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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
April to May & October to November –Wet Seasons
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.
From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day
From: July to September and January to February
From: December to March and July to October (Not busy)
From: 420km² / 162mi²
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.
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
Wet Seasons –April to May & October to November
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.
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:
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – Kenya page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.
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