Forest Reserve
A network of nature trails crisscross the eastern part of the virgin coral rag forest that covers about 70% of the shimoni forest area.
The bedrock of the island is made up of an impressive substrate of fossilized coral. You can still see the skeletal structures of corals and giant clams - a gentle reminder of the passage of time. More staggering still is the coral-rag forest. You would be forgiven for thinking it a rainforest at first, before closer inspection reveals that in Shimoni a highly specialised plant community has developed that survives without any groundwater. The dense canopy keeps the scorching sun out of the forest where aerial roots tangle and compete to form the incredibly dense matrix of this special forest habitat. To watch out for:
the birds hiding in the thicket. Our bird list consists of 64 species including the Mangrove and Pied Kingfishers, Fish Eagle brown headed parrot and many more.
the hermit crabs that busy about searching for new shells to adopt as their homes. Notice the early morning mosaic of trails across the sand where they have been exploring the beach while you sleep.
observe the rare giant Coconut Crabs (Birgus latro). They can reach up to 45 cm in diameter!! These magnificent invertebrates roam about at night and are able to climb palm trees to reach their sought-after coconuts.
The 3 species of monkeys, including baboons, sykes, and most amazing is the rare Colobus monkey. Shimoni is one of only 3 locations left in east Africa to see the Angolan colobus monkey in the wild.
Giant baobab trees, hundreds of years old. One such tree took 12 people with their hands help out to go all around.
