Where to stay in Arabuko Sokoke National Park
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Overview
Arabuko Sokoke is the largest remaining area of coastal forest in East Africa, just inland from Watamu and Malindi on Kenya’s north coast. The forest reserve is managed jointly by the Kenya Forest Service and Kenya Wildlife Service, and a small part of it is a national park.
The forest has three main types: mixed forest, Brachystegia woodland and dense Cynometra thicket. It’s one of the most important forests in Africa for birds, and many of its animals are found almost nowhere else.
Visitors come for guided walks and birding with local guides, cycling on the forest tracks and the treetop walkway at the Mida Creek boardwalk nearby. It’s an easy half-day trip from the beaches of Watamu.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Endemic species
The forest is home to the golden-rumped elephant shrew, Aders’ duiker and the Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose, all of which are found in very few other places.
Birds
Rare birds include the Sokoke scops owl, Clarke’s weaver, the Amani sunbird and the Sokoke pipit.
Elephants
A small population of elephants lives in the forest, but they’re shy and rarely seen.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: July to March, outside the long rains, when the sea is calmer and clearer.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jul – Oct | Cool, dry season | Breezy, with good visibility on calm days. |
| Nov – Mar | Hot, dry season | Calm, warm sea and the best snorkelling. |
| Apr – Jun | Long rains | Wet and windy. Rough seas. |
Go early in the morning for the best birding, and take a local guide.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Malindi (MYD) | Domestic flights | About 30 minutes by road. |
| Moi International (MBA), Mombasa | Coastal arrivals | About 2 hours by road. |
By road
The forest visitor centre is on the Mombasa to Malindi road at Gede, close to the turn-off to Watamu.
Entrance & Fees
A forest entry fee is charged per person at the visitor centre, and guided walks are paid separately.
Confirm the current rates at the visitor centre before you go.
Fees last checked October 2026. No official fee schedule is published online.