Overview–kenya

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve protects the largest remaining tract of coastal forest in East Africa. The reserve is mainly a bird-watching destination, and several endemics 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.

Best Time

It is possible to visit Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve at any time of year. However, heavy rain might interfere with drives and forest hikes. There is rain along the coast throughout the year, but the months of April and May are very wet and therefore less ideal.

December to March & June to September –Drier Seasons

Mostly sunny and not much rain
The park never gets busy
The roads are in good condition
Resort hotels, which can be used as a base, get very busy
The scenery is drier and there might be a haze in the sky making views harder to appreciate

April to May & October to November –Wet Seasons

Everything is green and lush with many flowers
Very few other visitors
Bird watching is excellent and the Clarke’s weaver arrives
Frogs are most active after rain
There are many overcast days and rain can dampen enthusiasm for activities
Roads in the forest can deteriorate

Scenery

The reserve’s main habitat is coastal dry forest. The ecosystem comprises three forest types: mixed forest, miombo woodland (lovely for walking, with its open canopy), and cynometra (tropical forest). Each is home to different animal species. There are several forest-fringed ponds with water lilies along the trails, as well as some viewpoints over the canopy.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Jan

Feb

Jul

Aug

Sept

April

May

Jun

Oct

Nov

Mar

Dec

Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: July to September and January to February

High Season

From: December to March and July to October (Not busy)

Size

From: 420km² / 162mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is not primarily a wildlife-viewing destination. Buffalo, elephant, and leopard are present, but sightings are rare. Blue, red, and common duikers can sometimes be spotted. 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.

Wildlife Highlights

Aside from several birding specials and endemics, the forest is home to three endemic mammals as well. Unfortunately, they are even more difficult to spot than the birding specials. This is the last stronghold of the golden-rumped elephant shrew. The forest is also the only place to see the Aders’s duiker and Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Arabuko Sokoke can be visited throughout the year, but heavy rains might interfere with drives and forest hikes. There is rain along the coast throughout the year, but the peak of the short rains in November and the long rains in April and May are the wettest times.

General Wheather

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve has a hot and humid coastal climate, cooled by strong breezes. Average afternoon temperatures are around 29°C/84°F. Although it cools down a bit, nighttime is still warm with temperatures of 22°C/72°F. It rains throughout the year but peaks during the short rains (October to November) and long rains (April to May).

Drier Seasons –December to March & June to September

December, January, February & March – This is a drier spell between the short and long rains. The exact timing of the dry period is unpredictable and it can still rain a bit. These are the hottest months with average temperatures of 31°C/88°F.
June, July, August & September – It is mostly sunny. It can still rain some days, but this is the main Dry season. These are the coolest months with daytime temperatures of around 28°C/82°F.

Wet Seasons –April to May & October to November

April & May – ‘Long rains’ – These are the wettest months. There are many overcast days and it can rain all day. Afternoon storms are more common though. Road conditions might deteriorate. Daytime temperatures drop slightly to 30°C/86°F.
October & November – ‘Short rains’ – The rain increases in October and peaks in November. It rains less than during the long rains, but November can be very wet. Afternoon storms are common, and there is a bit of sunshine around as well.

Prons

Rare coastal forest habitat
Rare forest wildlife including several endemics
Large variety of butterflies and frogs
The reserve is little visited and it never gets busy
Guided and unguided 4x4 tracks and walking trails
Stunning scenery
Excellent birding with forest specials and endemics
An easy day trip from Malindi and Watamu

Cons

Only basic camping, including a treehouse platform, is available
Very small chance of seeing any of the endemic mammals
No big safari animals

How To Get There

Your entry point to the country will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9 mi southeast of the capital city Nairobi. Kenya’s second international airport is Moi International Airport (MBA), located 9km/6 mi west of Mombasa. From either airport, you can take a domestic flight to Malindi, which can be your base for visiting Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Arabuko Sokoke is 120km/74 mi north of Mombasa (a 2-hour drive*) and 560km/347 mi from Nairobi (a drive of between 9 and 14 hours*).

Arabuko Sokoke is an easy day trip from the popular beach resorts at Malindi and Watamu. Day trips are offered by most hotels in the area, or you can hire a car.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and what tickets would cost.

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights from Nairobi leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4 mi south of Nairobi, or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Scheduled flights to Malindi from some of Kenya’s parks or Nairobi can be booked with several domestic carriers:

Mombasa Air Safari (Flies to Malindi from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, Amboseli, Tsavo West, and the Masai Mara)
Fly540 (Flies to Malindi from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Lamu)
Safarilink (Flies from Malindi to Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and Lamu)

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Please check our Getting There – Kenya page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.