[johnsnapper]

whats the ukunda area, south of mombasa like for bird watching and wildlife, i have read the north is better, is there things to see fairly local ?, any help please, we are going in november first time, thanks

[Hanno]

There is really good birding nearby, in the Shimba Hills, though you would need a car/ There are also remnants of coastal forest in Diani; just a few kilometres away. Be warned: there is also a lot of crime around Ukunda; setting off on your own might not be such a great idea.

A little further south, at Ramisi River, I have seen things like White-backed Night-heron and African Finfoot.

[johnsnapper]

thanks for replying, are there bird guides for hire in that area?.

[Hanno]

Not that I know off. Some of the hotels on Diani Beach offer guided bird walks though.

[joseph mwangi]

Hi John,
Great to hear you will be at South coast. As much I would like to agree with Hanno above, Crime is everywhere in the world but I would not highten it as he "says", All I need to let you know if not to warn you, there you should expect beach boy along the beaches who will always solicit to get some business out of you in terms of activities and therefore if you happen to entertain them with activities you wish to do and go for them chances are you can cast your fingers why you when they way at times.

My advice is that at Simba Hills if you contact spinetail safaris in Watamu they could come down there to take you for an overnight birding at Shimba Hills or 2 which is worth taking. Here you can expect things like southern Banded snake eagle,African Crown Eagle,Siffling Cisticola,Chestnut fronted Helment Shrike,as well Ayers Hawk eagle among others as list could be endless but more important with mammals is the rare sabble antelope that is only seen here.
Wish you good luck down there.
Joseph
www.natureswonderlandsafaris.com