit down, have drink and enjoy nature at a place where nothing can disturb the peace and tranquillity. Staying at the Shimba Hills Lodge offers you the perfect environment to find peace of mind, to feel the "Breath of Life"- especially at dusk when the voices of the rainforest wake up to perform their nocturnal concert! Only 45 minutes drive from Mombasa or Diani Beach makes it ideal to combine the beach with bush holidays. Our package "Adventure Rainforest" takes you to the exciting world of the Shimba Hills, where we look forward to welcoming you!
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
We stayed at Shimba for two nights in a room with an attached en-suite bathroom, this lodge can only be summarized as BEAUTIFUL! We traveled from Nairobi to Shimba for the first time, and Tom from Shimba Lodge was so unbelievably helpful at all hours of the day. He was also sweet enough to check if we reached our final destination safely! He gave us a tour of the property and would come over for a chat to check in on us over breakfast.
Shimba Lodge is located in the middle of a reserve surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful pond, it was a relaxing stay to just switch off and be one with nature.
Charles who was our attendant at the restaurant was also really sweet, overall a great experience and we are so glad we stumbled across this gem of a place!
I would recommend you carry a credit card as you need to pay to enter the Shimba Reserve and they only accept Mpeysa and Cards (no cash). It is a small amount and what awaits you inside is well worth it!
Thank you Tom and Charles for an amazing stay! Lisa and Rubina
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Date of stay: December 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had never visited this small NP in South east Kenya and it was time to put that right. Booking on line was effortless and friendly. Deposit paid, balance on arrival was offered but eventually we paid the whole account by Bank transfer to avoid too much cash. Prior to our arrival we had been warned by a colleague that the place was 'a little rundown' but happily we were not dissuaded from going. We were attracted by the location as much as the building. All was fine on arrival and check in was smooth. The room was more than we expected with a comfy bed and door to balcony overlooking the 'waterhole'. We were a little put off by the bathroom facilities not being 'self contained' and this could prove a problem if the Lodge was full. It wasn't . Indeed it was very quiet. Meals were taken in the Restaurant and we have no complaints as to variety and quality although beer prices were a bit steep. We would have liked to have known that Bushbabies visit at dinner as we would have gone armed with a camera. Squirrels, the beautiful Red-bellied coast squirrel (Paraxerus palliatus) is resident. Birdlife around the lodge was exceptional. We had to remain in lodge for sometime and the time was not wasted as we watched many rare and beautiful species in the surrounding scrub and trees. OK so the place could do with some TLC and improvement but we would happily return as our stay was all too short.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:If you love birding you will love this place.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a cool and unusual property in the Shimba Hills Reserve. We stayed just for one night.
Good: Friendly and attentive staff The boardwalk are alongside the waterhole Dated but clean and comfortable rooms The bar area Colobus monkeys!
Not so good: The price is a bit steep Food is plentiful but average IMPORTANT TO NOTE - this property does not accept card payments. If you’re a Kenya resident, they accept MPESA. If not, you need to pay in cash. Unfortunately we only found this out at check out, which could have led to an awkward situation.
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Date of stay: December 2021Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:See comment about cards!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heartbreaking. We used to come here pretty regularly between 15 and 25 years ago and we always loved the beautiful location, the amazing treehouse architecture, the wildlife at the lodge and the amazing food!!! It was normally a special treat for birthdays or other special occasions.
The location and architecture are still incredible but the lodge feels neglected especially in the bedrooms with broken curtains/mosquito nets/etc. There were no mosquito nets in the standard bedrooms. The wildlife is no longer as used to humans so we didn’t get to see the bush babies and genet cat but did see the red squirrels and Colobus monkeys and baboons as well as warthog and waterbuck.
The staff were all wonderfully friendly but are obviously not used to having guests currently. There was no cold wine and they ran out of cold drinking water and ice. Ordering food was a painful process and the food itself was not as good as it used to be and often cold. As lovely as they were the chef and waiting staff definitely need some training.
There was no Wifi or phone signal and the lodge could not take credit cards or cash but only MPesa which we struggled to use due to lack of signal.
We really hope they flourish in this post lockdown era and we hope to come back after some renovations and training!
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Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Shimba Hills Lodge for one night as part of our coastal birding week. The staff are lovely and the lodge is quirky and unique, made from local timber. Colobus monkeys, bush squirrels and bushbabies (at night) run about and there is a boardwalk where you can find some of the local birds.
The long access road needs improvement as it is very rough even in a 4X4. We had the nicest room available but it was still shabby and worn out with no soap save for the remnants of a highly watered down bottle of hand soap. There were also a few half empty single use shampoo & conditioner tubes at the sink. The sink fittings were old and need replacement. There is no WiFi nor cell service.
Our electricity went off at 2 pm and by dinner time was still off. Candles were placed in the hallways otherwise it would have been pitch black. I don't know how often this happens but there is NO back-up plan for when it does. No generator - not even any flashlights to give to guests. Open flames on the floor of a wood structure, even if they are in candle holders, struck us as downright unsafe. Fortunately, the electricity came back on about 8:30 pm - we were very pleased. The food is OK but rather basic and repetitive. Breakfast was the best meal.
With significant improvements this lodge could be very quaint and charming but at this point it is in dire need of upgrading.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I had a beautiful overnight stay at this lovely place. I booked through a local agent but it couldn’t have been more perfect. The setting is amazing - green and dining is set over a unique watering place. Let’s be sure Shimba is not big game but the hotel is set in beautiful rilling green scenery. OK to accommodation and food. Food was simple and expertly prepared in a more European way. Soup with rolls to start Followed by a simple yet tasty salad to follow. Main course was perfect for the location. Followed by a simple sweet course. I loved this food and nothing like anything’s have come across in rural settings.
The accommodation was lovely for viewing. Once again simple but well executed basics. I had shared washrooms but was once again perfect for my situation and travelling arrangements.
Service - absolutely top botch Kind and friendly without being too over the top.
I loved Shimba Hills and this hotel is the perfect compliment to the park.
Not pretentious in any way
I want to go back
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shimbahillslodge, General Manager at Shimba Hills Lodge
Responded Mar 10, 2020
Dear Bobby, dear Billy, many thanks for your nice review. We are happy to hear you enjoyed your stay with us and will hopefully be able to welcome you again. A cordial Jambo! Gabriele
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We are still in awe after living in this heaven on earth. The gorgeously beautiful hotel has not only its location as the greatest advantage of all, but the nicest people you have ever met! The kindness of the management and the staff especially William surpasses everything you have ever and will ever see.
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Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stunning setting and log constructed building sympathetic to its surroundings . Very friendly and professional staff . Incredibly enjoyable lunch with excellent quality of food and service . We were able to observe a fish eagle having his lunch and we were joined at our table by some inquisitive red squirrels . A pair of Colobus monkeys were watching us watch them in the nearby trees . A wonderful experience where one felt very close to nature in a beautiful tranquil oasis . This was kenya hospitality at its best . Would not hesitate to recommend a visit to this lovely establishment .
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Date of stay: November 2019Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shimbahillslodge, General Manager at Shimba Hills Lodge
Responded Jan 31, 2020
Dear Penny, its wonderful you enjoyed your stay with us and liked our services. Thank you for taking the time to review your experience and sharing it. We are happy to welcome you any time again. Kind regards and a cordial Jambo form the Shimba Hills Gabriele
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ohh.. oasis of silent and calm. Hidden in the central of big rainforest in Kenya. no phones, no internet and wi-fi. Only voice of Nature around.Great time to dive into deep ourselves. Always during Mombasa trip.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:all room similar good.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shimba hills lodge is an exclusive hidded gem in the heart of shimba hills in a thick rainforest and bumpy terrain strategically enough to view whole forest you will be able to spot flocks of elephants and sable antelopes
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Date of stay: May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes it is, we have Twin rooms and a triple room on the ground floor with no barriers to the washrooms, the bar and the restaurant. The suites are on the first floor and second floor accessible via a staircase (low steps) In any case our team is there to support wherever necessary, requested or wished. The canopy walkway can be accessed without having to climb stairs. If the guest needs to use a wheelchair, we will be happy to assist on the way down from the parking to the hotel entrance (3 steps and a slope leading down). I hope this information is helpful. Please don't hesitate to get back to us should you need further information, we will be happy to respond at the soonest. Kind regards, Gabriele
Hallo nach Österreich! Glücklicherweise gibt es in der Shimba Hills Lodge relativ wenige Mücken da die im Wasserloch beheimateten Frösche einen grossen Anteil der Larven verspeisen bevor sie die Lodge erreichen. Der Rest wird von den vielen kleinen Echsen in der Lodge "entsorgt". Trotzdem ist es wie beim Auto fahren. Man fährt jahrelang ohne einen Zwischenfall und dann kommt ein unachtsamer Fahrer der einen in einen Unfall verwickelt. Deshalb empfehlen wir sozusagen den "Sicherheitsgurt" zu verwenden = Mückenspray vor dem Dinner. Dann ist man auf der ganz sicheren Seite. Lange Hosen sind nicht unbedingt erforderlich, es könnte warm werden im Oktober. Ich hoffe diese Information ist hilfreich für Sie.
Mit besten Grüssen
Gabriele
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ALSO KNOWN AS
shimba hills hotel shimba hills national reserve
LOCATION
KenyaCoast ProvinceShimba Hills National Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
29
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