Best accommodation facilities at Kakamega Forest National Reserve: Kakamega Forest National Reserve is in Kakamega county in Kenya about 350 km road distance from Nairobi. It covers an area of 44.7 square kilometers of a protected area under the Kenya Wildlife Service. It is Kenya’s only remnant of a rainforest that stretches all the way to central Africa. The forest lies in the Lake Victoria catchment, about 40 km north of Kisumu, and just east of the Nandi Escarpment that forms the edge of the central highlands. It is in the watershed of the Isiukhu and Yala rivers, which flow through the forest before emptying into Lake Victoria. There are various accommodation facilities and camping sites where to stay at Kakamega Forest National Reserve. Visitors planning to stay overnight here have the choice to choose from a variety of self-catering chalets and lodges to rustic campsites such as;
Senel Guest House
Senel Guest House is located just 21 kilometers from Kakamega Forest Station, Senel Guest House is a great spot to stay for visitors to Kakamega. The guest house features a shared lounge, a lovely garden, and a kitchen that guests can use. This property offers access to a balcony and free private parking.
The apartment itself is spacious, with five bedrooms and a kitchen equipped with a microwave and an oven. For entertainment, there’s a flat-screen TV and plenty of seating. There are four bathrooms that come with showers, making it convenient for larger groups.
Senel Guest House is one of the top choices for those looking to explore Kakamega Forest National Reserve, offering a comfortable and welcoming place to base your adventures.
Isecheno KEEP Bandas
KEEP Bandas is nestled in the beautiful Kakamega rainforest, specifically in the southern section of the Isecheno forest station. This location provides comfortable lodging for up to 21 guests across five separate bandas.
The accommodation here boasts Five Bandas, that’s Banda One has five beds, Banda Two is divided into two rooms, each containing two beds, Banda Three is also partitioned and has four beds, Banda Four offers five beds, and Banda Five includes three beds.
When it comes to facilities, although the showers are located outside the rooms, they provide both warm and cold water options. At night, the bandas are illuminated by generators and lanterns, creating a unique atmosphere amidst nature.
For those who enjoy cooking, there is a kitchen where guests can cook their own food. The kitchen has utensils cooking facilities and tap water. But for those guests who need meals, we offer catering services for either the workshop or for tourists visiting the forest.
Rondo Retreat Centre
Rondo Retreat Centre is located in the heart of the Kakamega rainforest in southern Kenya. It is run by the Trinity Fellowship. Rondo is a Christian center; alcoholic drinks are not allowed on the premises.
Rondo is known for its cleanliness and tranquillity, making it an ideal spot for missionaries and tourists alike. It has the capacity to host up to 35 guests overnight, while it can comfortably accommodate up to 50 people for meals like lunch or dinner. If you’re looking to hold a small meeting or conference, Rondo also offers facilities for that need.
Rondo Retreat Center is one of the best accommodations in the Kakamega rainforest with beautiful gardens flowers, wonderful gardens for relaxing, and high-standard rooms for single, double, and triple rooms.
Isukuti Guest House
Isukuti Guest House is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, set in a stunning location surrounded by the Kakamega Forest. The forest is home to over 300 bird species and 400 butterfly species these facilities provide an intimate experience amid the Kakamega forest consisting of over 300 tree species which are mostly indigenous.
Guests at Isukuti can enjoy close-up views of fascinating tropical landscapes, as well as a chance to observe a range of wildlife, including various primates, snakes, birds, and butterflies. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant forest or simply relaxing in the serene atmosphere, Isukuti Guest House offers a unique and intimate experience in the heart of nature.
Golf Hotel Kakamega
Golf Hotel Kakamega is situated in a lovely part of Kakamega town, right next to the golf course. It’s also close to Kakamega Forest, which is home to more than 320 different types of birds. If you’re flying in, the hotel is about a 30-minute drive from Kisumu Airport. The hotel offers a van service to pick you up for a small fee if you need it.
Best time to visit the Reserve
Kakamega Forest National Reserve can be visited year-round. There is quite heavy rain throughout the year, but December to February are the driest months. June to August is an excellent time for bird watching, as many birds breed and display after the rains of April and May. August and September are the best months for butterflies. Migrant birds are present from November to April.
Getting to Kakamega Forest National Reserve
By Road
The drive from Nairobi to Kakamega Forest National Park is around 216 miles, a drive that would take over six and a half hours.
By Air
Visitors can take a 55-minute flight from Nairobi to Kisumu Airport and then drive 90 minutes to get to Kakamega Forest National Park.
