Arabuko Sokoke National Park protects the largest remaining tract of coastal forest in East Africa. The reserve is mainly a bird-watching destination, and several endemic and near-endemics can be found here. The forest, which is home to the eerie Gede Ruins, is a magical place to spend a couple of hours. Arabuko Sokoke is a welcome refuge from the coastal heat – but don’t expect to see any of the big safari animals. The Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is located on the coast of Kenya, 110 km north of Mombasa, and is protected as a national Forest Reserve.
The Arabuko Sokoke National Park, situated at the north-western edge of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, is only a few square kilometers in size and constitutes only a small portion of the latter. The National Park was gazetted only in the late 1980s and in fact straddles the Forest Reserve boundary, with about 50% lying outside the boundary. While it may not feature the big safari animals, it unveils a magical realm with over 270 bird species, 33 snake species, and an array of fascinating fauna, including elephants, Aders’ duiker, Sykes’ monkeys, and yellow baboons.
Weather and Climate of Arabuko Sokoke National Park
Arabuko Sokoke National Park and the nearby Forest Reserve are usually warm and muggy. This area gets two main rainy periods: the longer rains from March to June and the shorter ones from November to December. For the rest of the year, it’s mostly hot and dry. On average, temperatures are between 22 and 34 degrees Celsius, and the park receives about 600 millimeters of rain each year.
Tourist attractions in Arabuko Sokoke National Park
East African Coastal Forest
Arabuko Sokoke National Park is the biggest remaining piece of the East African coastal forests that used to be much more widespread. It was officially recognized as a Crown Forest in 1932 and became a protected area in 1943, covering an area of 4,300 hectares. This park is a dream come true for bird lovers, as it is home to more than 270 different bird species. Among these are some unique birds that can only be found here, such as the Clarke’s weaver, Sokoke scops owl, Sokoke Pipit, and Amani Sunbird.
Animals
Arabuko Sokoke National Park is home to 252 mammals and 79 amphibians. Other than the yellow baboons, Lesser Galago elephants, and Sykes’ monkeys, the park houses animals like the Aders’ duiker and the amazing elephant shrew. Other residents of Arabuko Sokoke Forest include the Savanah elephants, Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose, African cricket, vervet monkeys, and baboons. The park is also recognized as an outstanding center of amphibian diversity. The forest is home to 250 different butterfly species, of which four occur nowhere else in the world. Visit Kipepeo Butterfly Farm to see these dazzling creatures.
Birdlife
Arabuko Sokoke National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Kenya. The park is home to over 270 bird species. Some of the bird species spotted here include Sokoke scops owl, Clarke’s weaver, Sokoke pipit, Amani sunbird, chestnut-fronted helmet-shrike, silvery-cheeked hornbill, green barbet, Fischer’s turaco, crested guineafowl, scaly babbler, silvery-checked hornbill, east coast akalat, open-billed storks, whistling duck pools and grebes among others.
Gedi Ruins
Nestled in the lush landscape of Arabuko Sokoke, the Gedi Ruins are what’s left of a Swahili town from the 13th century. For a long time, Gedi was hidden away from Portuguese explorers and remained a secret. Now, the ruins, surrounded by winding vines, tell a fascinating story about East Africa’s past.
Activities to do at Arabuko Sokoke National Park
Butterfly watching
Arabuko Sokoke National Park is a great place for butterfly watching. The cool, tropical forest environment helps create the perfect conditions for butterflies to thrive. If you love observing these colorful creatures, this park is the perfect spot for you. You can catch sight of plenty of beautiful flying handkerchief butterflies as you explore the area.
Camping
Arabuko Sokoke National Park offers three great camping spots: the main campsite, raised tree platforms, and the scenic Nyari Cliff, which provides stunning sunrise views. Camping here, especially during the dry season when the weather is perfect, can be an unforgettable experience. The beautiful natural setting enhances your safari camping adventure, and you’ll have plenty of firewood for cooking. Plus, the cool temperatures let you soak in the true essence of the forest.
Milda Creek
Milda Creek is a stunning tidal inlet located just under a kilometer from the entrance to Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. It’s home to six types of mangrove trees and serves as an important resting spot for many migratory birds. You can often see birds like the Crab-plover, Greater Flamingos, Terek Sandpipers, and Sand plovers during the winter months. There’s a boardwalk and a bird hide that you can explore, which not only helps visitors get a better look at the birds but also supports forest conservation and local children’s education. Enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk and take a moment in the bird hide to observe these incredible migratory birds up close.
Bird watching
The reserve is mainly a bird-watching destination, and several endemics and near-endemics can be found here. The park is home to over 270 bird species such as Sokoke pipit, ground thrush Sokoke scops owl, Clarke’s weaver, Amani sunbird, chestnut-fronted helmet-shrike, silvery-cheeked hornbill, crested guineafowl, trumpeter hornbill, blue-mantled crested flycatcher, chestnut-fronted helmet-shrike, little yellow flycatcher, peters’s twinspot, spotted ground thrush, scaly babbler, Fischer’s and green barbet among others. Arabuko Sokoke is a bird-watchers paradise throughout the year. A lot of the more unusual forest species are resident and can be spotted at any time. The migratory birds are added to the mix from November to April. November and April are peak months for the short and long rains – heavy rain can interfere with bird-watching activities.
Cycling
The park has lots of shady spots and plenty of trails, making it a great place for a leisurely bike ride or a picnic. You can also enjoy lunch while you explore the hidden gems of the forest, all while taking in the fresh air.
Running
The beautiful trails have favored those who love some athletic sports like running. You can take a run in one of the short on the long trail as you explore the forest on foot. You will encounter a number of birds and butterflies along the way. The forest is so much cooler, that you will only feel your own heat in the body, as you enjoy the forest canopy.
Picnicking
If you enjoy picnicking, Arabuko Sokoke National Park is a fantastic place to spread out a blanket and enjoy some food. You can come here with family and friends, and there’s plenty of space for a fun picnic day amidst the beautiful scenery.
Forest walk
Arabuko Sokoke National Park has some amazing walking paths and boardwalks for nature enthusiasts. You can take a stroll through the forest and escape the hustle and bustle of city life, immersing yourself in the tranquillity of nature. The fresh, cool air is refreshing, and you’ll be serenaded by the lovely sounds of the birds all around you. There are plenty of clear and easy-to-follow trails to explore, so you can fully enjoy the beauty of the forest canopy above.
Forest drives
You can explore over 30 kilometers of roads that wind through various types of forest in Arabuko Sokoke National Park. It’s a nice way to enjoy a refreshing drive under the shade of the trees.
Best Time to Visit Arabuko Sokoke National Park
Arabuko Sokoke welcomes visitors year-round, with drier months which runs from December to March and June to September ideal for comfortable exploration.
Where to stay in Arabuko Sokoke National Park
While camping is available within the reserve, nearby accommodations in Malindi and Watamu provide convenient options for visitors. Some of the available accommodation facilities here include Arabuko Jamii Villas located in Mida village off the Malindi-Mombasa Road and Kitsapu Cottages located at the edge of the Forest and along the Malindi-Garissa highway. Other places to stay within Malindi include Hemingways Resort, Turtle Bay Beach Club, Crystal Bay Resort among many others.
How to get to Arabuko Sokoke National Park
Access the forest via the Mombasa-Malindi highway, approximately 18 km from Malindi. Regular buses and flights connect Nairobi to Mombasa or Malindi.
