Kibwezi Forest

Kibwezi Forest spans approximately 58 square kilometers (22 square miles). This ancient groundwater forest is a protected area managed in partnership with the Kenyan Forest Service and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, ensuring its conservation as a vital ecosystem. Despite its relatively small size, Kibwezi Forest plays a crucial ecological role, providing a lush, year-round water source for wildlife due to the Umani Springs aquifer, which sustains its rich biodiversity. Nestled at the foothills of the Chyulu Hills, Kibwezi Forest is one of Kenya’s oldest and most biodiverse indigenous forests. Sustained by the Umani Springs aquifer, this tropical groundwater forest is a vital ecosystem, home to towering fig trees, mahogany, and acacia, creating a lush canopy that shelters elephants, leopards, bushbucks, baboons, Sykes' monkeys, and rare birds like Peter’s Twinspot and the African Pygmy Kingfisher. At its heart lies the Umani Springs Reintegration Unit, part of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, where orphaned elephants are rehabilitated and reintroduced into the wild. With its tranquil ambiance, rich biodiversity, and conservation significance, Kibwezi Forest offers a unique, private escape, perfect for those seeking relaxation and a close connection with nature.