Kakamega Forest Reserve Kenya

 

Kakamega Forest Reserve Kenya is a stunning great rainforest located in Kenya’s Kakamega and Nandi County, northwest of Nairobi, and close to the Ugandan border. Amazingly, Kakamega Forest National Reserve is the only ancient Guineo Congolian rainforest in Kenya, a wonderful site for nature lovers interested in undertaking forest walk adventures.

Visitors can only explore this beautiful and biodiverse forest on foot! Within this rainforest, various nature trails take you deep into the jungle, giving you a golden opportunity to enjoy; primate tracking, guided forest walks, bird watching expeditions, rock climbing as well as butterfly viewing, etc. All the nature walks in Kamega Forest are done with the help of a local community tour guide who is knowledgeable about the animals and plants there.

Kakamega Forest is the best place for forest birding tours in Kenya with bird species such as Grey Parrots, Black Billed Turaco, and Blue headed bee eaters. During the birding excursions in Kakamega National Reserve, it’s possible to spot some rare wild animals in Kenya. Among these include; Gigantic forest hedgehogs, De Brazza’s monkey, Black and white colobus monkeys, Blue monkeys, Baboons, and Tree pangolin, to mention but a few.

Insects are also abundant in Kakamega Forest National Park. Likewise, numerous reptiles have been recorded as well including rare species of snakes like Rhinoceros Horned Viper, Black Lipped Cobra, Forest Cobra, and Gabon Viper.

From the wide experience we have in organizing African safari tours in Kenya, we can tailor your Kenya safari holiday to feature Kakamega forest tours.

Below, let’s explore more about Kakamega Rainforest in Kenya;

History of Kakamega Forest Reserve

Two small nature reserves, Yala and Isecheno, with a combined area of approximately 700 hectares, were created within the Kakamega Forest Reserve in 1967. The forest was originally gazetted as a Trust Forest in 1933. Kakamega Forest is a significant catchment area since the Isiukhu and Yala Rivers flow through it and get tributaries from it. In 1985, roughly 4,000 hectares of the forest’s northern portion and the nearby 457 hectares of Kisere Forest Reserve were gazetted for a national forest reserve status.

Geography & Weather of Kakamega Forest National Reserve

An average of 1200 mm to 1700 mm of rain is received in Kakamega Forest each year. April and May are the rainiest months (“long rains”); June is the slightly driest; and the second-heaviest month is August to September (“short rains”).

In the Kakamega region, dry weather is more common in January and February. Throughout the year, the temperatures are almost the same, fluctuating between 20 and 30 Degrees Celsius.

The reserve is traversed by several streams and small rivers. The small rivers flow across open grasslands, frequently forming small marshy patches, while the larger rivers are typically surrounded by a few to tens of meters of woodland on either side, dividing the glades.

Amazing Tourist Attractions in Kakamega Forest Reserve

There are numerous wonderful things to see in Kakamega tropical forest ranging from rare animal species to many other things.

Below let’s look at the various tourist attractions in Kakamega Forest- a lovely forest within the Lake Victoria catchment area.

1. Wonderful Wildlife in Kakamega Forest

Several species of animals have been recorded in Kakamega Forest but, usually, these game animals are encountered by lucky travelers during the forest walk. This is due to the thickness of this tropical rainforest.

While on the nature walk in Kakamega woods, lucky visitors can spot; Bush backs, Banded Mongoose, Genet Cat, Elephant Shrew, Tree pangolins, Duikers Giant African water shrews, African clawless otters, Duikers, Bush pig, Bushbucks, and Squirrels. Numerous primate species such as Oliva baboons, Red tailed monkeys,             Blue monkey, Colobus monkeys, Pottos, Bushbabies, De Brazza’s monkey, and Vervet monkeys, are also common.

Occasionally, Leopards are sighted but the last official spotting was in 1991.

2. Stunning Vegetation of Kakamega Rainforest

Over 380 plant species, 150 tree and shrub species, 170 flowering plants, over 60 orchid species, and many more are known to be found in the Kakamega.

The tree species in Kakamega Forest include both soft and hardwoods. Common species are; red stink woods, Croton species, white stink woods, and Elgon teak. During the forest walk along the hiking trails, your local guide will explain to you all the natural herbs you might come across. Expect to stop on a giant fig tree believed to be about 700 years old.

Due to the large number of individuals that stay around Kenya’s Kakamega rainforest, the forest resources of this national reserve are normally encroached, and this has a detrimental effect on this forest.

Kenya Forest Services & Kenya Wildlife Services has done its best to educate the local people who stay around this protected area about the dangers and drawbacks of relying too much on forest resources.

3. Bird Species in Kakamega Rainforest 

Around 300 bird species counting 36 endemic species dwell in the Kakamega rainforest and most of them are spotted during guided forest walks. It’s possible to spot some of the bird species in Central and West Africa for example, the Great Blue Turaco, Black-billed turaco, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Blue headed bee eater, and Black-faced Rufous Warbler.

More birds in Kakamega wood include; White-chinned Prinia, Yellow-bellied Hyliota, Vieillot’s Black Weaver, African Broadbill, Green-throated Sunbird, Snowy-headed Robin-Chat, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Olive-Green Camaroptera, Yellow-mantled Widowbird, Brown-throated wattle-eye, Yellow-bellied wattle-eye,  etc.

Visitors interested in spotting migratory bird species should explore Kakamega around November- April.

4. Numerous Amphibians and Reptiles

Not all the reptiles and amphibians living in Kakamega Forest have been recorded however, various research programs have recorded some. Notable amphibians include; millipedes, frogs, and Gastropods.

Over 28 snake species have been recorded in this beautiful forest. Some snake species are so rare and hard to spot but, researchers have managed to spot; the Gabon viper, Forest cobras, Rhinoceros viper, Jameson’s mamba, & Bush viper, etc.

5. Numerous Beetles in Kakamega Rainforest

The Kakamega rainforest is home to a rich range of beetle species, which are regarded as one of the most varied insect groups in the world. These include ground-dwelling & brilliant jewel beetles, and they play a significant role in the ecosystem of the forest. Furthermore, these insects are essential to pollination and in the food chain.

There are, however, other kinds of insects found in Kakamega Forest National Reserve, such as bees, ants, crickets, dragonflies, damselflies, mantises, and other many species. The forest’s varied vegetation and abundance of food sources always draw these species in and give them a good environment.

Best Tourist Activities in Kakamega Forest National Reserve

For nature lovers on Kenya safari tours, a visit to Kenya’s Kakamega tropical forest is a lifetime adventure you should miss. Expect to enjoy numerous activities and among these include;

1. Bird Watching in Kakamega Forest

It’s being one of the few Indigenous forest areas in Kenya, Kakamega Forest National Reserve is a great place for travelers having an interest in forest birds. During your birding expeditions, you’ll be in company with a local community guide who is knowledgeable about most birds in this protected area.

Kakamega forest bird watching tours can be done along different hiking nature trails giving you a chance to encounter various bird species like the Black-billed turaco, Yellow-mantled Widowbird, and Brown-throated wattle-eye, among many others.

Most of the birding tours in Kakamega begin early morning around 6.30 am. Evening hours are also good for bird watching.

2. Exploring Mama Mutere

Mama Mutere is a great historic tree in the Kakamega rainforest. Although this gigantic tree fell in 2014, its fallen trunk on the forest floor still attracts many tourists to view this site. This tree was over 300 years old and 40m high.

According to people in local communities around this forest, the back of Mama Mutere could be used as a traditional medicine for stomachache as well as other ailments.

3. Guided Forest Walks in Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Kakamega tropical forest offers the best forest walks in Kenya. Infact, it’s one of the few areas where tourists on Kenya safari holidays can enjoy a classy forest walk adventure.

All the forest walks start from Isecheno forest station with a briefing before travelers enter the jungle. This beautiful forest can be explored by different hiking trails and each hike offers a unique experience as they hold different attractions.

The common hiking trails in Kakamega Forest National Reserve include;

• Isiukhu Falls Trail;  This hiking trail takes you to explore the Isiukhu Falls- dazzling waterfalls within the Kakamega rainforest. It’s a moderate hike that takes you across lovely rocky terrain and stunning crossing streams.

Nature walks to explore Isiukhu Falls is about 8km- round trip taking 3-4 hours depending on the pace of hikers.

• Lirhanda Hill Trail; Lirhanda Hill Trail takes visitors to the highest point of Kakamega rain forest. Therefore, it requires stamina and the right hiking gear- a sturdy hiking boot. During this hike, you’ll pass through dense vegetation where you can encounter some rare birds and animals of Kenya.
• This hike is about 10km taking 4-6 hours to finish the walk. Local Kakamega rainforest tour guides consider this trail as the most challenging compared to other hiking trails. Successful hikes to the summit of Lirhanda Hill offer breathtaking views of the Kakamega forest’s ecosystem and an impressive landscape around!
• Buyango Hill Trail; Buyango Hill Trail is a scenic hike that takes you to enjoy the panoramic views of the Kakamega rainforest as well as the beautiful landscape around. This trail is relatively strenuous as it involves hiking up to Buyango Hill Summit. It can be completed in about 2-3 hours covering about 4.5km.

This hike is wonderful for photography and on it, be expected to spot numerous birds, colorful butterflies, and primates like Blue Monkeys and Black and white colobus monkeys along the walk.

• Isecheno Forest Trail; This trail also takes visitors deep into the Kakamega rainforest thus, giving them a chance to explore its rich diversity.
• Nature Trail; Nature Trail is one of the shortest forest walks in Kakamega Forest National Reserve. Though it’s short (1-2 hours hike), it offers travelers a chance to explore the diverse plant species and wildlife within this protected area. It’s suitable for all age groups!

Note; It’s key to remember that some paths could need a guide or prior authorization from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to hike. Before starting a hike, it is advised to inquire about the most recent information, route conditions, and any required permissions from the Kakamega visitor centers or local authorities.

4. Enjoying Cultural Encounters With Luhya Tribe

While on your Kenya safari trip in Kakamega Forest Reserve, it’s also possible to visit Luhya people who stay around this Kakamega rainforest. On this cultural encounter, you’ll interact with the natives through village walks as you learn much about their traditions, beliefs, and rituals. A cultural dance performance is the highlight of this cultural tour.

Best Time to Visit Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Travelers can visit Kakamega Forest National Reserve year-round but, visits in the dry months offer the best experience. In this protected area, June-August and December-February are the dry months with low rainfall. Therefore, during this time, hiking trails are free from mud and rainfall hardly inconveniences visitors on nature walks.

Rainfall in the Kakamega rainforest is more received around March-May as well as September-November. Most of the birds display their breeding plumage around April-May and some migratory species can be observed in November-April.

How to Reach Kakamega Forest in Kenya?

Travelers on Kenya tours can travel to Kakamega rain forest in 2 different ways; by road and even by air from Nairobi- Kenya’s capital city.

Getting to Kakamega Forest Kenya By Road

Kakamega Forest lies 45km north of Kisumu and 420km northwest of Nairobi. From Nairobi, it can take about 6 hours drive whereas it’s only 1 hours drive from Kisumu International Airport.

Visiting Kakamega Rainforest By Air

Tour operators can arrange for a chartered flight to this protected area. Daily flights are available from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kakamega.  Additionally, flights to Kakamega are currently scheduled, and tourists can fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and then drive to Kakamega.

The Best Accommodation in Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Tourists on Kenya safari vacation with interest in exploring this reserve have a wide range of accommodations to use and this is based on their budget. These facilities range from budget to luxury lodges and your tour operator will guide you on the best option to go with. Most of them are in Kakamega town about 30 minutes drive to the visitor’s center.

Below is where to stay in Kakamega Rainforest Kenya;

• Golf Hotel Kakamega
• Senel Guest House
• Isecheno KEEP Bandas
• Rondo Retreat Centre
• Isukuti Guest House

Packing List for Kenya Safari in Kakamega Forest National Reserve

As you visit Kenya Kakamega Tropical rain forest, you should come with some safari items for a wonderful adventure. Visitors can purchase some items within Kakamega Town.

Among these items include;

• Sturdy hiking boots- ideal for forest walking tours
• Camera with an extra battery
• Insect repellent
• Warm jumper
• Sunglasses especially during the dry months in Kenya
• A rain jacket
• Long-sleeved shirt and trousers to cover your body well during nature walks in the woods
• Waterproof day bag
• Binoculars
• Bottled water
• First aid kit
• Energy giving snacks
• Extra socks

FAQs About Kakamega Forest National Reserve

1. What Is Unique About the Kakamega Forest in Western Kenya? : What Is Kakamega Known For?

Kakamega rainforest is the only remnant in Kenya Africa of the once great tropical rainforest that stretched across Central Africa holding thousands of bird species and this makes it a lovely Important Bird Area. There are numerous amazing rare wildlife species in this protected area such as snakes, tree species, and butterflies, plus rare primates in Kenya such as the rare De Brazza’s monkey.

2. Why Visit Kakamega Rainforest in Kenya?

Many tourists on African safaris in Kenya who visit the Kakamega tropical forest are interested in forest birding safaris. Within this area, visitors will encounter many birds that are hard to spot in other national parks of Kenya such as Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park for example, the Yellow-mantled Widowbird, Yellow-bellied wattle-eye, and Yellow-bellied Hyliota, etc.

3. What Kind of Snakes Are in the Kakamega Forest?

There are about 28 recorded snake species in Kakamega Forest National Reserve and among these include the rhinoceros horned viper, Bush viper, Jameson’s Mamba, Forest Cobra, Gabon Viper, plus other species of West Africa.

4. What Animals Are in the Kakamega Forest of Western Kenya?

Primate species such as the Red-tailed monkey, Baboons, Blue monkey, De Brazza’s monkey, and Vervet monkeys are the common animals in the Kakamega rainforest. On rare occasions, it’s also possible to encounter Bushbucks, Giant forest hogs, giant forest hedgehogs, Bush pigs & Squirrels along the hiking trail.

5. What Are the Problems Facing the Kakamega Forest?

Just like most forest reserves in Africa, Kakamega Forest National Reserve and the nearby Kisere Forest- a surrounding forest also face pressure from the neighboring communities. Usually, these people illegally harvest raw materials such as timber, firewood, and medicinal plants. Expansion of land for agriculture is also an issue however, Kenya Wildlife Service & Kenya Forest Service are doing their best to sensitize locals on how to reduce over-dependency on forests.

If you love birds and spending time in a serene beautiful environment on your Kenya safari tour, never miss out on exploring Kakamega Forest National Reserve. Within this rich birding destination, you’ll spot forest species of birds that are rare to see in other parks of Kenya such as; Amboseli National Park, Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nairobi National Park, etc.

It’s possible to include Kakamega rainforest expeditions on most Kenya safari packages. Contact us for more details!