Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Kakamega Forest National Reserve, a tropical rainforest, is situated in the Kakamega and Nandi Counties of Kenya, northwest of the capital, Nairobi, near the Ugandan border. It is the sole rainforest remaining in Kenya, encompassing around 240 square kilometers and extending from central Africa. The Reserve was created to save the surviving distinctive forest habitat and is named after the kiluhyah term “Kakamega,” which means “pinch.”

Kakamega Forest Reserve welcomes visitors year-round, however the dry season is the optimal time for a visit. The forest is divided into two sections: the northern section is overseen by the Kenya Wildlife Service, while the southern section is administered by the Forestry Department. The primary access point to the reserve is located in the northern section at Buyangu, 2 kilometers from the KWS offices.

Attractions in Kakamega Forest National Reserve

The principal attractions of Kakamega Forest National Reserve encompass avifauna, insects, butterflies, and wildlife.

Flora

Kakamega Forest National Reserve harbors both hardwoods and softwoods, including the valuable Elgon teak, red and white stinkwoods, mkombero tree, and aphrodisiac plants. The park is home to more than 50 kinds of ferns and 170 types of flowering plants.

Wildlife

The reserve comprises seven species of primates, including the endangered De Brazza monkey, primarily observed in the secluded Kisere Forest reserve. Additional primate species encompass blue monkeys, olive baboons, and red-tailed monkeys, among others. The reserve is home to various wildlife, including the Clawless otter, mongoose, giant water shrew, flying squirrels, bushbucks, aardvarks, porcupines, giant forest hogs, leopards, and numerous others.

Birdlife

Kakamega Forest Reserve hosts around 360 bird species, establishing it as one of the premier birdwatching sites in Kenya. The reserve accommodates numerous avian species, including the endangered Turner’s eremomela, the charpins flycatcher, and the vocal mimicry-capable African grey parrot, which are among the few serpentine-feeding birds.

The insects

These also have a plethora of remarkable insects, such the Goliath beetles and Flower Mantis. Additional groups of insects encompass ants, Orthopterans, Gastropods, millipedes, and spiders. A butterfly farm was constructed for these vibrant lepidopterans, comprising over 400 species, which represents around 45% of the butterfly species found in Kenya.

Things to do  in Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Activities encompass birdwatching, primate observation, wildlife viewing, guided nature excursions, hiking, and camping.

Observing of fauna

Game viewing in Kakamega Forest Reserve is optimal during the dry months of December to February and June to September, when precipitation is minimal and animal species are easily observable due to reduced foliage cover. Wildlife observation occurs during a guided nature walk in the forest, where easily identifiable species include buffaloes, Jackson’s hartebeest, bushbucks, Roan antelopes, black and white colobus monkeys, red-tailed and blue monkeys, elephant shrews, Ader’s duiker, banded mongooses, genet cats, bush babies, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and de Brazza’s monkeys.

The forest reserve is home to various wildlife, including the African civet, tree pangolin, potto, bush pig, big forest hogs, giant forest squirrels, African clawless otter, duiker, Sunni, giraffes, pangolin, porcupine, water squirrels, and dik-dik. Visitors may observe several snakes, including the Jameson’s mamba, rhinoceros-horned viper, and black-lipped cobra, among others.

Birding

As one of the few surviving ancient rainforests in Kenya, its avian diversity is exceptional. Kakamega is an avian enthusiast’s haven that remains fruitful throughout the year. More than 360 avian species have been documented in the woodland. Thirty-six species are endemic to the forest and are not found elsewhere. The woodland hosts around 80 bird species endemic to Central and West Africa. For instance, the magnificent Blue Turaco and the vibrant Blue-headed Bee-eater.

Migratory birds are observable from November to April, including the Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, crowned eagle, black-faced rufous warbler, and Chapin’s flycatcher.

Additional avian species present in Kakamega Forest Reserve are the yellow-mantled widowbird, Uganda’s woodland warbler, white-chinned prinia, Turner’s eremomela, green hylia, yellow-bellied hyliota, African broadbill, and snowy-headed robin chat, among others.

Butterfly Watching

Kakamega National Reserve presents a distinctive opportunity to observe the remarkable diversity of butterfly species in their natural environment. The park’s abundant vegetation and fauna create an ideal environment for these delicate creatures to flourish. Kakamega National Reserve is an essential location for both seasoned butterfly enthusiasts and novices exploring the realm of Lepidoptera. It serves as a sanctuary for butterfly aficionados. This park boasts an impressive collection of more than 4800 species of vibrant butterflies and an additional 6000 species of moths, making it a remarkable repository of Lepidopteran diversity.

While traversing the park’s verdant forests and grasslands, remain vigilant for the most remarkable and elusive butterfly species. Examples include Forest Mother of Pearl, Mocker Swallow-tail, Regal Swallow-tail, and Black-tipped Diadem, among others.

Hiking

Experience the Splendor of Kakamega National Reserve via Hiking.

Commence an indelible expedition as you investigate the verdant terrains and varied ecosystems of Kakamega National Reserve. Numerous clearly delineated routes are available, allowing for a self-guided trip that offers the liberty and serenity of immersion in nature. To fully uncover the secrets of Kakamega and appreciate its natural beauty, we strongly recommend participating on a guided hike. Our proficient and erudite advisors will escort you on an indelible expedition. This encompasses imparting their knowledge and perspectives regarding the park’s distinctive flora, wildlife, and ecosystems.

A guided hike will reveal concealed treasures, enhance your comprehension of the reserve’s ecology, and foster enduring memories. Our expert guides will guarantee that your visit is both pleasurable and secure, as well as enlightening.

Outdoor camping

Kakamega Forest National Reserve provides an exceptional camping experience for adventurous and nature-loving guests. The forest, a premier camping area in Kenya, offers a distinctive opportunity to engage with the natural environment. Additionally, engage intimately with the remarkable fauna. The campsites in the park are meticulously crafted to guarantee a secure and exhilarating experience. You will have the opportunity to view remarkable animals in their natural environment, without concerns for your safety. The forest’s seasoned personnel and guides are consistently accessible to offer support and guarantee an unforgettable camping experience.

Envision an evening beneath the stars, enveloped by the peaceful and calm ambiance of the park. The temperate climate, picturesque landscapes, and breathtaking vistas render Kakamega National Park an ideal destination for campers. This park caters to both experienced campers and novices venturing into the wilderness.

Photography

Kakamega Forest National Reserve is a haven for photographers. Moreover, it provides limitless opportunity to seize stunning moments and indelible experiences. The reserve’s breathtaking vistas, dynamic animals, and varied ecosystems render it a great location for photography aficionados.

Do not contemplate visiting the forest without your camera. The park’s stunning beauty and distinctive animals will compel you to document every moment. With numerous photographic chances available, it is essential to have your camera ready.

Accessing Kakamega Forest National Reserve by Road

The reserve is located 418 km from Nairobi, accessible via the A104 road through Nakuru and Kapsabet. Continue along the A104 road till reaching Timboroa, then advance for a further 4 kilometers. Make a left turn onto the C36 road towards Kapsabet. Proceed from Kapsabet via the C39 route till it intersects with the Kisumu-Kakamega route. Proceed from Eldoret along the C39 road directly to Kapsabet. The reserve is situated 18 km along the Webuye/Eldoret highway.

Via Air Transport

Alternatively, travelers to Kakamega Forest Reserve may arrive by air by reserving a direct trip to Kakamega. You can either fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and subsequently travel to Kakamega by vehicle.