Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kenya: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kenya? If you're planning to go to Shimba Hills National Reserve, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Important essentials for Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Activities for Shimba Hills National Reserve
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in January: weather and what to pack
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in February: weather and what to pack
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in March: weather and what to pack
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in April: weather and what to pack
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in May: weather and what to pack
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in June: weather and what to pack
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in July: weather and what to pack
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in August: weather and what to pack
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in September: weather and what to pack
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in October: weather and what to pack
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in November: weather and what to pack
- Shimba Hills National Reserve in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kenya
Based on the climate and weather in Shimba Hills National Reserve, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kenya
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Shimba Hills National Reserve, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one works in most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
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Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Shimba Hills National Reserve may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
What to wear/what to pack for Shimba Hills National Reserve, Kenya by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
February
February in this region dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
March
If you go to Shimba Hills National Reserve in March, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
April
April in this region is really hot. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
May
May is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
June
June in this region is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
July
Traveling to Shimba Hills National Reserve in July, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
August
If you are traveling to Shimba Hills National Reserve in August, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
September
Traveling to Shimba Hills National Reserve in September, you will notice that it is hot. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
October
October in Shimba Hills National Reserve is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
November
Traveling to Shimba Hills National Reserve in November, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
December
December here can be very hot. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
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