ARABUKO SOKOKE FOREST RESERVE, This last and biggest coastal forest might have magic in it. The tiny golden-rumped elephant shrew can only live in this one place. You can also see huge elephants here. It looks eerily like its huge cousin as it scampers around on the forest floor. This bird and butterfly paradise is only a few minutes from Watamu Beach and the Indian Ocean. It also hides a Swahili town from the 1300s that has been kept safe from the passage of time.

You can enjoy the sights and sounds of monkeys, owls, sunbirds, baboons, and bushbabies as you walk through the reserve’s lush forest overhead. You might also see a herd of buffalo, bushy-tailed mongoose, and the Sokoke scops owl, which is the tiniest owl in Africa, as you walk along the well-marked tracks in the reserve. There are also lots of different kinds of birds and bugs flying around in this magical world.

With Platforms and Pools

If you’re lucky, you might see some of the 270 species of birds and animals that live in this reserve’s trees and pools. Don’t miss the Whistling Duck Pool on your way to the Kararacha Pool. It’s where whistling ducks, storks, and grebes live.

Another unique thing about the area is that it has high places where you can see elephants, birds, and monkeys. People who go on safari can climb up two platforms in the trees and look down at the dense wild life below. Check out the drama of Nyari Cliff, which has picture-postcard views of the ocean and the forest sky.

A Trip Through Time

The magic here has been around for hundreds of years, not just now. The Swahili town of Gedi was built in the 1300s and was hidden in a glade in the middle of a thick forest. The town was well-off and not well known, which kept it safe from the Portuguese colonists who wanted to take it over. As you walk through the area, you can still see pieces of the old town.

Don’t Forget…

Hiking tracks: The well-marked tracks make hiking here easy, and you’ll enjoy the lush shade that the thick plants give you. You can look around on your own, but the organized nature walks will help you learn more about the plants and animals. Wildlife is most busy in the early morning and late evening, which are the best times to find something new.

Viewpoints: Nyari Cliff is a dramatic spot to see the park and a great place to camp to watch the sunrise. Don’t miss the chance to climb up to the high tree platforms and see the animals below.

Milda Creek—This beautiful cove is a great place to see flamingos and sandpipers. There is also a bird hide where you can see them even better.

Birdwatching: The park is home to more than 270 different kinds of birds, such as the Amani Sunbird and the Clarke’s weaver.

Camp out—The area has three great places to camp for a truly immersive experience.

Check out the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

The 420 sq km (162 sq mi) reserve is the last piece of tropical coastal forest in Kenya. It is full of live history.

Arabuko Sokoke is 110 km (68 mi) north of Mombasa, a coastal city. It is between the tourist towns of Kilifi and Malinda.

When to go: This park is open all year and is easy to get to.

While the park can be hot and dry, you’ll enjoy the cool shade of the forest overhead. However, from April to June, it rains a lot, and the cool weather is nice during that time.

Best time to go: Because it’s cooler early in the morning and late at night, wildlife is most busy then.

The business is open every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

How to get there: Safari Trips to Kenya can help you book a tour. It will be a style trip because the 4×4 safari Jeep is specially equipped for it.

Arabuko Sokoke national park

The Arabuko Sokoke National Park is a protected place inside the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve. It gives you a unique look into one of Kenya’s most important and varied ecosystems. Even though this national park isn’t as big as the whole reserve, it’s an important safe haven for many rare and threatened species.

The unique Clarke’s weaver and the golden-rumped elephant shrew are just two of the many species that live there. People who visit Arabuko Sokoke National Park can enjoy the park’s dense forests, colorful birds, and beautiful scenery. They can also see the bigger Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, which is also very important for the environment. At Safari Trips to Kenya, we offer guided trips that will help you find this amazing place’s hidden gems.