Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary is situated in Kwale county in Kenya, next to Shimba hills reserve covering an area of 36 square kilometers with a forest situated inside the sanctuary what attracts most of the visitors to this sanctuary is one of the big five animals, the bull elephant. The sanctuary is community-owned conservation, with some locals as stakeholders.
Mwaluganje elephant sanctuary is characterized by steep ridges, rugged hills, watersheds, forests, the Indian ocean and cliffs. The elephants mostly use this area as a migrating route from Shimba hills to Tsavo national Park.
The locals surrounding the sanctuary have had their lives improved through money generated from tourists by the sanctuary, beekeeping in the Mwaluganje forest and making paper from elephant dung, the Mwaluganje forest boasts some of the world’s oldest species of trees, dating back to over 300 million years ago.
Mwaluganje elephant sanctuary has got many attractions to be seen, including the Cha Shimba River valley, “ God’s Bridge, and Time Rock. The reserve was established in the year 1993, the Pact Inc., East Africa wildlife society, born free foundation and Eden wildlife have in turn helped the community in sustaining the sanctuary for future generations.
The reserve has got waterwaysunder beautiful trees.
Things to do at Mwaluganje forest reserve
Game viewing
Mwaluganje forest reserve is said to have over 150 elephants, making it a destination for the big five lovers, elephants are always seen in large herds migrating to Shimba hills from Mwaluganje during the rainy season. Apart from elephants, tourists can also experience other wildlife such as
Cultural experience
Tourists can explore the land of the Digo and Duruma people and learn many things about how they live, the history of the forest and much more.
Nature-guided walks
Tourists can take guided nature walks within the sanctuary, especially in the forests, Time Rock or God’s bridge and have higher chances of seeing many primates, birds and plant species.
Explore plant species
The Mwaluganje sanctuary is endowed with some plant species that you might not find elsewhere in Kenya and some are said to be over 300 years old.
Where to stay
Tourists at Mwaluganje national reserve can choose from a variety of options for where to sleep; some of the accommodation sectors are Ocean village club, Shimba hills lodge, Shimba hills green safari lodge, the villa luxury suites, stilts backpackers and water lovers beach resort.
How to get there
The reserve is located 45 kilometers from Mombasa. Tourists can either fly into Mombasa or travel by road from Nairobi. It is always best to combine your Kenya safari to the sanctuary with a visit to Shimba Hills Reserve or Tsavo National Park.
