A Guide To Kakamega Forest National Reserve
The 44km square Kakamega Forest National Reserve is in the Lake Victoria basin, about 50km north of Kisumu. Being the only remnant in Kenya of the unique Guineo-Congolian forest ecosystem, the park offers unique wildlife and scenic beauty. The forest is home to more than 400 species of butterflies (about 45 percent of butterflies in Kenya), about 300 bird species, and 27 species of snakes.
The park also supports more than 350 species of trees and seven primate species, including the endangered DeBrazza monkey (found in the isolated Kisere Forest Reserve, which is part of the larger Kakamega Forest National Reserve), black and white colobus monkey and vervet monkey. The Potto (the world’s slowest mammal on earth), duikers and dik diks are also found in Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
Quick Facts About Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Here is a List of Facts about Kakamega Forest National Reserve
- Area; 44sq km
- Distance from Kisumu; 50km north of Kisumu
- Distance from Nairobi; 415km by road
- Altitude; between 1500m and 1600 above sea level
- The Kakamega Forest National Reserve is situated in the Lake Victoria basin, about 50km north of Kisumu town. Being the only remnant in Kenya of the unique Guineo-Congolian forest ecosystem, the park offers unique wildlife and scenic beauty. For bird and butterfly watchers, this is the place to visit.
- The park, 415km from Nairobi, is accessible by road via Nakuru and Kapsabet. There are no scheduled flights to Kakamega and visitors fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and connect to Kakamega by road. Entry to the park is by cash only. Cash receipts can be bought at the Kakamega Forest National Reserve main gate or the KWS headquarters in Nairobi. The park does not offer in-park accommodation but Kws has self-catering facilities at Udo Bandas and Isukuti guest house. The park has several campsites.
About the Kisere Forest Reserve to the north
Kakamega Forest is a famous tropical rainforest situated in the Kakamega, Vihiga, and Nandi counties of Kenya, northwest of the capital Nairobi, and near the border with Uganda. It is Kenya’s only tropical rainforest and is said to be Kenya’s last remains of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once traversed the continent.
Teeming with over 300 bird species, over 400 butterfly species recorded, and a haven to about seven primate species, Kakamega Forest makes an ideal destination for bird watchers and nature lovers. The forest is also recognized by bird enthusiasts not only in the confines of Kenya but also worldwide.
History of Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Kakamega Forest was first established as a Trust Forest in 1933. This status was held until 1986 when a total of 4,000 ha of the northern portion of the forest, along with the adjoining 457 ha of Kisere Forest, were amalgamated and gazetted as Kakamega National Park.
Currently, it has an area of 178.38 km2. In 1967 the Isecheno and Yala or Lirhanda nature reserves were founded within the forest reserve. The Reserve was designated in 1985, composed of the Kisere Forest Reserve to the north, and the northern portion of the Kakamega Forest Reserve. It also has an area of 44.7 km2.
Kisere Forest Reserve Animals
Primates possible to be seen by most visitors are olive baboon, blue monkey, black-and-white colobus, and red-tailed monkey. Also, a small population of the localized de Brazza’s monkey emerges in the disjunct Kisere Forest (but is more easily seen in Saiwa Swamp). Giant forest squirrels live in the canopy, while bushbuck, blue duiker, or bushpig might be glimpsed scurrying off in the undergrowth.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve activities
Here are some activities to enjoy;
Butterfly Watching
- The Park houses over 4800 species of colored butterflies and an additional 6000 species of the less colored butterflies, moths. The common types of butterflies are the; Mocker Swallow-tail, Regal Swallow-tail, Forest Mother of Pearl, and Black-tipped Diadem.
Visit Isiukhu Falls
- This path leads to the picturesque Isiukhu Falls, which is a stunning waterfall nestled within the forest. It involves a moderate hike through the forest, crossing rocky terrain, and crossing streams.
- Also, the reward at the end is the splendid sight of the waterfall cascading down a series of rock formations.
Canopy Observation
- A climb on the canopy watch tower offers scenic views of the forest and its surroundings.
Cultural Visits
- Visitors can meet and learn about these indigenous people. They can also enjoy their dance performances and their telling of traditional stories and legends.
Bird Watching
- The forest is home to more than 300 bird species. The reserve is specifically good for birders but is also home to several primates, including colobus monkeys, black-cheeked-white-nosed monkeys, de Brazza’s monkeys, and Sykes monkeys, and birds that occur nowhere else in the country.
- In the rich forest canopy above, look for the blue-headed bee-eater, black-billed turaco, grey parrot, and hornbill with its distinct chopping sound as it soars above you.
Nature Walks and Forest Hikes
- This is the best primate reserve, and the forest is full of monkeys of many species. Beautiful Chameleons are frequently seen in the undergrowth. At night the forest is a distinct world, the air filled with bats and ringing with the sounds of frogs, night birds, and the booming call of the giant forest squirrel.
- Several birds and primates also can be spotted during the nature walk, including spectacular waterfalls and giant trees. There is a Big Tree that is thought to be over 700 years old in the forest
What To See At Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Mammals
- Bush Pig, Giant Forest Hedge Hog, Colobus Monkey, Debrazzar Monkey, Potto, Clawless Offer, and many others.
Birds
- Blue-Headed Bee Eater, Black Billed Turaco, Turners Eremomela, Grey Parrot
Snakes
- Black Lipped Cobra, Rhinoceros Horned Viper, Gabon Viper, Forest Cobra among others
Trees
- Prunus Africana, Olea Capensis, Maesopsis Emini
Accommodation and hotels in Kakamega Forest National Reserve
KWS Self Catering
- Isukuti Guest House
- Udo Guest House
- Udo Traditional Huts
- Udo Traditional (Big Hut)
Campsites in Kakamega Forest National Reserve
- Udo Campsite
- Biota Campsite
Kakamega Forest National Reserve Packages
Budget Packages
- Budget packages to Kakamega Forest National Reserve include accommodations at the Rondo Retreat Centre.
Family Packages
- This package is specifically for families. It encompasses family-friendly lodges or cabins, nature walks, primate spotting, and butterfly tours, and also provides educational activities for kids.
Luxury Packages
- This package is for those seeking an exclusive experience. It encompasses luxury lodges with en-suite amenities and needs private guided nature walks, and also personalized bird-watching tours.
Bird-Watching Packages
- This package is specifically for those who focus on birds. The package also features specialized bird-watching guides, early morning and late afternoon bird tours, access to observation points and key bird habitats, and accommodation near bird hotspots.
How to get to Kakamega Forest National Reserve
By road
- The shortest route from Nairobi (418 km) is via Nakuru and Kapsabet. Take the A104 road as far as Timboroa and continue for another 4 km until you see a left turn which takes you to the C36 road to Kapsabet from there take the C39 road until it joins the Kisumu – Kakamega road. From Eldoret, the shortest route is via the C39 road to Kapsabet.
By air
- –There are now scheduled flights to Kakamega and visitors can also fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and travel by road to Kakamega.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve Fees
Citizen
- Adults KSH: 350
- Child KSH: 200
Resident
- Adults KSH: 600
- Child KSH: 350
Non – Resident
- Adults USD:25
- Child USD: 15
Kakamega Forest National Reserve Contacts
- Attraction Type: Wildlife
- Category: National Reserve, Birding Site
- Region: Western
- City / Town: Kakamega
- Telephone: 254 56 20425 254 56 30603
- Email: kakamegaforest@kws.go.ke
Kakamega Forest National Reserve Location
Kakamega Forest is located in the Kakamega, Vihiga, and Nandi counties of Kenya, northwest of the capital Nairobi, and near the border with Uganda.
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