Activities at Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
Activities at Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is found in Kenya’s coast in Kilifi County which is 260 miles square. The forest has more than 20% species of birds found in Kenya and also a vast of butterfly species. It’s also home to about 270 bird species, 33 species of snake, flying handkerchief butterflies and some impressive fauna: elephants, the shy Aders’ duiker (antelope), and plenty of Sykes’ monkeys and yellow baboons.
In Arabuko-Sokoke, one can undertake the following activities:
Forest walks.
There are beautiful trails and boardwalks for the nature lovers. Explore the forest on foot, and get a great retreat and you off from the usual city noise, just interacting with nature here. The cool forest breath is worthwhile and the sounds of the birds reward you with the best feel here. A network of well-marked walking trails is available. Enjoy the forest canopy.
Forest drives
More than 30 km of driving tracks traversing the different forest types as you enjoy the cool drive through the forest canopy
Milda Creek
Mida Creek, a beautiful tidal inlet with six species of mangrove trees is less than 1 km from the entrance to Arabuko-Sokoke Forest entrance to Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. The Creek is a major wintering site for migrant birds including Crab-plover, Greater Flamingos, Terek Sandpipers, and Sand plovers. Mida Creek Boardwalk and Bird. Hide is located here, a facility that generates income for forest conservation and education of local children lovers. Take the boardwalk and use the bird hide here to get closer to these migrant birds.
Bird watching
The reserve is mainly a bird-watching destination, and several endemics and near-endemics can be found here. The forest is a magical place to spend a couple of hours – and a welcome refuge from the coastal heat – but don’t expect to see any of the big safaris animals.
It’s also home to about 270 bird species, among them the threatened Sokoke pipit and spotted ground thrush. Beautiful seasonal pools are hidden amongst the Miombo woodlands teeming with birds. From the four entrances to the park, nature trails and 4WD tracks cut through the forest. There are bird trails at Kararacha Pools and Spinetail Way, located 16km south of the main entrance, accessed via the Kararacha entrance. From the Mida entrance, a trail leads to the Whistling Duck Pools, a favorite gathering place of whistling ducks, open-billed storks, and grebes. A short trail leads north from the main entrance to the Treehouse, an excellent vantage point for spotting elephants who come to drink from a nearby lake; you may also spot them along the 4WD Elephant Track.
Butterfly watching
Being a tropical forest, it harbors a number of butterflies as the cool forest breath favor’s the breeding of the butterflies. For the butterflies’ watchers, here is the ideal place in Kenya to visit. A number of flying handkerchief butterflies are spotted here.
Camping
You’ll find 3 excellent campsites in the reserve – at the official campsite, upon the tall tree platforms, or at the Nyari Cliff, taking in a spectacular sunrise. Camping here is so much reward, especially in the dry season when the weather favor’s camping. The natural environment will reward you with the most magnificent campsite you dream for. There is enough firewood for cooking and the environment is so cool for you to enjoy the forest feel.
Cycling
The forest’s shady spaces, many trails available all through the forest and relaxed ambiance are a prescription for an easy bike ride or picnic. You can as well enjoy a picnic here as you ride around to explore the hidden secret of this forest on a pedaled wheel with a great cool breathe.
Picnicking
For those who love picnicking, the forest is more than a reward with great setting and picnic site. You can drive here with family and friends and enjoy a wonderful picnic session here as it is allowed at the park.
Running
The beautiful trails have favored those who love some athletic sports like running. You can take a run in one of the short on the long trail as you explore the forest on foot. You will encounter a number of birds and butterflies along the way. The forest is so much cooler, that you will only feel your own heat in the body, as you enjoy the forest canopy.
You can contact the Enclose Africa Safaris team to advise on the best Activities at Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.