The Western safari circuit is the least visited Kenya tourist circuit. The western Kenya region consists of rich forests, swamps and some of Kenya’s rarest animal species. Kakamega forest is a habitat for over 300 bird species, the endangered De-Brazza,s moneky, the balck and white colobus monkey while Ruma national park is the only home to the roan antelope in Kenya and the Saiwa swamp is the only home to the endangered semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope. The attractions here includes
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Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve
Located 100 km north of Mombasa, Arabuko Sokoke National Park is a coastal protected area of forest. The park contains plenty of endemic species: mammals, birds, and plants. Protecting a few different forest types, which are homes to their different communities, the forest is regarded as one of the best preserved in Kenya.
The Arabuko-Sokoke Forest extends beyond the park and it is the largest remaining tract of native coastal forest in all East Africa.
Things to Do in Arabuko Sokoke National Park
1- Game Drive
Visitors can take forest drives in the park and enjoy the wilderness and view a lot of game such as African elephants, African buffalos, bush baby, yellow baboon, golden rumped elephant shrew, aders’s duiker, bushy tailed mongoose, bush bucks, water bucks, sykes monkey, African civet, caracal and blotched genet.
2- Reptiles Viewing
Besides other wildlife in the forest, the park is endowed with 49 reptile species. Some of the examples of reptiles are rock python, day geulo, forest cobra, butterflies, beetles, forest sand lizard, and boom slang.
3- Bird Watching
Arabuko Sokoke National Park has 20% of Kenya’s bird species. It contains over 200 of bird species, some of which are migratory birds while others are residential birds. Some examples are Fischer’s turaco, amani sunbird, golden woodpecker, sokoke pipit, sokoke scops owl, clarke’s weaver, hawk eagle, snake eagle, African crowned eagle, east coast akalat, plain backed sunbird, scaly babbler, African pitta. The best time to visit the park is from dawn to 6 am.
4- Nature Walk with a Guide
With a number of walking trails, the park is a good chance to enjoy nature and explore the wildlife up close on foot.
5- Picnics
The park is the best place to enjoy a day trip and relax at one of the picnic sites with a packed lunch.
Kisite Mpunguti Marine park.
“Home of the Dolphins”
Unspoiled, beautiful and sun kissed, the Kisite Marine Park was established to protect the scenic islands and special habitats of a wide range of endemic marine animals and breeding migratory birds. It lies in the coral gardens south of Wasini Island and encompasses three small coral rag forest islands, each with considerable areas of fringing reef. Kisite is one of the most rewarding snorkelling locations at the coast. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, diving and of course, sunbathing.
Kiunga Marine National Reserve.
“An Enchanted underwater World”
Further north along Kenya’s spectacular Indian Ocean coast is the Kiunga Marine National Reserve. This pristine ecosystem incorporates a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago. Visitors can view the teeming sea life in the coral reefs, sea grass and extensive mangrove forests which are a refuge for sea turtles and dugongs. The reserve provides ideal opportunities for wind surfing, diving and snorkelling, water skiing and sunbathing.
Malindi Marine National Park
“The Coral Garden”
From swimming with zebra fish to windsurfing, this beautiful slice of Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline is provides the perfect getaway. The park is endowed with magnificent resources such as fringing reefs, coral gardens in the lagoons, sea grass beds, mangroves, mudflats, marine mammals, turtles and various species of shorebirds. Visitors can also enjoy glass bottom boat rides, snorkelling, camping and beach walks in this veritable parad
Mombasa Marine National park .
“Allure of natural beauty”
Warm azure ocean, swaying coconut palms on white sandy beaches are to be found in the Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve. The park lies between the Mtwapa and Tudor Creeks and its blue waters are ideal for wind surfing, water skiing, snorkelling and diving. They also provide a home to a colourful variety of marine species including crabs, starfish, stone fish, cucumbers sea urchins, corals, turtles, sea grasses and interesting migratory birds including crab plover
Shimba Hills National Reserve
“Paradise of the Sable antelope”
As one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa after Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, this reserve is rich in flora and fauna and hosts the highest density of African elephant in Kenya. Other animal species found in the area are Sable antelope, elephant shrew, bushy tailed mongoose and other small mammals like fruit bats. The forest is an important bird area and is endowed with forest birdlife while the grasslands hold localized species such as red-necked-Spur fowl, Croaking Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop. The scenic Sheldrick Falls and the dense Mwaluganje Forest are also found here along with four campsites.
Tana River primate Reserve.
Tana River primate Reserve is situated in Bohoni Town in the coastal area characterized by woodlands ,Savannah grasslands and riparian forests .It was establishes to create space for some o fthe endangered inhabitants that live across the world
Attractions at Tana River Primate Reserve.
wildlife,birds ,White water rafting, Ferry crossing,Bungee jumping ,fishing.