Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is a 358 km2 coastal forest in Kenya managed by Kenya Forest Service (KFS). It is the largest and most intact coastal forest in East Africa, with 20% of Kenya’s bird species, 30% butterfly species and at least 24 rare and endemic bird, mammal and butterfly species. The forest extends from the coast inwards to the town of Jilore and extends in a north-south direction from Kilifi to Gedi. The forest also extends along the Kenyan coast beside the Watamu beaches, which are washed by the waves of the Indian Ocean.
Wildlife
Mammals
Arabuko-Sokoke forest has 40 recorded mammal species including African Elephant, African Buffalo, Syke’s Monkeys, African Civet, Caracal, Yellow Baboons and Lesser Galago (or bushbaby). Some of Kenya’s rarest mammals are found here, including the Golden-rumped Elephant-shrew, Sokoke Bushy-tailed Mongoose and Ader’s Duiker.
Birds
There are over 270 recorded species of birds including several rare and endemic species. The Clarke’s Weaver is only found in Arabuko-Sokoke and another area 30 kms further north of Arabuko-Sokoke in the whole world. Other globally threatened bird species found in Arabuko-Sokoke include: Amani Sunbird, East Coast Akalat, Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, and the Spotted Ground Thrush. Other birds restricted to Kenyan coastal forests are found the most easily in Arabuko-Sokoke.
Reptiles & amphibians
The forest has 49 reptile and 25 amphibian species.
Plants in Arabuko-Sokoke
Arabuko-Sokoke forest is made up of three different forest types;
1. Cynometra-dominated forests and thickets
These cover more than half of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve. Sightings of Caracal, Civet, Genet, Suni and other mammals are more common on tracks in this forest type. Sokoke Scops Owls are also found here.
2. Brachystegia-dominated woodlands
This forest type is airy and beautiful to walk through. Birds and butterflies are more visible here due to the open canopy. It is also known as Miombo woodlands.
3.Mixed Forests
The dense vegetation in this forest type creates a tropical atmosphere as one walks or drives through, the real feel of being “in the woods”. It is dominated by species like Hymenaea verrucosa and Manilkara sansibarensis. Animals commonly sighted here include the Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew, East Coast Akalat and Tiny Greenbuls.
Other areas of special interest in Arabuko-Sokoke forest
In addition to the animals and plants mentioned above, Arabuko-Sokoke forest has the following attractions:
- A network of well-marked walking trails.
- More than 30 km of driving tracks traversing the different forest types.
- Beautiful seasonal pools hidden amongst the Miombo woodlands teeming with birds and amphibians.
- • Two tree platforms for a birds-eye-view of the forest.
- • Nyari viewpoint, an elevated area of the forest with a panoramic view of the forest canopy, looking out the coast beyond.
- • Mida Creek, a beautiful tidal inlet with six species of mangrove trees is less than 1 km from the entrance to Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. The Creek is a major wintering site for migrant birds including Crab-plover, Greater Flamingos, Terek Sandpipers and Sandplovers. Mida Creek Boardwalk and Bird Hide is located here, a facility that generates income for forest conservation and education of local children.
Important things to remember when visiting Arabuko-Sokoke forest
- Enjoy yourself; in addition to seeing, pause and listen regularly.
- Stop to allow wildlife to move off the tracks before you pass.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Do not start fires in the forest.
- Do not take away animals, animal products, plants or plant parts.
- Do not mark or deface tree stems, stones and other features.
- Avoid noise as it disturbs both wildlife and other visitors. Do not exceed 40kph when driving in the forest.
- Be careful as animals here are wild and can be dangerous.
- Take all the litter that you brought away with you.
- Keep to the designated tracks and paths when walking and always be sure of where you are headed to or coming from as orientation in forests can be difficult.