Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary
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* Worlds densest elephant population
* Discover Elephant trails
* See Cycads, the ‘leftover’ plants from the Jurassic Period
Based in the Kwale district of the Shimba Hills region – bordering the Shimba Hills National Reserve, and only 45 km southwest of Mombasa, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary covers over 36 km2 of land and is characterised by forests, steep cliffs, rolling hills, bush land with baobabs, streams and water holes – all striking backdrops for the wildlife.
It was established in 1993 specifically to preserve the fragile ecosystem and to help manage and maintain the population of various species inhabiting the area; however, the focus is, of course, on the conservation of elephants.
With over 150 elephants living in the sanctuary, and with many other elephants living in the hills, forests and nearby Shimba Hills National Reserve, the area is the most densely populated natural breeding ground for elephants in the world. At certain times of the year, whole elephant groups gather for ‘reunions’ (usually in December, March and April), which can be noisy affairs.
The number of human - elephant conflicts were increasing prior to the sanctuary’s establishment, as elephants would trample crops and disturb villages, with humans in turn needing to control the elephant population.
Now, having established the sanctuary, many of the former farmers have become the guardian’s of the elephants, making their living from the tourism associated with the sanctuary. Therefore, by visiting the sanctuary you are not only helping the elephants but also the local community.
However, elephants are not the only attraction. The botanical life in the sanctuary is also fascinating, offering much to see and experience. There are a wide variety of different plant species, including many which have their origins in the Jurassic period of 300 million years ago. An example are the Cycads, which resemble small palm trees. Today, most of these ancient plants are endangered, but Cycads are protected in the Sanctuary – there are many still to be seen.
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