Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

Introduction

Arabuko Sokoke Forest is one of Kenya’s most enchanting natural wonders—a pristine coastal forest located near Watamu and Malindi along the Indian Ocean shoreline. As the largest remaining fragment of East Africa’s coastal dry forest, Arabuko Sokoke is a biodiversity hotspot that attracts nature lovers, bird watchers, conservationists, and travelers seeking a peaceful escape into the wild

Widlife & Attractions

A Sanctuary of Unique Biodiversity

Arabuko Sokoke is renowned for its extraordinary collection of endemic and endangered species found nowhere else on Earth. It is home to:

Rare and Endangered Wildlife

Sokoke Scops Owl – one of the world’s rarest owl species
Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew – an endangered insectivore known for its golden patch
Ader’s Duiker – tiny, elusive forest antelope
Sokoke Pipit – a globally threatened bird
African Civet, Sykes’ Monkeys, Yellow Baboons, and more

The forest also supports the African elephant population, which occasionally moves between Arabuko Sokoke and the nearby Tsavo ecosystem.

A Bird Watcher’s Paradise

With over 230 bird species, Arabuko Sokoke is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) of global significance. Bird watchers flock to its forest zones to spot endemic and migrant species, especially during the early morning “golden hours.”

Highlights include:

Clarke’s Weaver
East Coast Akalat
Sokoke Scops Owl
Fischer’s Turaco
Crested Guineafowl

Conservation

Arabuko Sokoke is among the top 10 most important forests for biodiversity conservation in Africa.
Efforts by:

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
Kenya Forest Service (KFS)
Local community groups
International conservation bodies

…have ensured the forest remains protected from logging, poaching, and habitat loss.

Tourism also supports local communities, making conservation sustainable.

Why Visit Arabuko Sokoke Forest

It offers a peaceful, immersive wilderness experience, away from crowded beaches.
It’s perfect for eco-tourists, bird watchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.
You get a chance to explore a rare, ancient forest ecosystem that exists nowhere else along the East African coast.