Discover Kenya’s Arabuko Sokoke Forest

A Forest of Secrets on Kenya’s Coast

Kenya’s coastline is best known for its turquoise waters and soft, white beaches. Yet, just inland from Watamu lies a very different kind of wonder, the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the largest coastal forest in East Africa and one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.

For guests at Hemingways Watamu, the forest is a reminder that Kenya’s coast is about more than sand and sea. Here, ancient trees, rare birds, and unique mammals thrive in a habitat unlike anywhere else. It’s a place of quiet discovery, where every step along shaded trails reveals another layer of the natural world.

A Birdwatcher’s Paradise in Arabuko Sokoke

Arabuko Sokoke is a global magnet for birders, home to over 270 species and several that are found nowhere else on earth. Some rare bird species you can expect to see include:

• Clarke’s Weaver: Considered one of the rarest birds in the world, it nests only along this stretch of Kenya’s coast.
  
• Sokoke Scops Owl: a tiny, elusive owl whose haunting call echoes through the forest at night.
  
• Amani Sunbird & East Coast Akalat: Species that make the forest one of the top birding sites in Africa.
  

Whether you are an avid birder with binoculars in hand or a casual traveller curious about the forest, the diversity of birdlife here is astonishing. Guided walks bring these sightings to life, with expert local guides pointing out species that most visitors would easily miss.

The Endangered Golden-Rumped Elephant Shrew

Arabuko Sokoke is also the last refuge of one of Africa’s most curious mammals: the golden-rumped elephant shrew.

Despite its small size, this insect-eating mammal is globally significant. Found only in this forest, it is classified as endangered, its survival tied directly to the health of this habitat. With its distinctive golden rump and long snout, the elephant shrew is a symbol of Arabuko’s uniqueness and a reminder of the delicate balance between wildlife and conservation.

Spotting one is a rare privilege, but just knowing that this remarkable creature exists here adds to the sense of wonder.

Butterflies, Reptiles, and More

The forest is alive with more than birds and shrews. Butterflies dance along the forest floor, many of them endemic to coastal Kenya. Reptiles such as green mambas and harmless day geckos also thrive here, while monkeys swing noisily through the trees.

Arabuko Sokoke’s mix of habitats - from dense forest to scrubland and savannah - means biodiversity flourishes. Each zone has its own set of species, making exploration endlessly rewarding.

Conservation and Community Efforts in Arabuko Sokoke Forest

Arabuko Sokoke has not been immune to the pressures of logging, charcoal production, and expanding human settlements. Yet today, it stands as a success story of conservation through community partnership. Some conservation and community efforts include:

• Community forest scouts patrol the area, reducing illegal activities and protecting vulnerable species.
  
• Eco-tourism initiatives create jobs and provide income to local families, ensuring that the forest’s value extends beyond conservation.
  
• Educational programmes engage schools and young people in protecting their natural heritage.
  

For Hemingways guests, visiting Arabuko Sokoke is not just an excursion — it’s a way of supporting ongoing efforts to safeguard one of Africa’s most threatened ecosystems.

Practical Guide to Visiting Arabuko Sokoke from Hemingways Watamu

A visit to Arabuko Sokoke can be tailored to your pace and interests:

• Guided walks: The best way to explore the forest, with expert guides leading you to bird hides, trails, and key habitats.
  
• Best time to visit: Early mornings and evenings are ideal for birding and wildlife activity.
  
• Accessibility: Located just 20 minutes from Hemingways Watamu on Kenya’s coast, the Arabuko Sokoke Forest is an easy half-day excursion that combines seamlessly with a luxury beach stay.
  
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, binoculars, a camera, and a sense of curiosity.
  

Many guests combine a forest walk with a visit to Mida Creek, a nearby tidal ecosystem that attracts flamingos, kingfishers, and waders. Together, they showcase the extraordinary variety of Kenya’s coastal wildlife.

Why It Belongs in Your Hemingways Stay

Arabuko Sokoke is not the obvious choice for every traveller — and that’s what makes it special. While the Mara offers dramatic predator action and Watamu’s beaches deliver coastal charm, this forest offers something different: a chance to slow down, listen, and discover.

It’s about seeing Kenya from a new perspective, where conservation, culture, and quiet beauty intersect. Guests return not only with photographs but with stories of rare owls, flashes of golden shrews, and the feeling of having stepped into a living museum of biodiversity.

The Hidden Heart of Kenya’s Coast

Arabuko Sokoke may be less famous than Kenya’s savannahs or gorilla-filled mountains, but it is just as significant. It’s a place where wildlife hangs in the balance - and where every visit helps keep the forest alive.

For Hemingways guests, it’s a reminder that luxury and discovery go hand in hand. A morning in Arabuko Sokoke can change the way you see the coast, showing that beyond the beaches lies a wild, intricate, and irreplaceable world.

Discover Arabuko Sokoke with Hemingways Watamu, where every stay deepens your connection to Kenya. Book now to experience the magic of Kenya's Coast.