The equatorial rainforest of Kakamega Forest is a living museum of unique and rare species. It is a wonderful place a treasure trove where the massive trees and thick wet undergrowth are the habitat of a world of diverse wildlife. The sheer abundance of birdlife here is overwhelming. This is an important primate reserve, and the forest is full of monkeys of many species. Beautiful Chameleons are often seen in the undergrowth.
The Kakamega Forest National Reserve is situated in the Lake Victoria basin, about 50km north of Kisumu city. Being the only remnant in Kenya of the unique Guineo-Congolian forest ecosystem, the park offers unique wildlife and scenic beauty. For nature lovers, bird and butterfly watchers, this is the place to visit. The forest is home to over 400 species of butterflies, about 300 bird species and 27 species of snakes.
Kakamega forest is an Ornithologist's dream with some rare bird species being found in that forest include; the west African Great Blue Turaco and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill. The park also supports 7 primate species including the endangered DeBrazza monkey, black and white colobus monkey, blue monkey, redtail monkey, baboon and vervet monkey. The Potto (the world's slowest mammal on earth), African Clawless Otter, Mongoose, Giant African Water Shrew, Squirrels, Tree Pangolin, Porcupine, Bats, Bushbuck, Bush Pig, duikers and Dik diks are also found in Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
Insects are abundant and some are quite spectacular, such as Goliath beetles, pink and green Flower Mantis, and numerous colorful butterflies (489 species). Particularly well represented groups are ants (Formicidae), Lepidopterans, Orthopterans, and beetles. Gastropods, millipedes and spiders are also common.
Flora found in the park include more than 350 species of trees and some of Africa's greatest hard and soft woods: Elgon teak, red and white stinkwood and several varieties of Croton and Aniageria Altisima. There are 380 recorded species of plants. This includes 60 species of ferns, 150 species of trees and shrubs, and 170 species of flowering plants including 60 species of orchids with 9 species found only in this forest.
At night the forest is a different world, the air filled with bats and ringing with the sounds of frogs, night birds and the booming call of the giant forest squirrel.
Despite its easy accessibility, Kakamega is a quiet haven for nature lovers, Family groups or individuals it’s the perfect place to relax for a few days while enjoying the Biodiversity of the rainforest. The forest has many walking trails, and there are plenty of very good guides available. Other activities available include; Hiking, Primate Watching, Bird and Butterfly Watching, Game watching, a tour to visit weeping stone (Crying stone) at Ilesi, tour Kisere forest to see the De-brazes monkey in the North of Kakamega forest, watching and dancing to the traditional Luhya cultural dance(Isukuti Dance) and African community Bull Fighting festivals in Shibuye or Khayega.
Why Visit Kakamega Forest, Kenya.
- The only remnant in Kenya of the unique Guineo-Congolian forest ecosystem.
- The forests scenic beauty.
- The over 400 butterflies’ species.
- The rare birds found in the forest.
- To spot endangered DeBrazza monkey.
- For a chance to see The Potto (the world's slowest mammal on earth).
- To experience the culture and way of life of the local Luhya community.
Featured Kakamega Forest, Safari Holiday Vacation Trips
