Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Kakamega Forest National Reserve is located in 15 km from Kakamega town along the Kakamega-Eldoret Highway. Kakamega town is in western Kenya.

It is about 50 km north of Kisumu, which is a port city on Lake Victoria.

Kakamega is the provincial headquarters of Western Province. Inhabitants in this area mostly belong to the luhya tribe. Their main economic activity is farming and fishing.

Western Province receives a very high amount of rainfall. Rainfall is heaviest in April to May. Short rains come in August to September. January and February are the driest months. Average temperatures are around 20 C.

Kakamega Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the country. The forest is very diverse, with over 125 species of trees, orchids, creepers and bushes. The forest has some of Africa's greatest hard and soft woods. These include Elgon teak, red and white stinkwoods and several varieties of Croton and Aniageria Altisima.

Kakamega offers excellent game viewing opportunity. The towering trees with huge trunks create a good environment for the birds, insects, and wildlife. Over 400 of Kenya's 1000 butterfly species may be found here. Other insects include the giant Goliath beetles, pink and green African flower mantids as well as various ants and spiders.

Animals, such as the bush-tailed porcupine, giant water shrew and hammer-headed fruit bat are found in the forest.

Other animals here include bush pig, grey duiker, civet, Sunni, clawless otters and some fascinating nocturnal game: Ground Pangolin, porcupines and the occasional leopard.

Black and White Colobus can be seen here. The De Brazza Monkeys, the Olive Baboon, the Red Tailed Monkey and Blue Monkey frequent the Ishiuki Falls area.

Kakamega forest has a diverse snake fauna of over 40 species. Lizards such as various skinks, chameleons, and agamas are common.

Kakamega is a bird-spotter's paradise. It has incredibly rich bird life. You could easily spot over 100 species within a few hours. It also has the rare snake eating birds common in West Africa.

There are over 7 kilometres of trails. Ranger guides escort visitors through the forest. The walk to Buyango Hill, the highest point in the forest, is exhilarating for most visitors. The indigenous trees lining the trails are identified on signs with their local and Latin names. The unique flora and fauna blends perfectly to offer visitors a unique treat.

Accommodation is available within the Reserve. There is one guesthouse and the forest reserve offers a serene atmosphere for both campers and those in banda accommodation. The Reserve has six simple chalets constructed in the local Isukha community tradition. Hotel accommodation is also available nearby.