Overview

Kakamega Forest is a great green heart of Africa. It is the only left tropical forest in Kenya. It sits in Kakamega and Nandi Counties in Kenya. It is the best destination for viewing wildlife, especially primates, birds, and butterflies. Travelers enjoy hiking nature trails in the rainforest. Here are three reasons why you should visit Kakamega Forest National Reserve.

Wildlife

The national reserve is home to many primates. Some of these include a blue monkey, a red-tailed monkey, and a Colobus monkey. Other common animals found in Kakamega forest include bush pig, potto, and duiker, and dik-dik. The reserve is home to Kakamega forest snakes. You can spot Forest cobras, black-lipped cobras, and Gabon Viper. The reserve has recorded many species of birds. Some of these species include Grey Parrot, Black Billed Turaco, and Blue Headed Bee Eater. If you love butterflies, this is the best destination. The reserve has recorded over 400 butterfly species. You can enjoy their sights in August.

Climate

Kakamega forest is a tropical forest. It receives a lot of rain. On average, it can receive about 1200 to 1700 mm per year. Heavy rains are experienced between April and May. But March to November tends to be a wet season. December to February is less damp. But temperatures in the reserve are fair across the year. They don’t fall or rise much. They range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Cool nights usually follow hot days.

Scenery

Kakamega Forest National Reserve is locally referred to as a canopy of natural beauty. The fresh air and cool breeze of this rainforest make it a great destination. Nature trails and indigenous trees such as Elgon teak beautifies this rich tropical environment. Buyango Hill is the highest point. Most visitors enjoy hiking to this point. Primates, birds, and butterflies add to the beautiful scenery of this forest.

For an unforgettable safari experience, you should rely on a good tour operator. Companies offer different safari packages for a great adventure. Choose a package that satisfies your needs. The Kakamega forest entry fee is USD 22 for adults and USD 13 for kids. Some tour packages cover this fee while others don’t. You should confirm with your tour operator.

Don’t worry about where to stay in the reserve. Accommodation is readily available. You can stay at Udo or Isukuti Guest Houses offered by the Kenya Wildlife Service. You can also choose to camp at Udo Campsite.

FAQs About Kakamega Forest National Reserve

• Where is Kakamega Forest located?

It sits in two counties of Kenya, that is, Kakamega and Nandi. This is northwest of Nairobi, Kenya’s major capital city. It is also near the border of Uganda. From Nairobi to the reserve via Nairobi-Nakuru road is 350.3 km.  You can locate it by its latitude and longitude, that is, 0.2913° N, 34.8565° E.

• What activities are done in Kakamega Forest National Reserve?

The reserve offers many activities. Wildlife is the most common activity in this rare tropical forest. Tourists enjoy the sightings of primates, snakes, and other mammals. Travelers enjoy bird and butterfly watching in this unique habitat. The reserve offers great opportunities for hiking forest trails.

• How do I get to Kakamega Forest National Reserve?

There are two ways to get to the reserve. You can get there by road. The shortest route from Nairobi is 418 km. This is the Nairobi-Nakuru-Kapsabet route. But you can choose air travel. There are scheduled flights from Nairobi to Kakamega. A safari vehicle will then pick you up from the airstrip for your safari in the national reserve.

• When is the best time to visit Kakamega Forest National Reserve?

The best time to visit is between December and February and June and July. This season rains less. The weather is better for exploring the reserve. It is a great time for hiking and viewing wildlife. For bird lovers, this is the breeding season for local birds.