The 260-square-mile Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, which is situated in Kilifi County on Kenya’s coast, offers a variety of activities. About 20% of Kenya’s bird species can be found in the forest, along with a wide range of butterfly species. There are over 270 different species of birds, 33 different snakes, flying handkerchief butterflies, and some spectacular Kenyan wildlife, including elephants, the shy Aders’ duiker (antelope), and a large number of Sykes’ monkeys and yellow baboons. Among the things to do in Arabuko-Sokoke are the following:
A hike in the forest
There are beautiful pathways and boardwalks for outdoor enthusiasts. To get away from the typical sounds of the city and to re-establish a connection with nature, take a walk through the forest. The sounds of the birds and the cool forest air provide the best vibes here. A network of approved walking routes exists. Savour the forest’s canopy.
The Mida Creek
Mida Creek, a beautiful tidal inlet with six different species of mangrove trees, is less than a kilometre from the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest entrance. For migratory species including Greater Flamingos, Terek Sandpipers, Sand Plovers, and Crab-plovers, the creek is an important wintering site. A building that raises funds for local children’s education and forest conservation is the Mida Creek Boardwalk and Bird Hide. Use the boardwalk and the bird hide here to get a better look at these migratory birds.
About 5 km south of Watamu is Mida Creek, a naturally formed access to the coast. Its distinctive plants and animals, which collectively create a singular ecosystem, set it apart from the surrounding area. UNESCO has designated Mida Creek as a Biosphere Reserve because it is home to one of the best mangrove ecosystems in the world, with nine different types and thirty-three different species of algae. After the Arabuko Sokoke woods, Mida Creek is the second-largest ornithological refuge in Africa. A study found that the mangrove forest and other maritime resources provide significant economic, ecological, and environmental resources for the neighbouring village communities. The forest provides building materials for houses and boats, as well as coal and firewood.
The forest provides building materials for houses and boats, as well as coal and firewood. Items from mangroves are also utilised in the production of furniture, tanning, and pharmaceutical and medicinal items.
observing birds
The reserve, which is primarily a Kenyan birding safari destination, is home to several rare and near-endemic species. Do not expect to see any of the large Kenyan safari animals in the woodland, despite the fact that it is a pleasant place to spend a few hours and a perfect way to escape the heat of the sea. The endangered Sokoke pipit and spotted ground thrush are among the approximately 270 bird species that can be observed there. Beautiful seasonal lakes can be found tucked away in the bird-filled Miombo woodlands.
The forest provides building materials for houses and boats, as well as coal and firewood. Items from mangroves are also utilised in the production of furniture, tanning, and pharmaceutical and medicinal items.
observing birds
The bird trails at Spinetail Way and Kararacha Pools are 16 km south of the main entrance and can be reached from the Kararacha entrance. Grebes, open-billed storks, and whistling ducks all love to congregate at the Whistling Duck Pools. From the Mida entrance, there is a trail. Elephants can be seen drinking from a nearby lake from the Treehouse, which is reached via a short northerly route from the main entrance. The 4WD Elephant Track is another place to watch elephants.
Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve birdwatching
Observing butterflies
As a tropical forest, it is home to a vast number of butterflies, whose reproduction is supported by the cool forest air. This location is the best safari in Kenya to see butterflies if you enjoy doing so. Here you may see several handkerchief butterflies in flight. Given that it is a tropical forest, a lot of butterflies call it home since the cold forest air encourages butterfly reproduction. The finest place to go on safari in Kenya if you like to see butterflies is here. Several handkerchief butterflies can be seen flying here.
Camping is one of the activities available at Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.
The area is home to three excellent campsites: the official campsite, the tall tree platforms, and the Nyari Cliff, where you can witness a magnificent sunrise. Camping here is quite satisfying, especially when the weather is suitable for camping during the dry season. The natural surroundings will reward you with the most incredible safari camping experience in Kenya. There is plenty of firewood for cooking, and the cool weather lets you enjoy the feel of the forest.
At the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, you can go camping.
The official campsite, the tall tree platforms, and the Nyari Cliff, where you can witness a magnificent sunrise, are all excellent campsites inside the reserve. This is a very gratifying place to camp, especially in the dry season when the weather is suitable. The natural environment will reward you with the most incredible Kenya safari camping experience you could ever imagine. There is enough firewood for cooking, and you may enjoy the entire wooded atmosphere because of the cool weather.
Campsites at Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve are available for activities.
The reserve has three great campsites: the official campsite, the platforms of the tall trees, and the Nyari Cliff, where you can see a beautiful sunrise. The camping experience here is quite gratifying, especially during the dry season when the weather is suitable. The breathtaking natural surroundings will reward you with the most incredible Kenya safari camping experience of your life. You can cook with plenty of firewood, and the cool weather lets you enjoy the ambiance of the forest.
When to go
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Coastal weather is characterized by two distinct rainy seasons: the short season, which takes place in November and December, and the long season, which starts with showers by the end of March and lasts from April to June. The wettest month is said to be May. Because precipitation can affect forest routes and make some of them more challenging to traverse, knowing the patterns of rain will help you avoid getting disappointed when you can not enjoy everything the forest has to offer. The Indian Ocean shoreline experiences average annual temperatures that range from lower to mid-80s degrees Fahrenheit (26 to 30 degrees Celsius) during the day to lower to mid-70s degrees Fahrenheit at night (21–24 degrees Celsius). Compared to interior areas, the shoreline is typically more humid.
But you may visit the woodland at any time of year. The official Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Map can be purchased at the main forest gate in Gede. Alternatively, you can examine the map by clicking here, which shows the locations of the main forest activities and features.
