Ivana House - Shimba Hills National Park

Ivana House is a guesthouse near Shimba Hills National Park.

Location
Shimba Hills National Park, Tsavo & Amboseli Ecosystem, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-4.262693, 39.593410
Elevation
11m
Activities
guesthouse

PlnrScore: 35/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

1145 species observed within 20 km, 43 mammals, 173 birds.

  • Blue Monkey (Mammalia, 183 observations)
  • Angola Colobus (Mammalia, 151 observations)
  • White-headed Dwarf Gecko (Reptilia, 80 observations)
  • Vervet Monkey (Mammalia, 77 observations)
  • Red-knobbed Sea Star (Animalia, 68 observations)
  • Redleg Orbweaver (Arachnida, 61 observations)
  • Kenyan Rock Agama (Reptilia, 58 observations)
  • Yellow Baboon (Mammalia, 58 observations)
  • Indo-Pacific Sergeant Major (Actinopterygii, 57 observations)
  • Three-spot Dascyllus (Actinopterygii, 56 observations)

Monthly Climate

MonthHighLowRain
Jan30.3C24.9C71.9mm
Feb30.8C25.2C36.2mm
Mar30.7C25.3C78.2mm
Apr28.7C24.4C259.3mm
May27.8C24.1C159.3mm
Jun26.8C23.2C109.9mm
Jul26C22.2C99.4mm
Aug26.5C22.2C65.3mm
Sep27.5C22.7C75.9mm
Oct28.7C23.5C65.9mm
Nov29C24C135.2mm
Dec29.8C24.3C135.2mm

Best Time to Visit Ivana House

The best months to visit Ivana House are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 25.48°C, rainfall 74.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 79.3%
  • February: Great, temperature 26.01°C, rainfall 50.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 76.8%
  • March: Great, temperature 25.96°C, rainfall 97.9mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 77.8%
  • April: Good, temperature 24.26°C, rainfall 272.1mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 85.8%
  • May: Good, temperature 23.53°C, rainfall 136.1mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 82.9%
  • June: Great, temperature 22.45°C, rainfall 98.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 82.1%
  • July: Great, temperature 21.58°C, rainfall 94.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 83.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.81°C, rainfall 68.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 82.5%
  • September: Great, temperature 22.7°C, rainfall 73.5mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 80.9%
  • October: Great, temperature 23.94°C, rainfall 81mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 79.4%
  • November: Good, temperature 24.43°C, rainfall 188.6mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 82.9%
  • December: Great, temperature 24.91°C, rainfall 143.7mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 83.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What unique wildlife encounters can I expect when staying at Ivana House and visiting Shimba Hills National Park?

Shimba Hills is renowned for being the only place in Kenya to spot the rare sable antelope, a magnificent and elegant species. Beyond this, you can expect to see elephants, buffalo, various monkey species like colobus, and a rich diversity of birdlife within its coastal rainforest ecosystem.

Given Ivana House's location near the coast, what is the ideal time of year to visit Shimba Hills National Park for the best safari experience?

The best time to visit Shimba Hills from Ivana House is during the dry seasons, typically January to February and June to October. During these months, wildlife is easier to spot as animals congregate around water sources, and the weather is generally more comfortable for game drives and exploring.

What kind of experience does Ivana House offer as a guesthouse, and are there activities beyond game drives in Shimba Hills?

Ivana House provides a comfortable, home-like base, often allowing for a more personalized and relaxed stay compared to larger lodges. Besides game drives in Shimba Hills, guests can easily access the stunning Sheldrick Falls within the park for a refreshing hike and swim, or explore local cultural experiences in the nearby communities.

How accessible is Ivana House from major transport hubs, and what are the typical transfer options for guests?

Ivana House is conveniently located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours' drive from Mombasa, Kenya's second-largest city and home to Moi International Airport (MBA). Guests can arrange private transfers through Ivana House or hire a taxi from Mombasa or Diani Beach, making it a relatively easy destination to reach.

What are the expected costs for visiting Shimba Hills National Park from Ivana House, specifically regarding park entry fees for non-residents?

Non-resident adult entry fees for Shimba Hills National Park are typically around $25 per person per 24 hours, payable directly to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Ivana House's accommodation rates vary depending on the season and room type, so it's best to inquire directly for their current pricing, which usually excludes park fees and game drive vehicle costs.

Other Safari Lodges in Shimba Hills National Park

Parks in Tsavo & Amboseli Ecosystem

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya