Located in the Northwest of Kenya’s capital Nairobi near the border of Uganda, Kakamega Forest Reserve is a tropical rainforest situated in the Kakamega and Nandi County of kenya. its the only rainforest that still stands in kenya covering approximately 240square kilometers stretching all the way from central Africa. The Reserve was established to protect the remaining unique forest ecosystem and it derives its name from a kiluhyah word Kakamega meaning pinch.
Kakamega Forest Reserve is open to visitors all year round, but the dry season is the best time to visit. The forest is dived into two parts where the Northern part is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service whereas the southern part is managed by the Foresty Department. The main entrance to the reserve is in the north at Buyangu Area 2km from the KWS offices.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve major attractions include birdlife, insects, butterflies and wildlife.
Vegetation
Kakamega Forest national reserve habits Africa’s hard and soft woods including the precious Elgon teak, Red and white stink woods, mkombero tree, aphrodisiac. Flora found in the park include over 50 species of ferns, 170 species of flowering plants.
Wildlife
The reserve consists of 7 species of primates such as the endangered De Brazza monkey mostly spotted in the isolated Kisere Forest reserve. Other primate species include; Blue monkeys, olive baboons, red-tailed monkey among others. Other wildlife found in the reserve include the Clawless otter, Mongoose, Giant water shrew, flying squirrels, bush bucks, Aardvarks, porcupines, Giant Forest hog, leopards and many more.
Birdlife
Kakamega forest reserve is home to over 360 bird species making it one of the best birding paradise in kenya. The reserve supports a myriad of bird species such as the endangered Turner’s eremomela, charpins flycatcher, and the voice-mimicking african grey parrot, which are some rare snake-eating birds.
Insects
These are in addition abundant with some very spectacular incests such as the Goliath beetles and Flower Mantis. Other insects’ groups include ants and Orthopterans, Gastropods, millipedes and spiders. In addition, a butterfly farm was established for these colourful lepidopterans consisting of over 400 species of butterflies about 45% of the butterflies found in kenya.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve activities.
These include birding, primate tracking, game viewing, guided nature walks, hiking, and camping.
Wildlife viewing
Game viewing in Kkamega Forest reserve is best done during the dry months of December to February and June to September when there are no rains and animals species can eaisly be spotted due to the short vegatation covers. Viewing wildlife is done when having a guided nature walk through the forest and some of the species easily spotted include buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeest, bush backs, Roan antelopes, black and white colobus, red tailed and blue monkeys, elephant shrew, ader’s duiker, Banded Mongoose, genet cat, bush baby, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, de brazza’s monkey.
Other wildlife found in the forest reserve include the African civet, tree pangolin, potto, bush pig, giant forest hogs, giant forest squirrels, african clawkess otter, duiker, sunni, giraffes, pangolin, porcupine, water squirrels and dik-dik. Visitors can also spot a variety of snakes like the Jameson’s mamba, rhinocreros-horned viper, Black -lipped cobra among others.
Birding
As one of the last remaining ancient rainforests in Kenya, and the birdlife is outstanding. Kakamega is a bird watcher’s paradise that’s productive all year round. Over 360 bird species have been recorded in the forest 36 of which are endemic to the forest and can not be found anywhere else. The forest is home to over 80 bird species that are limited to the central and west Africa such as the great Blue Turaco and the Colorful Blue headed bee-eater.
Migratory birds can be spotted during the months of November to April and these include the Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, crowned eagle, black faced rufous warbler and the chapin’s flycatcher.
Other bird species found in Kakamega Forest reserve include the yellow -mantled widowbird, uganda’s woodland warbler, white-chinned prinia, turner’s eremomela, green hylia, yellow-bellied hyliota, African broadbill, snowy-headed robin chat among others.
Butterfly Watching.
Kakamega National reserve offers a unique opportunity to witness the incredible diversity of butterfly species in their natural habitat. With its rich flora and fauna, the park provides a perfect setting for these delicate creatures to thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned butterfly enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of Lepidoptera, Kakamega National reserve is an absolute must-visit destination. It is a haven for butterfly enthusiasts. With an astonishing array of over 4800 species of colorful butterflies and an additional 6000 species of moths, this park is a treasure trove of Lepidopteran wonders.
As you explore the park’s lush forests and grasslands, keep an eye out for some of the most striking and rare butterfly species, including the Forest Mother of Pearl, Mocker Swallow-tail, Regal Swallow-tail, Black-tipped Diadem. among others.
Hiking
Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Kakamega National reserve through Hiking
Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you explore the lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems of Kakamega National reserve with several well-marked trails to choose from, you can opt for a self-guided hike, reveling in the freedom and tranquility of being immersed in nature. However, to truly unlock the secrets of Kakamega National reserve and experience the full depth of its natural beauty, we highly recommend joining a guided hike. Our experienced and knowledgeable guides will lead you on an unforgettable journey, sharing their expertise and insights into the park’s unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
With a guided hike, you’ll discover hidden gems, gain a deeper understanding of the reserve’s biodiversity, and create lifelong memories. Our professional guides will ensure that your experience is not only enjoyable but also safe and enriching.
Camping
For the adventurous and nature-loving travelers, Kakamega forest National reserve offers an unparalleled camping experience. As one of the top camping destinations in the country, the forest provides a unique opportunity to connect with the great outdoors and get up close and personal with the incredible wildlife. The campsites within the park are carefully designed to ensure a safe and thrilling experience. You’ll have the chance to observe the amazing animals in their natural habitat, without worrying about your safety. The forest’ experienced staff and guides are always available to provide assistance and ensure a memorable camping experience.
Imagine spending a night under the stars, surrounded by the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the park. The cool climate, gorgeous backdrops, and stunning scenery make Kakamega National Park a camper’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting to explore the great outdoors, this park has something to offer everyone.
Photography
Kakamega forest National reserve is a photographer’s paradise, offering endless opportunities to capture breathtaking moments and unforgettable encounters. The reserve’s stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and diverse ecosystems make it an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts.
Don’t even think about visiting the forest without your camera. The sheer beauty and uniqueness of the park’s scenery and wildlife will leave you wanting to capture every moment. With thousands of photo opportunities waiting to be seized, you’ll want to ensure that your camera is always by your side.
Getting to Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
By Road
The reserve is 418km from Nairobi, take the A104 road via Nakuru and Kapsabet. Continue on the A104 road until Timboroa, then proceed for another 4 km. Turn left onto the C36 road to Kapsabet. From Kapsabet, take the C39 road until it joins the Kisumu-Kakamega Road. From Eldoret take the C39 road directly to Kapsabet. The reserve is located 18 km along the Webuye/Eldoret route.
By Air
Alternatively, visitors coming to Kakamega Forest reserve can get there by air, through booking a direct flight to Kakamega. Either way, you can fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and then travel to Kakamega by road.
