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.

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. 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. The jungle bar opens onto an observation area overlooking the waterhole. A wooden walkway extends 120 meter 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.