The reserve forest is a unique eco system of the Guinea Congolese rain tropical forests, the forest is part of the ancient Congolese forests that stretched from Central Africa to the coast the forest is beatified by different bird species and wildlife. Kakamega forest is the only UN spoilt tropical forest in Kenya.
Kakamega forest is an ideal place for Botanists and Zoologists, the reserve is less crowded making you have a feel of the wilderness with uninterrupted views and the forest is very thick hence requiring you to explore on food than a vehicle, the reserve is very unique compared to the obvious national parks and reserves.
Kakamega forest reserve boasts with over 300 species of birds, 400 species of butterflies, mammal species, spectacular falls and plant species some of which are said to be over 700 years old that can’t be found else where in Kenya.
Kakamega forest national reserve covers an area of 230 kilometers squared
Activities at Kakamega forest reserve
Game viewing
Kakamega forest is one on Kenya’s gems where you can view small mammals there are various examples of animals found at the park which include; aardvarks, De Brassas monkey, giant forest hogs, bucks, porpines, squirrels, bush pig, duiker,blue monkey,African clawless otter, tree pangolins, bats and many others.
Guided nature walks
The game reserve has got numerous walking trails where you can explore the wildlife on foot and get entangled with nature. Some of this walking trail can be followed alone without a game ranger. There are also walks organized from 5am to 7am in the morning exposing you to the golden rising sun in Africa and you can meet the potto a nocturnal animals which is also the slowest animal on Earth.
Bird watching
Kakamega game reserve boasts with over 300 species birds, 45 of Kenya’s bird species can be found in this area, making it a birders paradise, for tourists interested in bird watching in Kenya, they should not miss kakamega forests in their travel list some of the birds to be seen are: African grey parrot, pink backed pelican, grey heron, Ibis, storks, great blue turaco, quail, guinea fowl, blue headed bee eater and many more.
Plant species
There a lot of plant species of the ancient central Congo and wide range of flowers that can be found here some of this species endemic to this area, there is a fig tree within the reserve known to be over 700 years old. Some of these trees are used by the locals for traditional medicines. There are over 60 species of orchids, 170 species of shrubs, and over 100 species of trees and many more.
Picnics
To feel the cool breeze of the tropical rain forests, several picnic sites have been put up to suit your safari.
Camping
There are several private and public camping sites where you can enjoy without fear of the big five like in other national parks, the feeling of waking up to the chattering of birds will live you mouth open with what Africa can offer.
Butterflies flies
The park boasts with over 400 species of butterflies and over 600 butterfly related family like moths there some of the species to be seen are; mocker swallow tail, forest mother of pearl, black tipped diadem and regal swallow tail.
Spectacular waterfalls
Where to stay
There are various accommodation sectors of where to choose from ranging from camping to luxurious lodges for example Rondo retreat and golf hotel.
How to get there
The forest is very far from the capital city at the Western boarder of Kenya and Uganda making it a bit hardly accessible for those who don’t enjoy traveling but it’s an adventure for travel lovers. The drive from Nairobi takes about 7- 8 hours.