Arabuko Sokoke National Park

Arabuko Sokoke National Park is a coastal forest reserve in Kilifi County on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast, protecting one of East Africa’s largest remaining fragments of coastal tropical forest. The area is internationally important for a number of endemic and endangered species.

Trails through mixed forest, scrub and patches of mangrove offer birdwatching, guided nature walks and opportunities to see endemic mammals and butterflies; typical visits focus on short walks of a few kilometres along marked trails. Community-run guided tours and canopy observation points are commonly used to locate rare birds and nocturnal species.

The forest has long been inhabited and used by local communities, with conservation measures introduced in the 20th century to protect remaining forest blocks. Management has evolved to include community conservation partnerships and efforts to reduce illegal logging and charcoal production.

The park sits along Kenya’s coastal strip in Kilifi County, adjoining other protected forest areas and lying between the towns of Malindi and Kilifi. Terrain is low-lying coastal forest and scrub with proximity to the Indian Ocean.

• Access: Accessible from the coastal towns of Kilifi and Malindi, with informal entry points and community-guided trails for birdwatching and short hikes.
• Wildlife highlights: Home to several endemic and range-restricted species such as the Sokoke scops owl and Clarke's weaver, making it a priority site for birdwatchers.