Kakamega Forest is a tropical rain forest situated in the Western Province, of Kenya, North West of the capital Nairobi, and near to the border with Uganda. It is Kenya’s only tropical rainforest and is said to be Kenya’s last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once spanned the continent.
The Kakamega Forest National Reserve is situated in the Lake Victoria basin, about 50km north of Kisumu city. Being the only remnant in Kenya of the unique Guineo-Congolian forest ecosystem, the park offers unique wildlife and scenic beauty.
For bird and butterfly watchers, this is the place to visit. The forest is home to over 400 species of butterflies, about 300 bird species and 27 species of snakes. The park also supports more than 350 species of trees and 7 primate species including the endangered DeBrazza monkey, black and white colobus monkey and vervet monkey.
The Potto (the world’s slowest mammal on earth), duikers and Dik diks are also found in Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
ACCESS
By Road: The reserve is 415km away from Nairobi via Nakuru and Kapsabet towns.
By Air: There are no scheduled flights to Kakamega and visitors have to fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and connect to Kakamega by road.
SIZE / LOCATION
44 Km2.
Western Province
CLIMATE
Temperature ranges from 20-30 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm
Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December
SMARTCARD REQUIRED?
Entry is by Cash only. Cash Receipts can be bought at the Kakamega Forest National Reserve main gate or KWS Hqs Nairobi Cash office. Proof of identification will be required.
Citizens – Valid Passport or National ID
Residents – Valid Passport & re entry pass
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
- Birdwatching: Over 300 bird species,
- Butterfly watching: over 400 species of butterflies
- Massive Trees, Scenic Spots and Waterfalls: Over 350 species of trees, the forest holds mostly indigenous vegetation.
- Snakes: 27 species of snakes, ,
- Primates Watching: Home to Debrazza monkey and other primates.
WILDLIFE
Wildlife: Bush Pig, Duikers, Bushbuck, Clawless Otter, Mongoose, Giant Water Shrew, Squirrels, Tree Pangolin, Porcupine, Bats and Primates.
Birds: 330 species of which some are found nowhere else in the country. The common one being the Blue turaco.
WHERE TO STAY
In – Park Accommodation
There is no lodge in the park at the moment.
KWS Self – Catering Accommodation:
Udo Bandas can accommodate upto 14 pax
Isukuti Guest House
Camping Facilities
Various Campsites located in the Park
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
- Forest Walking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Primate Watching
- Bird and Butterfly Watching
- Game watching
- Self-Guided nature walks
WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU
Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight. Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks
