Name: Shimba Hills Lodge
Address: Shimba Hills National Reserve, Galu Kinondo, Galu Kinondo, Galu Kinondo, 80401, Kenya
Rating: 9

Smoking areas

Currency exchange

Smoke-free property

Gift shop

Express check-in/check-out

Terrace

Private check-in/check-out

No elevators

General

Bridal suite

Non-smoking rooms

Room service

Linens

Mosquito net

Toiletries

Rooms

Laundry

Safe-deposit box

Luggage storage

Wake-up service

Services and amenities

Diet menu (on request)

Breakfast

Breakfast in the room

Restaurant

Packed Lunches

Bottled water

Meals

Internet

Airport transportation

Transfer services

Transfer

German

English

Languages Spoken

Parking

Beach/pool towels

Pool and beach

Babysitting and childcare

Kids

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Location

At the hotel

Ukunda Airport

Moi International Airport

Vipingo Airport

Shimba Hills Lodge

Galu Kinondo

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.

We were comfortable.

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.

A dream come true

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!

In need of some TLC

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.

Unusual and enjoyable property. Does not accept card payments.

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

Unique and Tranquil Experience!

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



A Unique 21st century Oasis of calm

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 . 

Tranquille Oasis

As you approach the lodge through the trees you find the building built of trees and among the trees. After a welcome drink and checking in, friendly staff show you to your room. Rooms are comfortable. Ours had a lovely view over the nearby marsh and forest. Some bathrooms are shared but this was not a problem for us. We enjoyed the food although, because of few guests when we were there, there was little choice and no buffet. The loud noise of the frogs and cicadas was amazing. A bushbaby and two squirrels shared the dining room with us. The wooden walkway from the lodge into the forest was great for a photo-opportunity. We stayed for one night; maybe two would have been better.

A unique experience worth trying

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.

Great One night stopover.”

We last visited this lodge 30 years ago - it has not changed and still had the'Wow' factor.
The rooms are so in keeping with the location and comfortable.  The food menu is limited but the food provide was excellent. We were looked after very well by helpful and friendly staff
A unique experience in a special location.
We look forward to visiting again in the near future.

Shimba Hills Lodge

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