Kakamega Forest Reserve is a unique ecosystem of the Guinea-Congolese tropical rain forests. the forest is part of the ancient Congolese forests that stretched from Central Africa to the coast the forest is beautified by different bird species and wildlife. Kakamega forest is the only unspoiled tropical forest in Kenya.
Kakamega Forest Reservet 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 foot rather than in a vehicle, the reserve is very unique compared to the obvious national parks and reserves.
Kakamega Forest Reserve is home to over 300 species of birds, 400 species of butterflies, various mammal species, spectacular waterfalls, and numerous plant species, some of which are said to be over 700 years old and cannot be found anywhere else in Kenya.
Kakamega forest national reserve covers an area of 230 kilometers.
Activities at Kakamega forest reserve
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 animal that is also the slowest animal on Earth.
Birdwatching
Kakamega game reserve boasts with over 300 species birds; 45 of Kenya’s bird species can be found in this area, making it a birder’s paradise. for tourists interested in bird watching in Kenya, they should not miss kakamega forests in their travel list Some of the birds that can be seen include African grey parrots, pink-backed pelicans, grey herons, ibises, storks, great blue turacos, quails, guinea fowl, blue-headed bee eaters, and many more.
Plant species
There are a lot of plant species of the ancient central Congo and a wide range of flowers that can be found here; some of these species are 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 5 like in other national parks; the feeling of waking up to the chattering of birds will leave your mouth open with what Africa can offer.
Game viewing
Kakamega forest is one of Kenya’s gems where you can view small mammals there are various examples of animals found at the park which include aardvarks, De Brassas monkeys, giant forest hogs, bucks, porcupines, squirrels, bush pigs, duikers, blue monkeys, African clawless otters, tree pangolins, bats and many others.
Butterflies fly.
The park boasts over 400 species of butterflies and over 600 butterfly-related families, like moths there some of the species to be seen are mocker swallowtail, forest mother-of-pearl, black tipped diadem and regal swallowtail.
Where to stay
There are various accommodation sectors to choose from, ranging from camping to luxurious lodges for example Rondo retreat and golf hotel.
How to get there
The forest is located far from the capital city, near the western border of Kenya and Uganda, making it somewhat difficult to access for those who do not enjoy traveling; however, it offers an adventure for travel lovers. The drive from Nairobi takes about 7-8 hours.
