Turtle Bay - Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve

Turtle Bay is a hotel near Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Location
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Coastal Kenya, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-3.362830, 40.003840
Elevation
21m
Activities
hotel

PlnrScore: 33/100

Nearest airstrip: Malindi Airport (18.7 km) [HKML]

Wildlife Near This Lodge

1543 species observed within 20 km, 51 mammals, 239 birds.

  • Blue Monkey (Mammalia, 142 observations)
  • Kenyan Rock Agama (Reptilia, 106 observations)
  • White-headed Dwarf Gecko (Reptilia, 69 observations)
  • Gold-banded Forester (Insecta, 61 observations)
  • Crab-Plover (Aves, 60 observations)
  • Rough-scaled Plated Lizard (Reptilia, 59 observations)
  • Eurasian Whimbrel (Aves, 54 observations)
  • Golden-rumped Sengi (Mammalia, 54 observations)
  • African Wood-Owl (Aves, 53 observations)
  • Golden Palm Weaver (Aves, 51 observations)

Best Time to Visit Turtle Bay

The best months to visit Turtle Bay are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.08°C, rainfall 52.1mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 78.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 27.43°C, rainfall 35.5mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 76.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 27.62°C, rainfall 75.7mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 76.8%
  • April: Good, temperature 26.63°C, rainfall 177.8mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 81%
  • May: Good, temperature 25.86°C, rainfall 108.3mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 78.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 24.82°C, rainfall 79.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 77.5%
  • July: Great, temperature 24.01°C, rainfall 54.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 77.4%
  • August: Great, temperature 24.24°C, rainfall 38.6mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 76.5%
  • September: Great, temperature 24.85°C, rainfall 47.4mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 76.6%
  • October: Great, temperature 25.73°C, rainfall 54.4mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 77.4%
  • November: Good, temperature 26.11°C, rainfall 168.9mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.6°C, rainfall 134.7mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 81.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What unique wildlife experiences can I expect when staying at Turtle Bay, given its proximity to Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve?

Turtle Bay offers access to the distinct ecosystem of Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, home to rare species like the Sokoke Scops Owl, Golden-rumped Elephant Shrew, and various primates. Guided forest walks allow for birdwatching and spotting unique forest inhabitants, providing a different wildlife encounter than typical savannah safaris.

When is the best time of year to visit Turtle Bay for optimal weather and exploring Arabuko-Sokoke Forest?

The dry seasons, typically from July to October and January to March, are ideal for visiting Turtle Bay. During these months, the weather is pleasant for beach activities, and forest trails in Arabuko-Sokoke are more accessible for guided walks and birdwatching.

What kind of experience should I expect at Turtle Bay, and are activities like forest visits included in the stay?

Turtle Bay is primarily an all-inclusive beach resort offering a relaxing coastal holiday with the unique advantage of proximity to Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. While the hotel provides various water sports and amenities, guided excursions into the forest are typically arranged as optional activities and may incur an additional cost.

Beyond the forest, what specific water-based activities are popular and accessible directly from Turtle Bay?

Given its location on the bay, Turtle Bay is renowned for its excellent access to marine activities within the Watamu Marine National Park. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, dhow trips to explore the mangroves, and deep-sea fishing, often arranged directly through the resort.

How do travelers typically reach Turtle Bay, and what local safety advice is relevant for the Watamu area?

Most guests fly into Malindi Airport (MYD), which is a short transfer away from Turtle Bay, or sometimes Mombasa (MBA) followed by a longer road transfer. While the resort itself is secure, it's advisable to exercise standard precautions when exploring Watamu town, such as avoiding walking alone at night and securing valuables.

Other Safari Lodges in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve

Parks in Coastal Kenya

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya