The Shimba hills are dissected plateau that ascends steeply from the coastal plains, 30 km south west of Mombasa and just south of Kwale town. The climate is hot and moist but is cooler than that at the coast with strong sea breezes and frequent mist and cloud in the early morning.

Major attractions are scenic landscape comprising of hills and valleys extending beyond the reserve boundaries, Sheldricks falls, home to the rare Roan and Sable antelope, coastal rainforest and a paradise of variety of birds.