“Canopy of Natural Beauty Time has stood still for the Kakamega forest a remnant of the rain forest that stretched all across Central Africa. This beautiful forest is home to various mammals including bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, colobus monkeys, De Brazas monkeys, and Pottos. Some of the birds to be seen here include the Blue Headed Bee Eater, Black Billed Turaco, Turner’s Eremomela, and Grey Parrots. Bird watching, hiking, and rock climbing can be enjoyed here in the serenity of the forest that time forgot.

Kakamega Forest National Reserve is the only tropical rain forest in Kenya of the Guineo-congolian type. It once stretched across Central Africa to East Africa. Kakamega forest is located in Western Kenya, Kakamega East District (Kakamega County).

Kakamega Forest has over 330 species of birds, 380 species of plants, 400 species of butterflies, 7 species of primates and animals including chameleons, skinks and lizards, squirrels, Bushbucks, Aardvarks, porcupines, giant forest hogs, and many others.

The Rainforest is penetrated by a network of walking/hiking trails silent with the only melody of singing birds, whispering trees, the rasp of butterflies as they fly on by, the croaking frogs, chattering of monkeys as they move from one tree to another, and gurgling streams nearby.

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. 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, the perfect place to relax for a few days. The forest has many walking trails, and there are plenty of very good guides available.

Size of Kakamega forest national park

The Kakamega National Reserve is a 36 km² reserve, situated at the north end of the Kakamega Forest, in Western Province, Kenya, at an elevation of about 1560 m, along the north-eastern edge of the Lake Victoria basin.

Location of Kakamega forest national park

Kakamega Forest is a tropical rain forest situated in the Kakamega and Nandi County of Kenya, northwest of the capital Nairobi, and near to the border with Uganda. It is Kenya’s only tropical rain forest and is said to be Kenya’s last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rain forest that once spanned the continent.

How to get to Kakamega forest national park

Road access to Kakamega is via Kakamega Town, easily accessible from Kisumu by bus/matatu. You’ll need your own transport, or to be part of a safari, to get to the forest. Kakamega is best explored on foot. The forest has many clearly marked walking trails. There are excellent and fully qualified local guides are available for walking. See Trekking for more details

 Things to do in Kakamega forest national park

The forest is home to more than 300 bird species and an overwhelming 400 species of butterfly and these can be appreciated on walks and picnics in the reserve. Mammal species in the Kakamega Forest Reserve include Squirrels, Bushbucks, Aardvarks, Porcupines, and Giant Forest Hogs. Primates are also plentiful in the forest.

Other attractions include giant trees and spectacular waterfalls. There is a Fig Tree that is thought to be over 700 years old in the forest.

The forest has a network of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy one of Kenya’s most unique attractions.

When to visit Kakamega forest national park Kenya

Kakamega Forest can be visited year-round. There is quite heavy rain throughout the year, but December to February is the driest month. 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.

Where to stay in Kakamega national park

As unique as the forest where it is located, Rondon retreat is a colonial-style getaway owned by the Trinity Fellowship, and other places to look out for include Lamanis haven, golf hotel, and Sheywe hotel.