Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve is the largest stretch of coastal dry forest remaining in Eastern Africa.It is second in Africa in birdlife conservation from Congo and also famous for the wide variety of butterflies.. The ecosystem comprises of three forest types, Mixed forest, Brachystegia Woodland and Cynometra, each containing different rare species of  Birds, Mammals, Butterflies, and Plants. There are 270 birds, 263 butterflies, 79 amphibians  , 52 mammals  and 600 plants species . The Clarke's Weaver is completely endemic to the forest, while the Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, east coast akalat, Amani Sunbird and Spotted Ground Thrush are only found in the park and a few in Tanzania. 3 mammals which are endemic species :- Aders duiker, Sokoke Bush Tailed Mongoose, and Golden rumped elephant shrew.

How to ge to Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve:
It is located 110km north of Mombasa 45km from Kilifi and 20 km south of  Malindii, you can get there by road, from Mombasa town or by plane through Malindi. Access through Mombasa tarmac road.

• Access through Malindi.
• By Air: Malindi and Mombasa Airports.Book your Mombasa Flights and Malindi flight.

SIZE / LOCATION:

• it covers 420sq km 
• It lies a few kilometers inland, between the towns of Kilifi and Malindi, you can get there by road, which is 110 Kms  from mombasa town or by plane through Malindi or Mombasa airports.

CLIMATE:

• Average annual rainfall ranges from 900mm in the dry and scrubby northwest to 1100mm in the east.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS:

• Arabuko Sokoke is a birding destination. Endemic Bird species, Butterflies, Remnant coastal forest.
• It is the largest existing fragment of the tropical forests along the East African coast and it shelters endemic/endangered birds, insects, butterflies and mammal species. 
• It is also an important monument as remnants of the coastal tropical forests.
• A couple of reptile species (in addition to other species living here e.g. butterflies, Beetles) are found here among them Boomslang, Green Mamba, Rock Python, Forest Cobra, Sand Lizard and Day Geullo.
• It is a great reserve for birdwatching and among the bird species includes Sokoke Pipit, Amani Sunbird,Fischers Turaco, Clarkes weaver, Golden Woodpecker and many others
• Seasonal pools, Tree plat form,  Nyari view point and Nature trails.
• Three distinct forest habitat

WILDLIFE:

• Golden-rumped Elephant-shrew, Sokoke bushy-tailed Mongoose, Ader’s Duiker, waterbuck, Bushbuck, African Civet, Blotched Genet, Caracal, syke’s monkeys, several bird species.
• Prolific birdlife features 230 species.
•  

WHERE TO STAY:

• There is Currently no accommodation in the reserve. There are lots of accommodation facilities along this coast to suit all budget levels
• Jamii Villas, Kitsapu Cottage boardering the forest along Mombasa - Malindi high way.
• Check Fountain Safaris for a list of Malindi hotels and Mombasa Hotel.

ACTIVITY OPTIONS:

• Bird Watching
• Butterfly watching
• General walk
• Game drives
• Camping
• Cycling
• Running

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU:

• Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscream, sunglasses, Note book, guidebooks and local tour guide.