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The Arabuko
Sokoke Forest is considered to be one of the most important sites for
nature conservation in East Africa and has become a 'silent success' in
Kenya safaris. It is the last large remnant of
lowland coastal tropical forests with 11 threatened woody plants. The
reserve is comprised of several distinct forest types. The reserve
covers 6 Sq. Kms .
It lies a few kilometers inland, between the towns of
Kilifi and Malindi, 110 km north of Mombasa. It was proclaimed a
Crown Forest and gazetted in 1943 and part of the forest was gazetted as
a strict nature reserve in the late 1960s. It is the largest
existing fragment of the tropical forests that covered much of the East
African coast and is an important
Kenya safari habitat for endemic/endangered birds,
insects, butterflies and mammal species. It is also an important
monument as remnants of the coastal tropical forests. There are easy
trails in the forests which are also great for birders. A couple of
reptile species (in addition to other species living here e.g.
butterflies, Beetles) are found here among them Boomslang, Green Mamba,
Rock Python, Forest Cobra, Sand Lizard and Day Geullo. It is a great
reserve for birdwatchin and among the bird species includes Sokoke
Pipit, Amani Sunbird,Fischers Turaco, Clarkes weaver, Golden Wooodpecker
and many others.
Your can get
there by road, which is 75 Kms from mombasa town or by plane
through Malindi or Mombasa airports.
There are
lots of accommodation facilities along this coast to suit all budget
levels and advance booking is always recommended.
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