Travel Guide Arabuko Sokoke Forest

This forest covers about 420 km² in the interior. Unfortunately, only a tiny part of this last vestige of native forest is really protected and deforestation threatens its existence. This area is home to rare species such as the elephant-trunk macroscelid (a small insectivorous mammal resembling a large shrew with an elongated snout) or the Ader's duiker. More than 80 species of butterflies and a multitude of birds also live in the forest along with a few leopards, golden cats and buffaloes that are almost impossible to spot. Arabuko Sokoke offers great opportunities for walking or biking (rental in Watamu). Permission must be obtained from the forestry station on the road to Mombasa, one kilometer south of the junction for Watamu. As the vegetation is very dense and the animals discreet, it is strongly recommended to be accompanied by a ranger in order to discover all the treasures of the forest. In any case, try to go early in the morning, the animals are then easier to observe. It is also possible to camp on site in tree houses.