Overview – Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
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. It protects the largest remaining tract of seaside forest in East Africa. The reserve is primarily a bird-watching objective, and a few endemics and near endemics can be seen as here. The forest is an otherworldly spot to put in two or three hours – and a welcome shelter from the seaside heat – however don't anticipate seeing any of the large safari animals.
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Wildlife8 Animals
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High SeasonDecember to March and July to October
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Best Time to GoJuly to September and January to February
Pros & Cons
- Rare seaside forest living space
- Rare forest wildlife including a few endemics
- Enormous assortment of butterflies and frogs
- The reserve is little visited and it never gets going
- Directed and unguided 4x4 tracks and strolling trails
- Amazing birding with woods specials and endemics
- Single day trip from Malindi and Watamu
- There are no options for accommodations in the park
- Very few chances to spot endemic animals
- No big safari animals are available
Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve Map in Africa
Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve Safari Reviews
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Wildlife & Animals – Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve has 40 recorded mammal species including African Elephant, African Buffalo, African Civet, Caracal, Syke's Monkeys, Yellow Baboons and Lesser Galago (or bushbaby). A portion of Kenya's most extraordinary mammals is found here, including the Golden-rumped Elephant-shrew, Sokoke bushy-tailed Mongoose and Ader's Duiker.
Wildlife Highlights
The Arabuko Sokoke Forest is a space of high endemism, containing endemic mammals, birds and plants. The charming brilliant rumped elephant shrew, an endemic elephant shrew the size of a rabbit, is the most perceptible of the Park's endemic mammals; the Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose and Aders' duiker (saw as just here and in Zanzibar) are more slippery. The forest likewise has savannah elephants, African civets, just as sokokes, baboons and vervet monkeys.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Arabuko Sokoke can be visited all year round, but heavy rainfall might restrict game drives and hiking trips. There is rain along the coast throughout the year. However, the peak of the short rains in November and the long rains in April and May make these months less appealing.
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Birds – Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
There are more than 270 species of birds recorded in the forest including a few rare and endemic species for Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve. The Clarke's Weaver is just found in Arabuko-Sokoke and another region 30 km further north of Arabuko-Sokoke in the entire world. Other worldwide endangered bird species found in Arabuko-Sokoke include Amani Sunbird, East Coast Akalat, Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, and the Spotted Ground Thrush. Other birds limited to Kenyan seaside forests are tracked down the most effective in Arabuko-Sokoke, making it an incredible spot to visit.
Notable Birds in Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
Best Time for Bird Watching
Arabuko Sokoke is a bird watcher's delight the entire year. Numerous unusual, dry-country specials live here and can be spotted all year. Migratory birds show up in the reserve from November to April. One significant thought is the climate, as substantial showers can wreck your birding plans – November and April get the most precipitation.
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Best Time to Visit – Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
Arabuko Sokoke can be visited throughout the year. However, wildlife viewing is best in the dry months from July to September and January to February. Visits during the peak of the rainfall season might be challenging with drives and forest hikes. There is rain along the coast throughout the year, but the less-than-ideal months – due to peaks in rainfall – are November, April and May.
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Best Time
July to September and January to February
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High Season
December to March and July to October
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Low Season
April to June
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Best Weather
July to September and January to February
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Worst Weather
April, May and November
June to October (Dry Season)
- Rarely gets hot, Most of the time it's sunny & dry
- Always less crowded
- Road conditions are better compare to others
- The sky is hazy and the scenery isn’t as pretty
- Resort hotels get very busy which can be used as a base
June to October (Wet Season)
- The scenery is beautiful and at its most lush with so many flowers
- Very few crowd
- Bird watching is amazing at this time
- Rain in April and May will sometimes come in between your planned activities
- Roads become sloppy and difficult to travel
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Activities – Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
Want to Visit Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve?
Safari Reviews – Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
Want to Visit Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve?
Photo Gallery – Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
