Full-Day Shimba Hills National Reserve Trip

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Rates From $100

About This Tour

Rolling green hills and ancient tropical forests provide a cool escape from the coastal heat. The journey moves from the shores of Diani into the high ridges of the Shimba Hills National Reserve, where misty mornings clear to reveal expansive views of the Indian Ocean. This day trip is designed for coastal guests seeking a brief, calm transition from the beach into a quiet wilderness environment.

The day follows a steady rhythm, starting with a morning drive through the reserve and ending with a relaxed lunch overlooking the forest canopy. The flow is gentle and unhurried, allowing for moments of stillness in one of Kenya’s last remaining coastal rainforests.

Travelers can expect a day of steady movement and restorative quiet. The experience offers a balanced mix of guided observation and comfortable rest points, ensuring a peaceful return to the coast by late afternoon.

Our Community Impact

Johnbow prioritizes partnerships with local guides and service providers from the Kwale region. This day trip supports local employment and contributes directly to the conservation of the Shimba Hills ecosystem through mandatory reserve fees. These contributions help maintain the delicate balance between the forest community and the surrounding wildlife.

Our Sustainability Promise

We choose responsible travel paths by using professional local guides who respect the natural behaviors of the reserve’s inhabitants. Our operations focus on minimizing waste during excursions and on supporting lodges that implement sustainable forest management. We are committed to preserving this unique coastal rainforest for future generations.

Why This Safari Works

The itinerary is well-designed for guests in Diani who want a wilderness experience without a long journey. The routing is simple and effective, moving quickly from the coast into the cool upland air. It avoids travel fatigue by keeping drive segments short and focused within the reserve.

The balance of a morning game drive followed by a forest lunch provides a steady rhythm that feels full but never rushed. This structure works best for couples, families with children, and first-time safari guests who prefer a short, high-value introduction to Kenya’s wildlife. Gentle personalization is possible, such as adjusting the departure time to suit your morning pace.

Your Trip at a Glance

A snapshot of your entire experience, from key highlights to where you'll stay and what to expect each day.

  • 4x4 Land Cruiser
  • Budget Traveller
  • Children Allowed
  • Couple
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Game Drives
  • Hiking / Trekking
  • Rare Wildlife Sightings

Trip Summary

  • Type of safari: Day Trip
  • Mode of transport: Road
  • Vehicle type: 4x4 Safari Vehicle
  • Typical group size: 2 minimum guests
  • Sequence: Pick up from Diani – Shimba Hills National Reserve – Return to Diani

Destinations

  • Shimba Hills National Reserve

Where You Stay

  • No overnight stay (Day Trip)

Safari Highlights

  • Cool upland forest air
  • Views of the Indian Ocean
  • Rare sable antelope sightings
  • Elephant tracking in the forest
  • Ancient tropical rainforest canopy
  • Guided morning game drive
  • Quiet lunch in the hills
  • Short travel time from Diani

Featured Destinations

Where You Stay

Route Map

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Highlights

  • Morning game drive in the forest
  • Observation of elephants and sable antelopes
  • Lunch overlooking the reserve

Itinerary information

The day begins with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Diani, followed by a short drive to Shimba Hills. The air cools as the vehicle climbs the ridges into the tropical rainforest. A guided game drive moves through the dense vegetation and open glades, where elephants often move between the trees. The reserve is one of the few places to see the rare sable antelope in its natural habitat. After a morning of observation, the journey pauses for lunch at a point offering wide views over the forest toward the ocean. The afternoon is spent in a calm return drive, reaching the coast as the light softens.

  • Meals: Lunch
  • Accommodation: N/A

JohnBow Safari Expert Insight

❝ We designed this trip to offer a cooling break from the beach. The short drive time makes it a perfect, low-strain introduction to Kenya's diverse coastal ecosystems. ❞

~Johnbow Safari Expert Team

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Pickup PointPer Person
Diani$ 100

Important Rate Notes

  • Rates vary based on seasonal reserve entry fees.
  • Pick-up times are confirmed 24 hours before departure.
  • Child policies for reserve entry apply and require confirmation.
  • Vehicle substitutions of a similar standard may occur if needed.

What's Included

  • Pick-up and drop-off from accommodation
  • Entry fees to Shimba Hills National Reserve
  • Guided game drive
  • Professional English-speaking driver guide
  • Lunch

Optional Addons

  • Guided walk to Sheldrick Falls
  • Early morning breakfast in the reserve
  • Extended evening sundowners

What's Not Included

  • Drinks outside of the provided lunch
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Optional activities not listed above

Ready to start planning your Safari? Tell us your travel dates, who you are traveling with, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, several viewpoints within the Shimba Hills offer clear views of the Indian Ocean coastline on clear days.
This reserve is the primary habitat for the rare sable antelope and supports unique forest-dwelling bird species not found in the savannah.
The drive to the reserve gate typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour depending on your hotel location.

See What Our Travellers Have To Say

Posted on Google Google
Dorcas Munga profile picture
Dorcas Munga
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great planning and communication. My trips have been smooth. All expectations met 💯
Posted on Google Google
Mike Bourassa profile picture
Mike Bourassa
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Our driver, Patrick, made the experience even more special with his outgoing personality and his knowledge of each park. He always made certain that he positioned his vehicle just right so we could get a perfect photo. He shared a lot about African culture an answered our questions. His keen eye spotted a cheetah from a long distance and we experienced the animal stalk and catch his prey (only to have a hyena steal it from him at the end). The accommodations were excellent at Massai Mara but were a bit too primitive at Amboseli. The large openings between the sleeping area and the bathroom brought way too many bugs into the tent. Wonderful memories of the entire experience!! We hope to come back next year and Patrick will be our choice of guide.
Posted on Google Google
Kate Mandere profile picture
Kate Mandere
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wonderful team, very warm, helpful and well coordinated!
Posted on Google Google
Emmy Chepkoech profile picture
Emmy Chepkoech
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I recently booked my 1st trip with Johnbow Tours and Travel and it was an outstanding experience from the start to finish. The team was professional, well-organised, helpful and incredibly friendly. Transfer to my hotel room and back was handled smoothly allowing us to relax and enjoy our journey. The fact that they allow lipa mdogo mdogo was not overwhelming paying for the package...I can't wait to book again with Johnbow 😊
Posted on Google Google
Gloria Kikete profile picture
Gloria Kikete
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jonbow has offers seamless travel service with a personal touch.
Posted on Google Google
Lolo Chgn profile picture
Lolo Chgn
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Safaris de 5 jours depart Nairobi et arrivée à Diani beach Visite des parcs d’amboseli, tsavo ouest et est , t.hills Découverte d une faune magnifique Notre chauffeur Chombo a tout fait pour rechercher les animaux et il était à notre écoute ! Dépaysement total garanti Les hôtels étaient tout confort avec des conditions d’alimentation en eau et électricité précaire ! Nous remercions vraiment Morris et Chombo pour ce magnifique Safari
Posted on Google Google
Irene Nduku profile picture
Irene Nduku
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent services, the team was friendly, efficient and went above and beyond to meet my need.Their service was prompt and effective. I highly recommend
Posted on Google Google
Cheyenne van den B profile picture
Cheyenne van den B
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We had a two day tour with Johnbow Tours & Travel to Tsavo West. The park itself is not that good to be honest, but we stayed at Salt Lick lodge and that was amazing. The animals are coming so close to the lodge, it is really beautiful to see. The driver Pius was also really nice and he had a lot of knowledge about the animals. I have been in contact with Morris and that was also really pleasant because of the arrangement we had.
Posted on Google Google
virginia mumo profile picture
virginia mumo
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
As a team of 12pax..we had an exceptional good experience with the Johnbow team. Well informed and humble team who contributed a lot to an enjoyable trip and creating memories.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Stay06810033473 profile picture
Stay06810033473
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Customer Servive Customer service was great!Communication was timely and effective especially as there were some flight changes.Either way the bookings were perfect, customer service was exceptional and we even got a treat for our anniversary, at no extra costElijah and Sam were very helpful.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Annette M profile picture
Annette M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Exceptional Experience with Johnbow Tours and Travel! I had an unforgettable trip to Bali and Thailand, the guides were amazing, the places beautiful and the itinerary on point. Bali has very many temples and beautiful rice terraces, the swings and sunset views unforgettable. thank you Johnbow for the tour.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
KSP profile picture
KSP
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Memorable Safari with a Great Team and Guide We had a really good experience with Johnbow Tours during our Kenya safari. Morris, our main point of contact, was communicative and professional throughout. He stayed in touch via WhatsApp both before and during the trip, answering all our questions quickly and clearly, which gave us a lot of confidence going in.The pricing felt fair for what we received, and the Land Cruiser was comfortable, especially considering the long drives. They also provided snacks at the start of the trip upon request, which was thoughtful.Our guide, Paul, was very knowledgeable. He had a sharp eye for spotting animals and shared interesting facts about everything we saw. We had plenty of game drives and were lucky to spot a wide variety of wildlife.The only small issue was around water. We had been told water would be included throughout, but at a couple of the lodges, we were charged for drinking water, tea, or coffee during meals. It wasn’t a big deal, but having clarity on that from the start would’ve been helpful.Overall, it was a smooth and enjoyable safari. The team was dependable, the schedule was well planned, and we felt taken care of from start to finish. I’d absolutely recommend Johnbow to anyone planning a private safari in Kenya.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Alain V profile picture
Alain V
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A great experience, a must for everyone who reads this Jonbow, our driver who has the same name as the agency, took very good care of us. He was on time for the appointment. Once on the road he was super attentive. In the park he was always the first to spot the game. He gave us very good explanations about all the animals we saw. No effort was too much to make us spot all the game. Super friendly and helpful guy. He operates from Mombasa/Diani Beach. He made sure that our safari will remain unforgettable.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
winnie a profile picture
winnie a
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Dubai tour 2024 was a birthday gift to my son who turned lucky number seven. I writing to thank you for coordinating our trip to UAE, dubai. Everything was perfect; the flight, the hotel was clean and all staff were friendly and professional. Special thanks to Mary Gathua as she was the one who coordinated everything for us.The tour guides were excellent! They made things as easy for us as possible. I really appreciate these and that indicate the quality services that they provide.We had dubai town tour and our guide, Mr. Albert did exceptionally well. We learnt about the origin of UAE and the important features in dubai. We had dhow cruise with dinner, and the dessert safari with dinner.Desert safari was the best of the trip (the driver , Mr . Zaheer was very professional, and the overall experience was thrilling and amazing). The desert safari remains in my priority to do list when I visit dubai next.I would certainly recommend Johnbow Tours and travel to anyone wanting to visit Dubai. Thank you again and look forward to plan our next vacation with you.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
maryanne o profile picture
maryanne o
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Awesome Best tour company ..travelled to Dubai in Emirates .Booked the best hotel in Dubai..Johnbow staff are friendly and accommodatve I rate them10/10 they're affordable too .
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
M A profile picture
M A
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Superb service Happy New Year! Eunice managed our travel plans superbly, and I’m grateful. Our stay at Pride Inn was delightful; the staff’s service, food, attention, and entertainment made our holiday special and memorable. Thanks again for your excellent services.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
gladys n profile picture
gladys n
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Efficient Eunice of John Bow ,was pretty helpful from getting us a hotel to SGR tickets, and transfers to the hotel.She also called to ensure we arrived safely.I loved the seamless process and especially because we chat on whatsapp mostly. Johnbow tours keep their word! I would choose them again.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Christine N profile picture
Christine N
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Awesome experience This travel company was very efficient. I engaged them on whatsapp in the morning and by afternoon they had finalised everything including the sgr tickets. Their staff Eunice was readily available even at night because we did night travel. And early morning at 4 am, she called to find out if the driver had picked us. I would recommend them anytime
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Sabina M profile picture
Sabina M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
It was a time of relaxation and fun. The trip was well planned from Nairobi to Maasai Mara. We had so much fun and took so many photos. We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants and other animals. If we could do it again, we would still chose Johnbow tours and travel.
info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 3rd Floor Room 3-8. Moi Avenue, Nairobi