Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve is not primarily a wildlife-viewing destination. Buffalo, elephant and leopard are present, but sightings are rare. Blue, red and common duikers can sometimes be spotted. The forest is home to 250 different butterfly species, of which four occur nowhere else in the world. Visit Kipepeo Butterfly Farm to see these dazzling creatures.

ElephantVery Rare

GiraffeNone

HippoNone

BuffaloVery Rare

ZebraNone

WildebeestNone

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionNone

LeopardRare to None

CheetahNone

HyenaNone

Wild DogNone

Wildlife Highlights

Aside from several birding specials and endemics, the forest is home to three endemic mammals as well. Unfortunately they are even more difficult to spot than the birding specials. This is the last stronghold of the golden-rumped elephant shrew. The forest is also the only place to see the Aders’s duiker and Sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Arabuko Sokoke can be visited throughout the year, but heavy rains might interfere with drives and forest hikes. There is rain along the coast throughout the year, but the peak of the short rains in November and the long rains in April and May are the wettest times.