Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Kakamega Forest is a tropical rainforest nestled in Kenya’s Kakamega and Nandi counties, northwest of Nairobi and close to the Ugandan border. Lying on undulating terrain between 1500m to 1600m above sea level, it is Kenya’s only tropical rainforest and is thought to be the only vestige of the continent’s old Guinea-Congo rainforest, which once spread the whole of Eastern and Central Africa. The forest and the reserves cover an area of around 238 square kilometers, with only about half of it remaining as an indigenous forest. The reserve was established to protect Kenya’s only mid-altitude tropical rainforest, as it contains many species that are found nowhere else in the country. The forest is situated north of Kisumu and west of the Nandi Escarpment in the Lake Victoria catchment area.

Kakamega Forest National Reserve is a watery region with glades that vary greatly in structure, some with open grass and others with a variety of trees or bushes. The watershed of the Isiukhu and Yala rivers, which flow through the forest before draining into Lake Victoria, is located above all. As a result, several streams and small creeks run through the reserve, although the larger ones are generally surrounded by a few to tens of meters of woodland on either side, dividing the glades, whilst the tiniest creeks flow over open grasslands, generating little marshy areas. The forest is home to a variety of primates, reptiles, and mammals and is one of Kenya’s prime birding spots.

The climate in Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Kakamega Forest National Reserve experiences a tropical and rainy climate. Temperatures in the forest range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius all year due to its closeness to the equator. The forest has an annual rainfall ranging from 1200mm to 1700mm. Long rains fall in April and May, with a somewhat drier June and a brief downpour from August to September. January and February are the driest months in Kakamega Forest National Reserve.

Attractions in Kakamega Forest National Park

Vegetation

Kakamega Forest National Reserve lies in the mosaic Victoria Basin forest-savannah ecoregion, which is home to a variety of plant species that are associated with the wet forests of the Guinea-Congolian region. The remarkable vegetation found in the reserve includes some of Africa’s best hard and soft woods such as the red stinkwood, White stinkwood, Elgon teak, Pouteria altissima, and various croton species. The forest is home to over 380 recorded plant species including 60 fern species, 150 tree and shrub species, and over 170 blooming plant species, including 60 orchid species, with only 9 species identified only in this forest.

Animals

Kakamega Forest National Reserve also boasts a plethora of wildlife including mammals, primates, birds, and reptiles, among others. Mammals in the reserve include Bush pigs, bushbucks, duikers, African clawless otters, squirrels, mongoose, huge African water shrew, porcupines, bats, tree pangolin, and leopards to mention but a few. Despite the sheer variety of wildlife species in Kakamega, primates are the prime inhabitants of the magnificent forest. The reserve hosts primates such as the Blue Monkey, Scarlet-tailed monkeys, Sykes monkeys, Potto, Black & white colobus monkeys, Olive baboons, and the famed De Brazza monkey among many others.

Reptiles in Kakamega Forest National Reserve include crocodiles, and several snake species such as the Black Lipped Cobra, Rhinoceros Horned Viper, Gabon Viper, Forest Cobra, and so on.

Birds

Due to the intriguing richness and blend of dominating central African lowland and highland bird species, Kakamega Forest’s avian diversity is not only recognized nationally but continentally as well. The forest is home to over 194 recorded forest-independent bird species which ranks the highest of any Kenyan forest. These include 40 of the 43 Guinea-Congo Forest, 33 of the 70 Afrotropical Highlands biome species found in Kenya, and at least 45 of Kenya’s birds that are limited to this region in the country. Out of these, there are at least 16 regionally threatened bird species in Kakamega, including Indicator exilis, Indicator conirostris, Prodotiscus insignis, Phyllastrephus baumanni, Circaetus cinerascens, Hieraaetus ayresii, Stephanoaetus coronatus, Tyto capensis, Glaucidium tephronotum, and the Kakamega poliothorax.

Kakamega is home to two globally endangered species; Chapin’s Flycatcher and Turner’s Eremomela, as well as the world’s smartest bird – the African Grey Parrot.

Activities in Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Guided Nature Walks

Guided nature walks are the most preferable way to explore the endowed Kakamega Forest National Reserve. The park includes various well-marked trails. Nature hikes in Kakamega get you up close and personal with wildlife and the experienced guides help make the difference between a pleasurable hike and a fascinating experience to remember. Expect to enjoy the sweet melodies of birds and the abundant sightings of monkeys, squirrels, and several wild animals.

Camping

Kakamega National Park is the place to go if you are a camping fanatic. The park is one of the nicest places in the country to camp with campgrounds that let you get up and personal with the animals without having to worry about large predators. Enjoy spending a night out in the bush in Kakamega Forest National Reserve amidst the tranquil surroundings, calm atmospheres and stunning vistas.

Bird-watching

Bird-watching is a popular safari activity in Kakamega Forest National Reserve. Over 90% of tourists to Kakamega Forest visit to get familiar with the rich and large bird population in the reserve. Kakamega is one of the few places in the world where highland and lowland birds may freely roam. The park is home to approximately 350 bird species, 45 of which are unique to that section of the country. The park is also home to two globally endangered species, the Chaplin’s Flycatcher and the Turner’s Eremomela, as well as an endangered species in the region, the African Grey Parrot. Other notable species in the reserve include Storks, Quails, Ibis, Guinea Fowls, Hornbills, Raptors, Herons, Blue-headed Bee Eater, Pink-backed Pelican, and Great Blue Turaco among others. Bird-watching in Kakamega is good all year with the best months being June to August when birds are in breeding plumage and November to April when the migratory species are present. Bird viewing is ideal in the early morning hours of 6:30 – am 8:30 am.

Other activities in Kakamega Forest National Reserve include; primate viewing, village visits, photography, and butterfly viewing, to mention but a few. Furthermore, travelers may go see the crying stone at IIesi along the Kakamega-Kisumu road, or visit the adjacent Kisere forest to view the DE Brazza monkeys in the north of Kakamega.

Best Time to Visit Kakamega Forest National Reserve

The Kakamega Forest is open all year. The rain falls heavily throughout the year, however, the months of December to February are the driest. June through August is an ideal period for bird viewing. The months of August and September are ideal for butterfly-watching. From November to April, migratory birds are present.

Getting to Kakamega Forest National Park

By Road.

Kakamega Forest National Reserve is a 6-hour journey by road from Nairobi and the distance between Kakamega town and Kakamega forest station is 18 kilometers.

By Air

There are scheduled flights to Kisumu or Eldoret Airports and then drive to the reserve. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) has regular flights to Kisumu International Airport (KIS) and various domestic carriers offer flights to Kisumu. These charter flights are often arranged by your tour operator and from Kisumu or Eldoret, you may arrange for a pick-up, rent a car, or take a cab which is about an hour’s drive from the Kakamega Forest Reserve.

Accommodation in Kakamega Forest National Reserve