Situated in Western Province of Kenya about 50KM north of Kisumu City, Kakamega Forest is the only tropical rainforest in Kenya and is said to be Kenya’s last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once spanned the continent.
Kakamega National Reserve was given national forest reserve status in 1985.
The massive size of the rainforest trees here, some over a hundred years old, create a complete habitat for all the birds, butterflies, insects & animals.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve offers unique wildlife and scenic beauty, a must visit for bird and butterfly watchers. The forest is home to over 400 species of butterflies, 300 bird species including rare snake-eating birds and 27 species of snakes. Butterflies and snakes normally found in West Africa can also be seen.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve is also home to 350 species of trees and 7 primate species including the endangered DeBrazza monkey, black and white colobus monkey and vervet monkey.
Many other rare species of primate are common here such as the Blue monkey, frequently seen near the Ishiuku Falls, the Olive baboon and the Red Tailed monkey.
The Potto (world’s slowest mammal on earth), Duikers and Dik diks, Bushpigs, Civets, Sunni, Clawless Otters and some fascinating nocturnal game: Ground Pangolin, Porcupines and the occasional Leopard are also found in Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
There are 7KM of trails with a team of ranger guides to escort visitors through the forest. Walking beneath the green forest canopy one can see colorful flowers while appreciating exotic birdcalls and the scents of the wood and flowers.
The best time to visit is during the rainy season, April to July, when the flowers are at their most beautiful.
Blue Monkey Image property of Francesco Veronesi
- Getting Here
- Size / Location
- Climate
- Safaricard Required?
- Attractions
- Activities
- What to Take With You
- Accommodation
- Park Contacts
- 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.
- 44 Km2.
- Western Province
- Temperature ranges from 20-30 c and rainfall from 200mm – 700 mm
- Two rain seasons: Long rains – March & April & short rains – Nov/ December
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
- 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: 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.
- Forest Walking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Primate Watching
- Bird & Butterfly Watching
- Game Watching
- Self-Guided nature walks
- Drinking Water
- Picnic Items
- Food / Snacks
- Camping equipment if you plan to stay overnight
Also useful are:
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Guidebook
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
KWS Reservations:
Tel: +254-20-6000800, 6002345
Fax: +254-20-6003792
E-mail: reservations@kws.go.ke
Email:
kws-kakamega@yahoo.com
kakamegaforest@kws.go.ke
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