Kakamega rainforest located in the western part of Kenya. This forest gives visitors a lot of experiences with uncountable species of butterflies, reptiles, small mammals, birds, and flowers. These include primates that reside in a habitat that preserves trees that are more than 700 years old. Also, the forest has plants and herbs that are rare. There are distinct trails that lead through the wide terrains. In Kakamega Forest, there is a lot of flora unique to the highlands and lower altitudes of Kenya. There is grassland to be explored, beautiful hills to climb, walks along the Yala River, and the beautiful view of the Isiukhu Falls.
The national reserves have been set aside as an important Bird Area and it has over 360 documented species of birds. The birds are most active during the morning at the first light, and early evenings when they calling from their roost that are situated at the treetops. There is an option to choose the path that leads to the top of the Lirhanda Hill, where you can have amazing sunrises and sunsets. This spectacular view happens over the umbrella of the trees. As you head down, make sure to stop at the caves that are on the hillsides so that you may see the hammer-headed fruit bats, the largest bats in Africa.
In every single step you take on your trail in Kakamega forest you must come across one of the 60 types of orchids, nine of those types are endemic to Kakamega, besides the many other flowers. A guide who should be an expert in natural excursions will surely point out to you insects that have cleverly camouflaged using their distinct shapes, examples being the stick insect that cannot be made apart from the twigs they rest on. Colobus monkeys, de braza’s mokeys, and pottos are among the primates that lives in the forest. As you take you excursions, also try to spot chameleons, because they adopt fast in to their surroundings, also there are over 27 species of snakes.
The herpetology lovers will find Kakamega the best place to visit. You guide will teach you the names and the medicinal values of trees and plants you see in your treks. It is recommended that you pay a visit to the tree nursery, and if you like what they are doing, you can make your contributions towards their contribution towards the efforts of conserving the forest. This can be done by offering to sponsor a tree that will be planted in the nearby botanical garden. The entomology aficionado has also their share here, because Kakamega forest has over 400 documented butterfly species which are in different development stages. We will be happy to offer you with all the details you may need to organize a successful forest trek tour of the Kakamega Forest.
There is no specific time to visit, Kakamega Forest can be visited any time of the year because it is a tropical rainforest so it has warm and temperate climate. Temperatures in the forest do not fluctuate much, and the general average temperature is about 30 C (80 F), that is always from September right to January. During the dry season is when a number of visitors loves to visit the forest because during that time due to the smaller animals in the park because, the greenery is less dense at the floor making them easy to spot. Nevertheless, whatever time you choose to visit Kakamega Forest, the abundance of life in its pristine natural beauty awaits you.
How to Get to Kakamega Forest
Kakamega Forest is located 420 km or 260 miles west of Nairobi and 45 km or 27 miles north of Kisumu. Driving from Nairobi can take up to seven hours depending on the weather conditions and traffic, although the traffic is lighter in the countryside. There is an option to organize a rental car or a taxi from Kisumu International Airport code (KIS), which is about an hour away from Kakamega Forest.
For most visitors that are flying from Europe or US to Kenya, arrive first in Nairobi as this the best and biggest transport hub in the region, also there is a lot of options for tickets. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport code (NBO) is located 15km or 9 miles outside the Nairobi City. The Kenya’s second largest airport Moi International Airport code (MBA) is located 9 km or 6 miles outside Mombasa City.