Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Kakamega Forest National Reserve is the only tropical rain forest in Kenya of the Guineo-congolian type. It once stretched across the Central Africa to East Africa. Kakamega forest is located in Western Kenya, Kakamega East District (Kakamega County).
Kakamega Forest has over 330 species of birds, 380 species of plants, 400 species of butterflies, 7 species of primates and animals including chameleons, skinks and lizards, squirrels, Bush bucks, Aardvarks, porcupines, giant forest hogs and many others.
The Rainforest is penetrated by a Network of walking/hiking trails silent with only melody of singing birds, whispering trees, rasp of butterflies as they fly on by, the croaking frogs, chattering of monkeys as they move from one tree to another and gurgling streams nearby.
The sheer abundance of birdlife here is overwhelming. This is an important primate reserves, and the forest is full of monkeys of many species. Beautiful Chameleons are often seen in the undergrowth. At night the forest is a different world, the air filled with bats and ringing with the sounds of frogs, night birds and the booming call of the giant forest squirrel.
Despite its easy accessibility, Kakamega is a quiet haven for nature lovers, the perfect place to relax for a few days. The forest has many walking trails, and there are plenty of very good guides available.
Getting Around – Road access to Kakamega is via Kakamega Town, easily accessible from Kisumu by bus/matatu. You’ll need your own transport, or to be part of a safari, to get to the forest. Kakamega is best explored on foot. The forest has many clearly marked walking trails. There are excellent and fully qualified local guides are available for walking. See Trekking for more details