The Ultimate Guide to Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve & Forest

 Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve Location, Climate, & Entry Fee 

Next, we look at Arabuko Sokoke National Park location, climate, and entry fee to help you understand it better. 

Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve Location

Arabuko Sokoke is located 100km north of Mombasa town and about 18 km from Malindi along the Mombasa-Malindi highway. It is not far from Mombasa and Malindi Marine National Parks or the beautiful Watamu beaches. The park is accessible using both taxis and public transport from Mombasa.

Arabuko Sokoke forest has an extensive network of walking trails and driving tracks. Most parts of the forest are easily accessible using saloon cars, but we highly recommend a 4WD during the wet months.

In our opinion, driving allows you to see most of the forest much faster, but walking allows you to see more of the place at a slower pace. Our guides are trained safari guides that can show you this forest better than anyone else.

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Climate

The park has two wet seasons; long rains (April-June) and short rains (November –December). Other months are hot and dry, with the annual mean temperature ranging from 22-34 degrees Celsius and the yearly rainfall ranging from 600 millimeters.

The reserve is open all year long, but the best time for a nature walk is usually the early morning or late afternoon.

Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Entry Fee

Arabuko tickets are available at the main Gede Forest Station, which is open from 6 am to 6 pm. You can also access the reserve through Jilore and Sokoke Forest Stations. The rate can change over time, but here is the breakdown:

Overview of Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve Biodiversity 

Its vegetation is made up of three zones; Brachystegia Woodland, Cynometra, and several mixed forests. The mammals, birds, plants, and butterfly species differ from one ecosystem to the next. 

Below is an overview of the three types of forest:

 1. Cynometra-Manikara Forest

This type of vegetation covers over half of the forest. The forest is characterized by closed canopies tangled with lianas and saplings. Cycads are also prevalent, and this section of the forest experiences the highest rainfall compared to the other three sections.

Some of the Arabuko Sokoke forest animals you are likely to see in this section include the Suni, Genet, Caracal, and Civet.

 2. Brachystegia woodlands/ Miombo woodlands

The vegetation in this section of the forest ranges from numerous thickets, shrubs, and knee-high grass. Its grounds receive more sunlight making the grass greener and more captivating.

The forest is well-aerated and beautiful to walk through. Butterflies and birds are easy to spot due to the open canopy, adding to the beauty.

 3. Mixed Forest

The Afzelia forest and low land rainforest of Arabuko Sokoke forest are collectively called mixed forests. It is dominated by plants like the Manilkara sansibarensis and the Hymenaea verrucosa.

The vegetation around this forest is thick, creating a humid dreamlike atmosphere, the experience of being in a forest. Animals like the; Coast Akalat, Tiny Greenbuls, and the Elephant Shrew are common sightings in the mixed forest.