Kakamega National Forest Reserve is the only remnant in Kenya of the once great tropical forests that stretched across central Africa. It is home to several hundreds of bird species making it an important bird Area (IBA), snakes, primates, butterflies and countless tree species and natural glades as well as the rare De Brazza monkey are a spectacle.
Kakamega forest is populated by a network of nature trails. A walk through the high canopies, its silence only broken by bird calls or the chatter of monkey troops or occasionally a gurgle of a nearby stream, is a simple delight. All this and more are possible in a day trip. The cool crisp serene forest environment makes it a perfect retreat from the daily hustle and bustle of the city.
Key attractions and activities at Kakamega National Forest Reserve
Birdwatching
The forest has over 350 bird species that makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Kakamega forest is renowned by bird enthusiasts not only in the confines of kenya but also globally.
Wildlife
Kakamega has forest animals that are spotted such as bush buck, blue duikers, squirrels, forest hogs, bush pigs, pangolins and much more.
Snake species
The forest is home to 36 unique snake species. True to the forest’s continental origins, the snakes of Kakamega are also found in west Africa. They include the forest cobra, Gold’s cobra, forest Night Adder, black lipped cobra, Jameson’s Mamba, bush viper, Gabon viper, Rhinoceros horned viper and many more species.
Tree species
The beautiful forest and natural glades, rich and unusual in their composition makes it unique both nationally and globally where over 380 species of trees have been recorded. The forest has soft and hard wood such as prunus Africana, Elgon teak, white stinkwood, Aningeria altissima and croton.
Primate watching
The forest also hosts a variety of primates that are seen during nature walks and these include, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkey, De Brazza’s monkey, Red-tailed monkeys, baboons, potto and much more.
Hiking
There are hiking trails in the forest that allow for forest walking, scenic spots easily accessible and rewarding worth your visit include Buyangu hill for a short sharp climb to a rocky summit from where the rolling forest canopy can be viewed to the south. Other spots include Lirhanda hill and Isiukhu waterfalls.
Butterfly watching
Kakamega forest boosts of over 300 butterfly species that include African Swallowtail, Blue Pansy, Great Egg fly, African Map Butterfly, the Blue Vagrant, Kakamega Forester and Charaxes species
Camping and picnics
The forest offers camping options for travellers who want to immerse fully in nature, students on research purposes enjoy the best moments researching about the eco system of Kakamega forest.
Cycling
Cycling is one of the common activities that takes place where nature enthusiasts cycle in the forest trails as they explore this gem.
What to pack
Adventurers visiting Kakamega forest should pack camera, a pair of binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, first aid kit, sunglasses, gumboots, rain jackets, hiking shoes, snacks, water and camping gear.
How to get there
Kakamega forest reserve can be accessed by road and air means, the shortest route by road is from Nairobi via Nakuru and kapsabet to join Kisumu – Kakamega road covering 422 km. By Flight, travellers flying from Europe to Kenya arrive in Nairobi as this is the biggest transport hub, and there is a lot of choice for tickets. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is located 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi. Kenya’s second international airport is Moi International Airport (MBA) situated 9km/6mi west of Mombasa
Accommodation in Kakamega national forest reserve
There are 2 guest houses for accommodation such as Isukuti guest house that has 4 units and each unit consists of one double bed and one single bed taking 3 occupants per unit. The second accommodation is Udo guest house consisting of 4 units with one master bedroom and one double bed each.
For camping, there are well organized public campsites with standard amenities provided. These are Udo campsite and Biota campsite that does not require prior booking.