Kakamega Forest National Park
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
About Kakamega Forest National Reserve
“Kenya’s Only Tropical Rainforest”
Kakamega Forest is Kenya’s only tropical rainforest situated in the Kakamega, Vihiga, and Nandi counties of Kenya, northwest of the capital Nairobi, and near the border with Uganda.
The Kakamega Forest National Reserve is a unique ecosystem, representing the only tropical rainforest within Kenya’s borders. The forest harbors a rich diversity of primate species and is recognized as a significant destination for ornithology. Its geographical importance is highlighted by the fact that it constitutes the easternmost range for numerous desirable West African bird species. The dense, jungle-like environment offers an enriching experience for all visitors, not just avian enthusiasts. For optimal exploration and interpretation of the habitat, engaging a knowledgeable guide is the most effective method.
The forest including reserves encloses about 238 square kilometers, a little less than half of which currently remains as indigenous forest. In the north of the forest is the 4,468 hectares (45 km2; 17 sq mi) Kakamega National Reserve, given national forest reserve status in 1985.
“A Birdwatching Paradise”
Kakamega Forest Landscape & Scenery
Kakamega Forest boasts a rich tropical biodiversity. Despite heavy logging in the 1970s, it still contains large stands of ancient hardwoods like Elgon teak. Visitors can also spot numerous species of ferns, orchids, and vibrant flame lilies throughout the forest.
Things To Do In Kakamega Forest
Discover some of the best things to do in Kakamega Forest. Kakamega Forest National Reserve is a hidden jewel has failed to feature on lists of ‘promising Kenya holiday destinations,’ but it is this mysteriousness that adds to her beauty and charm. Let’s have a look at the notable activities at Kakamega Forest.
1. Wildlife Watching In Kakamega Forest
The main activity in Kakamega Forest is the guided safari walk at the park. With that in mind, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, with playful primates that cannot be missed.
In the park include; Blue Monkey, monkeys with red tails, black Colobus monkey, Sykes monkey, white Colobus monkey, Potto, olive baboon and the De Brassai’s Monkey. Other mammals you are likely to come across in the park include; the bush pigs, bushbucks, mongoose, Potto, porcupines, the red and blue duikers, Hammer-Headed fruit bats, flying squirrels, tree pangolins and the Dik-dik.
2. Guided Safari Walks In Kakamega Forest
Guided safari walks is a fantastic way to explore Kakamega Forest. An up-close encounter with wildlife, and the chance to learn about the reserve’s ecology from knowledgeable guides. Scenic spots easily accessible and rewarding sites worth your visit include Buyangu hill-a short sharp climb to a rocky summit from where the rolling forest canopy can be viewed to the South. Other popular spots include Lirhanda hill and Isiukhu waterfalls.
For one to safely walk around the Kakamega National Park, they have to be well acquainted with the complex demography of the place. Our Kenya tour guides can help you get through.
Visitors can enjoy picnicking, camping, bird/butterfly watching, hiking, scenic viewing, cycling and cultural tourism from the rich Western Kenya community.
The park has several well-marked trails that you can efficiently use without the guide’s assistance. You will, beyond any reasonable doubt, enjoy the liberating moments all by yourself.
3. Butterfly Watching In Kakamega Forest
The Kakamega National Park houses over 4800 species of colored butterflies and an additional 6000 species of the less colored butterflies, moths. Common types of butterflies are the; Forest Mother of Pearl, Mocker Swallow-tail, Regal Swallow-tail, & Black-tipped Diadem.
Home to Big Five Wildlife
4. Bird Watching In Kakamega Forest
Kakamega Forest makes a perfect destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. Records show that over 90% of the tourists who visit the park do so with the aim of getting acquainted with the massive population of birds. The Kakamega National Park is one of the very few locations where highland and lowland birds freely interact.
The park is home to over 367 species of birds with 45 of them confined to only that region of the country. The park is home to two globally endangered bird species; the Chaplin’s Flycatcher and the Turner’s Eremomela plus the African Gray Parrot which is an endangered species in the region.
5. Kakamega Forest Snakes
The forest is home to different kinds of lizards, reptiles and amphibians. Unique snake species numbering to about thirty six species find a conducive home environment in the forest. True to the forest’s continental origins, the snakes of Kakamega are also found in West Africa. They include the Forest Cobra, The Gold’s Cobra, the Forest Night Adder, the Black – Lipped Cobra, Jameson’s Mamba, the Bush Viper, the Rhinoceros- horned Viper and the Gabon Viper.
Wildlife In Kakamega Forest
Aside from several birding specials, the forest is home to mammal species. Many creatures live in the forest, but most are small and hard to spot. Some of the more conspicuous ones are black-and-white colobus, red-tailed and blue monkey. Nocturnal species include potto and bush baby. Other mammals, which are less easy to spot, include duiker, dik-dik and scaly-tailed flying squirrels. Butterfly enthusiasts are well catered for with more than 400 species recorded. The very rare de Brazza’s monkey is more difficult to find. Giant forest squirrels live in the canopy, while you might see some small antelope, such as duiker and dik-dik, scurrying off in the undergrowth.
Birdlife & Birds In Kakamega Forest
Kakamega Forest has achieved a reputation as one of Africa’s most remarkable forests for birds. This great tropical rain forest that stretches across Central Africa is home to several hundreds of bird species making it an Important Bird Area (IBA.)
With over 300 bird species, and over 400 butterfly species recorded, the forest is a safe haven to about seven primate species, Kakamega Forest makes a perfect destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. The forest is renowned by bird enthusiasts not only in the confines of in Kenya but also globally.
Popular Birds In Kakamega Forest
Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Crested guineafowl, Giant kingfisher, Great blue turaco, and Vieillot’s black weaver
List of Birds In Kakamega Forest
African blue flycatcher, African broadbill, African emerald cuckoo, African goshawk, Banded prinia, Black cuckoo, Black-and-white-casqued hornbill, Black-billed turaco, Black-billed weaver, Black-crowned waxbill, Black-faced rufous warbler, Blue-headed bee-eater, Blue-shouldered robin-chat, Brown illadopsis, Brown-capped weaver, Brown-chested alethe, Brown-eared woodpecker, Brown-throated wattle-eye, Buff-spotted woodpecker, Buff-throated apalis, Cassin’s honeybird, Chapin’s flycatcher, Chestnut wattle-eye, Chubb’s cisticola, Crowned eagle, Dusky tit, Eastern olive sunbird, Great blue turaco, Green hylia, Grey parrot, Grey-green bush-shrike, Grey-throated barbet, Hairy-breasted barbet, Jameson’s wattle-eye, Joyful greenbul, Kakamega greenbul, Least honeyguide, Lühder’s bush-shrike, Mackinnon’s shrike, Pink-footed puffback, Purple-throated cuckoo-shrike, Red-bellied paradise flycatcher, Red-headed bluebill, Red-headed malimbe, Shrike-flycatcher, Stuhlmann’s starling, Thick-billed honeyguide, Turner’s eremomela, Uganda woodland warbler, Western banded snake eagle, White-breasted negrofinch, White-browed crombec, White-chinned prinia, White-headed wood-hoopoe, White-spotted flufftail, White-tailed ant thrush, Yellow-bellied wattle-eye, Yellowbill, Yellow-billed barbet, Yellow-crested woodpecker, and Yellow-spotted barbet …
Best Birdwatching Destination
Best Time To Visit Kakamega Forest
It is possible to visit Kakamega Forest at any time of year for both wildlife viewing and birdwatching. The periods when it rains less is from the months of December to February while the month of June to July are the best times to come to Kakamega. During the months of August and September, its breeding season for the local birds around the middle of the year. As for the hiking enthusiasts, the forest is much more enjoyable in the drier season as from the month of December to February.
December to February are the driest months in Kakamega Forest. The months of June to August are an excellent time for bird watching while the months of August and September are the best months for butterflies.
The Weather & Climate At Kakamega Forest
Remember that Kakamega Forest has a tropical climate. Temperatures don’t rise or fall much throughout the year, and hot days are followed by cool nights. In general, the area experiences a long wet season as from the months of March to November, with most of the rain happening in the month of April and May. There is a brief drier season as from December to February.
Kakamega Forest Reserve has a tropical-rainfall climate. Its closeness to the equator means that temperatures are steady throughout the year. Afternoon’s average around 26°C/79°F, while nights average around 14°C/57°F. It rains all year, with peaks in April and May.
Best Kenya Safari Packages
Want to visit Masai Mara National Park? This is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in southern Kenya that you can easily add on a safari package to Kenya top destinations. Being close to Nairobi, you can easily start off with short Nairobi daytrip tours then proceed to Masai Mara making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well.
You have plenty of choices to pick from, Masai Mara midrange safaris to Masai Mara luxury safaris depending on your travel style.
9 Days | 8 Nights
Best Kenya Air Safaris
Tours & Tickets To Kakamega Forest Park
Kakamega Forest is a tropical rainforest situated in the Kakamega, Vihiga, and Nandi counties of Kenya, northwest of the capital Nairobi, and near the border with Uganda. Kakamega Forest National Reserve is 420km/260mi northwest of Nairobi and 45km/27mi north of Kisumu. This beautiful forest is home to various mammals including bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, colobus monkeys, Debrazzar monkeys and pottos. Bird watching, hiking and rock climbing can be enjoyed here in the serenity of the forest that time forgot.