Kakamega Forest National Reserve: Safaris, Attractions & Activities

Kakamega Forest National Reserve

The Kakamega Forest is a popular tourist attraction popular for its beautiful forest, which has Central African affinities. It is unique to other forests in the country and is believed to be the country’s last remnant of the Congo Basin Forests. This forest is the home to many mammals and birds. It is perfect for bird watching and photography, rock climbing, and hiking. Here are some of the top attractions in the area:

  • Mammals: Bush pigs, Monkeys, Potto, Giant Forest Hedge Hog, and pottos
  • Birds: Grey parrots, Turner’s Eremomela, Blue-Headed Bee Eater, and Black-Billed Turaco.
  • Reptiles: Black-lipped cobra, Gabon Viper, Forest Cobra, and the Rhinoceros Horned Viper
  • Beautiful Sceneries: Prunus Africana trees, grassy glades, water streams, etc.

Kakamega Forest Kenya Information & Facts

  • The Kakamega Forest National Reserve is a tropical rainforest between Kakamega and Nandi County, Kenya.

  • It runs under the Kenya Wildlife Service, KWS.
  • The Kakamega Forest National Reserve occupies the north of the Kakamega Forest at 4,468 hectares. Kisere Forest Reserve occupies the rest of the area.
  • The forest is famous for housing mammals, birds, and reptiles
  • Visitors can view the Buyangu Hills from the Kakamega Forest National Reserve.

Kakamega Forest Safaris and Tours

Activities in the Kakamega Forest National Reserve

Here are the top activities to do at the Kakamega Forest:

Bird Watching and Bird Photography

The Kakamega Forest is among the top options for bird watching in Kenya. It is home to over 350 bird species, including grey parrots, black-billed toraco, blue-headed bee-eater, and Turner’s Eremomela. The Congolian Basin Equatorial Forest fosters many unique bird species. You get to watch the birds and bird photography. An experienced tour guide should take you through the forest trails to spot common and unique bird species.  

Hiking

Go for an adventurous hike in the Kakamega Forest National Reserve. You can explore many mammals, including olive baboons, squirrels, red-tailed monkeys, and more. Another fun activity during hiking is rock climbing. A professional tour guide makes the experience better since it is impossible to get lost.

Scenic Attractions

The Kakamega forest Kenya is famous for having Kenya’s last remnant of the rainforest across Central Africa. It has beautiful vegetation that you can’t find anywhere in the country. Also, it is easy to spot unique mammals and birds.

When is the Best Time to Visit the Kakamega Forest National Reserve?

The best period to visit the Kakamega Forest National Reserve is during the dry season. It is between June and July and from December to February. June and July are the breeding season for most of the local birds. You can also visit the forest in August for a fantastic experience with colorful butterflies.

Note that you can visit the Kakamega Forest at any time. But visiting the place during the rainy period isn’t recommended, especially during the long rains. The forest tracks are unpassable, and you don’t have the luxury of seeing and taking photos.

Hell's gate national park

Safety Guides and Tips for a Trip to Kakamega Forest 

  • Cover up your skin when navigating through the forest
  • Take antimalarials to protect yourself from malaria
  • Listen to the guide’s instructions at all times when viewing the wildlife and birds
  • Get a professional tour guide from a credible Tours and Travel Company

Where to Stay in the Kakamega Forest?

When you visit the Kakamega Forest, you can find many accommodation places. The KWS has the famous Isukutu Guest House and the Udo Guest House. Also, for people who enjoy nightlife, there is a protected campsite, the Udo Campsite.

Your Safari guide should prepare your accommodation for the best experience. The guides ensure that you have a great time at the Kakamega Forest.

Luxury safaris africa

Kakamega Forest FAQs 

The remarkable thing about the Kakamega Forest National Reserve is the beautiful trees that are the remnants of the original equatorial forest stretching to central Africa.  

Kakamega Forest has over 380 tree species, including ferns, shrubs, orchids, and flowering plants.  

The Kakamega Forest National Reserve includes many mammals, including bush pigs, colobus monkeys, pottos, and giant forest hedgehogs.  

The periods to visit the Kakamega Forest are between June and July and December to February when the rain is low.  

Request a Quote

What are you hoping to experience on your trip?
What countries are you interested in visiting? *
What's the best way to get in touch? *