Kakamega Forest was established to protect
Kenya’s only mid-altitude tropical rainforest – as the forest contains many species found nowhere else in the country. The forest lies in the Lake Victoria catchment, north of Kisumu and west of the Nandi Escarpment.
It was first gazetted as a trust forest in 1933 and two small reserves, Yala and lsecheno were established within the forest in 1967. In 1985, nearly 4,400 hectares of the forest together with the adjacent Kisere Forest were gazetted as Kakamega Forest National Reserve. The forest is an important water catchment area with two rivers flowing through it.
Major Attractions - Over 300 bird species, over 350 varieties of trees, 27 species of snakes, over 400 species of butterflies. Game watching. The forest is mostly indigenous vegetation.
Wildlife - The majestic black and white colobus monkey alongside flying squirrels, blue monkey and potto (
World’s slowest mammal) are among the attractions. Forest buck, duikers and dik-diks are also found as are the endangered Turner’s eremomela, Charpin’s flycatcher and the voice mimicking African grey parrot. The forest is home to the endangered DeBrazza’s monkey found at the isolated Kisere Forest Reserve.
Access - By Road: Access is through the Buyangu gate, 600 metres from main road. On public transport, visitors alight at Kambiri junction. Local ‘boda boda’ cyclists operate from the junction to park. Watch for signpost after 15 km from Kakamega.
Accommodation - The forest reserve offers a serene atmosphere for both campers and banda accommodation. KWS self-service accommodation: Udo Bandas.
Best time to visit - All year round
Activities - Game viewing, bird and butterfly watching, camping, self guided nature walks, night walks, picnicking.
