Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary

Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary

ケニア、インド洋コーストにあります。

（行ったことないですが、これから行きたいので、リサーチです。）

* 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.

Located at approximatively 14 km from the main gate of Shimba Hills N.P., the Elephant sanctuary is linked with the National park by a fenced elephant corridor, so there are chances to see elephants crossing the main red-soil road. The sanctuary was created in 1993 to fight against deforestation by protecting unique gallery forests running alongside a large rivere. The sanctuary is dedicated to the elephant protection by minimizing human-wildlife conflict and enhance the socio-economic development in the area. The forest is also home for endemic bird species and indigenous trees species such as Mbambakofi (Afzelia quanzensis), Mgurure (Milicea execelsa) and Mvule (Combretum schumanii) and six species of Cycad, a fan-like plant which evolved 300 million years ago (Eucephalartos hildebrantii) and is listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), are found in the sanctuary). You are sure to see elephants and spectacular dry sceneries. The circuit is 9 km long and can be done with any car. Note that unfortunately, guide at the gate are not available so unless you are real specialist, it is impossible to find these unique tree species and there is not much to see ? But, you can purchase paper handmade from elephant dung at the gate to promote the project. - Visit their website

Fees resident : Adult - 100 Kshs, Child - 50 Kshs and Car - 150 Kshs
Fees non-resident : Adult - 15 USD, Child - 2 USD and Car - 150 Kshs

入園料：レジデント大人100Ksh,レジデント子供50Ksh,車150Ksh

旅行者大人$15,旅行者子供$2,車150Ksh

(インターネットでの確認だけなので、現在時点での入園料が変更している可能性あり・・・・)

Mwaluganje is a 36 km2/14 sq mi nature sanctuary that borders Shimba Hills National Reserve. Much of the sanctuary is forested, and home to many elephants.

Day tours from the coast
Local tour operators and some hotels offer full- or half-day tours from the coast to Shimba Hills, or you may hire a taxi for a day in the park (make sure to hire a 4WD). If you go by taxi, remember there's a park entry fee to pay (USD 20 for adults). If you go with a tour operator, the entry fee should be included in the tour price

http://www.safaripatrol.com/shimbahills.shtml







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