A Guide To Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary forms part of the adjacent Shimba Hills National Reserve ecosystem and was a dispersal area for elephants from the Reserve to Mwaluganje forest. The project was started to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and is today home to Elephants, zebra, warthog, bushbuck, and a number of birds and reptiles.
African Mecca recommends that our elephant fanatic guests include the adjoining Mwaluganje Sanctuary as part of their pachyderm travel quest in shimba hills. The sanctuary is located next to the reserve, so it makes for a convenient and interesting day trip extension. Because the 36-square kilometer sanctuary shares the same ecosystem as the reserve, you are treated to an extended experience in what is globally recognized as one of the top 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world. The ecosystem is noted for its waterways shaded with indigenous trees that wind through undulating plains, cliffs and rocky outcrops, as well as a 23,736-hectare forests of Mkongani north and west to Mwaluganje, the last of the world’s coastal rain forests where ancient Cycad plant species continue to thrive. A portion of the forest, Mwaluganje Forest, is situated inside the sanctuary. Two other notable natural landmarks are “God’s Bridge” and “Time Rock.” Mwaluganje Sanctuary offers something for every guest. As one of the Big Five species, elephants are always ranked high on the wish lists of first-time and seasoned Kenya safari travelers. It is no surprise, then, that the most-popular activity at the sanctuary is viewing the bull elephants that enjoy the many benefits of living in a protected area. At certain times of the year, their families join them, giving you a chance to see the extended family of females and calves.
For our guests who desire a botanical bonanza, Mwaluganje Sanctuary provides an assortment of some of the oldest species on the planet. One such species, dinosaur cycads, date back almost 300 million years and are easily recognizable by their distinct fan shape. Another favorite amongst guests is the odd-shaped baobab trees that can survive many of the region’s toughest droughts. These trees reach heights of 18 meters, and individual trees have been documented to be than several thousand years old. The sanctuary is the result of a successful local wildlife management strategy that was developed collaboratively by the local Digo and Duruma communities. More than 200 families set aside parts of their land to be preserved for the elephants. The effort not only benefited wildlife conservation, but the families also benefit, as income from tourism is greater than revenue historically generated by farming the same land. You can learn about the history of the sanctuary, as well as how the sanctuary benefits local communities during your visit. With so much incredible, pristine bush country surrounding you, we encourage every guest to take time to simply enjoy the scenery. Vast grasslands give way to the spectacular Taita Hills that extend into Tsavo National Park to the west and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean to the east near Mombasa. The hills themselves protect many breathtaking settings, such as Manolo River, Golini Cliffs and Kitanze Falls.
What to See and do at Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
Baobab Trees: Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary baobab trees are one of Africa’s most unusual trees. They can get to grow several thousand years old.
Plants and flowers (Botanical Experience): Dinosaur Cycads are fan-like plants that evolved around 300 million years ago, and can be sighted while driving across the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary. All six of Kenya’s Cycad species are found in Mwaluganje. This species can grow to be 150 years old.
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary Scenic Landscape: valleys overlooking the Taita Hills are a sight to behold with quite flowing waters and serene surroundings it almost like in paradise. These beautiful hills roll up to Tsavo National Parks to the East and the Indian Ocean to the west, and are marked by striking features like the: Golini cliffs, Kitanze Falls, Manolo River, which consists of the Riverine vegetation and Meandering Rivers.
Game Drives for Elephants Experience: Elephants are the main attraction at Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary and there are as many as 150 residing there.
How to get to Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
By road: Mwaluganje Elephant camp is situated in the Kwale District of Kenya’s Coastal Province in the scenic Mwaluganje hills along the shoulder of a traditional elephant trail, 45 min away from Diani Beaches and 90 minutes from Moi International Airport.
A Map to Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary Contacts
Attraction Type: Wildlife
Category: Animal Sanctuary, Birding Site
Region: Coast
City / Town: Kwale
Road / Street: Kwale
Telephone: +254 721 765476, +254 722 995837
Email: info@elephantmwalugaje.com
Website: http://www.elephantmwaluganje.com/
Entrance Fee: Yes
More About Kenya
Kenya is a world unto itself. Kenya is Africa’s original safari destination, attracting explorers, adventurers, and travelers for centuries. A safari to Kenya is a trip of a lifetime.
Tourist Attractions in Kenya:
Kenya has one of the world’s greatest tourist attractions sites, known for its diversity of landscape, wildlife, and cultures. From sweeping savannahs to tropical beaches and coral reef, dense equatorial forests to mighty snow-capped mountains, and more.
For more information visit: Tourists Attractions in Kenya
Kenya Safari
Kenya is the ultimate safari destination, providing travelers with a window into the heart of Africa. But this is not all that Kenya has to offer. Located near the equator, Kenya´s magic lies in the fact that the country encompasses an astounding variety of landscapes and climates, flora and fauna, as well as communities and cultures, home to water sports, a swim with dolphins and adventure.
For more information visit: Kenya Safari
Hotels and Accommodation in Kenya
Hotels in Kenya vary enormously in price and facilities. Luxury hotels in Kenya offer excellent standards of service and are comparable to the best hotels anywhere in the world. Kenya’s abundance of natural produce, combined with the rich variety of cultures and traditions, has created a great culinary nation.
The fertile volcanic soil of the Rift Valley produces a bounty of fresh vegetables, while the coast is a great source of tropical fruit and fresh seafood. The Kenyan coast is also the home of the world-renowned Swahili cuisine, a blend of Middle Eastern and African cooking with a particular coastal twist.
For more information visit: Hotels in Kenya
Towns in Kenya
Apart from the towns of Nairobi , Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru, Kenya has other major towns each a unique representation of the country’s striking abundance in flora and fauna. Most of these towns are headquarters in their respective counties or major economic bases in their regions. Luxury hotels and lodges located here provide good accommodation and conferencing facilities for guests who dare to try out a taste different from the capital or the coast.
For more information visit: Towns in Kenya
The Kenyan People Culture and Tradition
Kenya’s culture blends together diverse tribes, traditions, and religions into one beautiful, well-woven tapestry. These traditions complement each other while incorporating the modern influences of globalization – resulting in a vibrant cultural spirit that is uniquely Kenyan. Kenya has over 42 different tribes with different languages and several dialects. Kenyan tourism has made the Maasai and Samburu tribes the most famous because of their long preserved culture.
For more information visit: Kenya People and Tribes
Watch a Video of Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
County: Kwale | Nearest Town: