Kakamega Forest Reserve

Kakamega Forest Reserve hosts Kenya’s only tropical rainforest, which once extended from West Africa to East Africa. Located in Kakamega County, Western Kenya. The rainforest boasts over 360 species of birds, 380 species of plants, 400 species of butterflies, and seven species of primates.

Kakamega forest is divided into two separate management schemes. The Kenya Wildlife Service manages the northern part of the forest (the National Reserve), while the Forestry Department manages the southern section (the Forest Reserve).

The KWS entry point is in the north of the Buyangu area. It is within walking distance of the KWS office, approximately 2 km from the main road. The Kenya Forestry Service entry gate is in the south of the Isecheno area. The forest’s major attractions include birds, insects, butterflies, and wildlife which are plentiful in the area. 

How to Get There

By Road: Kakamega Forest Reserve is located in Kakamega County, Western Kenya, approximately 418 km from Nairobi. To reach the forest from Nairobi, travelers can drive via Nakuru, Kericho, Kisumu, and Kakamega town, then take a taxi or motorbike through Shinyalu to Isecheno Forest Station, a distance of 18 km.

From Kisumu, visitors can take a matatu to Khayega Market and then a motorbike to the forest station, a 13 km journey. Those coming from Eldoret can take a matatu to Kisumu via Kapsabet and Chapsonoi, then take a motorbike from Chapsonoi Police Station to Isecheno Forest Station, a distance of about 10 km.

By Air: Visitors can take a 55-minute flight from Nairobi to Kisumu Airport, then drive 90 minutes to Kakamega Forest Reserve.

Best Time to Visit

Kakamega Forest Reserve, with its tropical climate, is a lush, vibrant destination year-round. However, the optimal times to visit are during the drier periods from December to February and June to July.

These months provide more favorable conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing, with less mud and easier access to the forest trails. Bird enthusiasts will particularly enjoy visiting during the breeding season around June and July, when bird activity peaks and the forest offers a spectacular display of its avian diversity.

What Animals Are There in Kakamega Forest Reserve?

Kakamega Forest Reserve in Kenya is a dense tropical rainforest renowned for its impressive biodiversity. It supports over 360 bird species, 7 primate species, and more than 510 butterfly species. The forest is home to over 1,000 plant species, including trees, vines, orchids, ferns, shrubs, and herbs, as well as unique and colorful mushrooms.

Despite its rich biodiversity, it houses various mammals such as bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, colobus monkeys, and pottos, with occasional leopard sightings, the last official one being in 1991.

Birdwatchers are particularly drawn to Kakamega Forest, where they can spot species like the Blue-Headed Bee-Eater, Black-Billed Turaco, Turner’s Eremomela, and Grey Parrots. The forest also hosts a variety of mammals, including bushpigs, duikers, bushbucks, African clawless otters, mongooses, giant African water shrews, squirrels, tree pangolins, porcupines, and bats.

Among the seven primate species, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, and blue monkeys are commonly seen, while the rare De Brazza’s monkey is more elusive. The forest is teeming with insects, including spectacular species such as Goliath beetles, pink and green flower mantises, and numerous colorful butterflies.

In addition, there are abundant ants, Lepidopterans, Orthopterans, beetles, gastropods, millipedes, and spiders. Kakamega Forest Reserve offers a unique opportunity to experience a rich and diverse ecosystem.

What Accommodation Options Are There in Kakamega Forest Reserve?

Kakamega Forest Reserve offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences. In the southern part of the reserve, visitors can camp at the Isecheno camping site or stay at the Isecheno Blue-Shouldered Guest House, located just outside the gate of the Kakamega Forest station.

For those seeking more luxury, the Rondo Retreat Centre is an excellent choice. Located 2.5 km from the forest station, it offers full-board or half-board accommodation amidst the forest’s tranquility. It can accommodate up to 35 guests and serve up to 50 for lunch or dinner.

Luvambo Forest Resort, situated 700 meters from Kakamega Forest Station, provides luxury accommodation on a full-board or half-board basis. Additionally, community homestays near the forest station offer a cultural experience and the chance to explore the forest while immersing oneself in local life.

In Kakamega town, 18 km from the forest station, there are several accommodation options, including the Golf Hotel, a 3-star hotel next to the Golf Course, Sheywe Guest House, Friends Hotel, Kakamega Guest House, Jamindas Paradise Motel, and Bishop Stam, a Christian accommodation 9 km from the town. Savona Isle Resort, near the Kakamega Airstrip, is also available.

The Isecheno KEEP Bandas, located in the southern part of the reserve, can accommodate 21 people across five bandas, each equipped with warm and cold showers, generators, lanterns, and a kitchen with cooking facilities.

Kakamega Forest Reserve, a dense tropical rainforest in Kenya, boasts impressive biodiversity, with over 360 bird species, 7 primate species, and over 510 butterfly species. It also harbors over 1,000 plant species, including trees, vines, orchids, ferns, shrubs, and herbs. Additionally, the forest is home to many unique and colorful mushroom species.

Despite its rich biodiversity, Kakamega Forest is not primarily known as a wildlife destination. It remains a remnant of the rainforest that once stretched across Central Africa. This beautiful forest is home to various mammals, including bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, colobus monkeys, and pottos. Leopards have been occasionally reported, with the last official sighting in 1991.

Birdwatchers can spot species like the Blue-Headed Bee-Eater, Black-Billed Turaco, Turner’s Eremomela, and Grey Parrots. Other mammals found in the forest include bushpigs, duikers, bushbucks, African clawless otters, mongooses, giant African water shrews, squirrels, tree pangolins, porcupines, and bats.

A variety of primates, such as blue monkeys, redtail monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, baboons, pottos, and occasional vervet monkeys. Among the seven primate species, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, and blue monkeys are easily spotted, while the very rare De Brazza’s monkey is more elusive.

The forest is teeming with insects, including spectacular species like Goliath beetles, pink and green flower mantises, and numerous colorful butterflies (489 species). Well-represented insect groups include ants (Formicidae), Lepidopterans, Orthopterans, and beetles, as well as common gastropods, millipedes, and spiders.

Walks Through the Forest

Walking through the forest offers a rich experience of Kakamega Forest Reserve’s biodiversity. Visitors can observe various species of monkeys, including blue monkeys and De Brazza’s monkeys, in their natural habitat.

The forest is home to massive native trees, known as the “Big Five,” each marked for its significance and medicinal values. These trees are used by local communities to treat ailments such as malaria and the common cold. The walks also offer opportunities to see a wide array of butterflies and birds, making them an exciting activity for nature enthusiasts.

A climb to the canopy watchtower offers panoramic views of the forest and its surroundings. Additionally, touring the natural grasslands within the forest allows visitors to appreciate the diverse ecosystems present in Kakamega.

Long Walks

Long walks in Kakamega Forest include treks to the river Yala in the south or to Isiukhu Falls in the north. These walks are characterized by the beauty of cascading waterfalls, calm breezes, and numerous butterflies, birds, and monkeys. The riverine forest setting offers a serene, immersive nature experience, making these walks particularly enjoyable and memorable.

Sunrise Walk

The sunrise walk starts at 5:00 AM, leading participants through the forest to Lirhanda Hill, the highest elevation in Kakamega Forest at 1700 meters above sea level. From this vantage point, visitors can witness the sunrise and enjoy breathtaking views of the entire forest, the Nandi escarpment, and the grasslands within the forest. The walk back offers opportunities to observe birds, butterflies, and monkeys, enhancing the early-morning experience.

Sunset Walk

The sunset walk, lasting 0-3 hours, begins at 5:00 PM and also heads to Lirhanda Hill. This walk allows visitors to experience the forest canopy as the sun sets, providing a picturesque end to the day. The views from the hill during sunset offer a unique perspective on the forest’s beauty.

Bird Watching

Bird watching in Kakamega Forest is a popular activity due to its designation as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and its over 330 bird species. Bird watchers can expect to see species such as Ansorge’s Greenbul, Blue-headed Bee-eater, and Turner’s Eremomela, among many other forest birds. Bird-watching tours typically start early, around 6:30 AM, to take advantage of the peak activity period for birds.

Village Walks

Village walks offer a cultural experience, including visits to the Luyhia community and local markets around the forest. Visitors can see traditional thatched community bandas, community homestays, and Indigenous vegetables. These walks offer insights into community land cultivation and the daily lives of the local people.

Traditional Performances

Visitors can enjoy traditional performances by the local community, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage. These performances often include traditional music, dance, and storytelling, providing a deeper understanding of the local culture.

Cottage Accommodation

Kakamega Forest offers cottage accommodation options, providing a comfortable and immersive stay within the forest. These accommodations are ideal for visitors who want to spend more time exploring the forest and participating in various activities.

Guided Forest Walks

Guided forest walks are available for both general visitors and specialist visitors, such as bird watchers. Professional guides provide valuable insights into the forest’s biodiversity, including its flora, fauna, and cultural significance. These walks are tailored to visitors’ interests, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.

Where to stay in Kakamega Forest Reserve

In the southern part of the Kakamega Forest Reserve, for now, you can camp at the Isecheno camping site, or stay at the Isecheno blue-shouldered guest house, which is located outside the gate of the Kakamega forest station.

We do have Luvambo Forest Resort, 700m from Kakamega forest station, and there is also luxury accommodation on a full-board or half-board basis in the southern part of the forest, which is a Kenya Forest Service-managed area.

Also, you can stay in Kakamega town, which is 18 km from Kakamega forest station, and still explore the forest. In Kakamega town, there is Sheywe Guest House, which is a luxury hotel, Friends Hotel, Kakamega Guest House in the heart of Kakamega town, Jamindas Paradise Motel, Bishop Stam, which is a Christian accommodation 9 km from Kakamega town, or you can stay in Savona Isle resort close to Kakamega Airstrip.

Isecheno KEEP Bandas

Isecheno KEEP bandas are located in the Kakamega rain forest, in the southern part of the Isecheno forest station. Keep bandas can accommodate 21 people. There are 5 bandas. Bandas one has 5 beds; Bandas two have been partitioned and have 2 rooms each, with 2 beds in each. Banda 3 has also been partitioned and has 4 beds, Banda 4 has 5 beds, and Banda 5 has 3 beds.

In the KEEP bandas, warm and cold showers are available outside the rooms. Here, they use generators and lanterns at night. There is a kitchen where guests can cook. The kitchen has utensils, cooking facilities, and tap water. But for guests who need meals, we offer catering services for workshops or tourists visiting the forest.

Golf Hotel Kakamega

Golf Hotel Kakamega is located in a plush area of Kakamega town, next to the Golf Course, and is just a short distance from Kakamega Forest, which has over 320 bird species. It takes approximately half an hour to drive from Kisumu Airport to the hotel, and, by arrangement, the Hotel van is available for a fee.

Rondo Retreat Centre

Rondo Retreat Center is located in the Kakamega rainforest in the Southern part. It is managed by Trinity Fellowship. Rondo is a Christian center; alcoholic drinks are not allowed on the premises. Rondo Retreat is a clean, quiet place that can accommodate Missionaries and Tourists visiting the Kakamega Forest.

Rondo can accommodate up to 35 people for lunch or dinner, and up to 50 for lunch or dinner, and it offers a conference facility for small groups. Rondo Retreat Center is one of the best accommodations in the Kakamega rainforest, with beautiful gardens, flowers, and wonderful spaces for relaxing, as well as high-standard single, double, and triple rooms.

Not found anywhere else. Kakamega is known more for being the home of the Kakamega forest, one of the last remnants of indigenous rainforests in the world, bull-fighting, cock-fighting, and even a dog market- an interesting piece of the cultural tourism that Kenya has to offer.

Notes

* Local primary school and secondary school students – 58 KSh per pupil per day

Kakamega Forest Reserve Campsite

* Campfire 1500 ksh per night.
* Breakfast 750 Ksh per person
* Lunch/ Dinner is Ksh 1500 ksh per person.
* The camping fee at Kakamega Forest Station is 764ksh per person.
* Tent hiring is 2000 KSh per tent. The tent can accommodate 4 adults

Forest Walk Rates

* The Crying Stone of Ilesi tour costs Ksh 2000.
* Night walk 2 hours – Ksh 1200 per person per walk.
* Traditional dance/storytelling 15,500ksh per group.
* Short walk 0-2 hours – Ksh 500 per person per walk.
* Sunrise/sunset walk – Ksh 1200 per person per walk.
* Long walk 0-3 hours – Ksh 1000 per person per walk.
* Full-day walk, 5-7 hours, Ksh 2000 per person per walk.
* Village walks are 0-3 hours, 1500ksh per person per walk.
* Homestay/ traditional food 2500ksh per person per night.

Kakamega Forest Reserve is a crucial biodiversity conservation area, known for its unique tropical rainforest ecosystem and rare wildlife. This rainforest is recognized as one of Kenya’s Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and is home to a variety of species found only in this region, including birds, butterflies, primates, plants, mammals, beetles, and reptiles.

To preserve this precious ecosystem, it is essential to pursue conservation efforts that integrate nature-based enterprises with environmental education. By educating the local community about conservation policies and encouraging environmentally friendly income-generating activities (IGAs), we can foster sustainable development that benefits both people and the environment.

The conservation efforts in Kakamega Forest are organized through four Community Forest Associations (CFAs). These CFAs are the Muileshi Community Forest Association at the Kakamega Isecheno Forest Station, the Kibiri Community Forest Association at the Kakamega Forest-Kibiri Forest Station, the Bunyala Community Forest Association at the Bunyala Forest Station, and the Malava Community Forest Association at the Malava Forest Station. Each association plays a vital role in protecting and managing its respective sections of the forest.

Some of these CFAs receive support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to carry out their conservation activities. However, others still rely on annual membership registrations to fund their efforts. Despite differences in funding sources, all CFAs share a common goal: conserving Kakamega Rainforest and its unique wildlife.

For conservation efforts to succeed, it is important for nature enthusiasts and the broader community to support these initiatives. By contributing to the conservation of the Kakamega Rainforest, we can help preserve its rich biodiversity for future generations.

Activities such as promoting sustainable enterprises, providing environmental education, and encouraging IGAs are essential components of these efforts. Together, these activities help to create a sustainable future where both the rainforest and the local community can thrive.

Carbon Credit Project in Kakamega Rainforest

This project aims to reduce carbon emissions by preserving the rainforest as a carbon sink. It involves various activities that promote environmental conservation and sustainable livelihoods for the local community.

Eco-Tourism

Eco-tourism focuses on responsible travel to natural areas, conserving the environment, and improving the well-being of local people. In Kakamega Rainforest, this might include guided tours, birdwatching, and educational programs on the rainforest’s biodiversity.

Homestay

Homestay programs offer visitors the opportunity to stay with local families, providing an immersive cultural experience. It helps generate income for local households and promotes cultural exchange between visitors and residents.

Reforestation

Reforestation projects involve planting trees to restore degraded or deforested rainforest areas. This helps increase carbon sequestration, improve biodiversity, and restore the natural habitat.

Tree Nursery Projects

Tree nurseries are essential for reforestation efforts. They provide a steady supply of seedlings for planting. These projects often involve community participation and offer training and employment opportunities.

Butterfly Farming

Butterfly farming is an eco-friendly enterprise where local people rear butterflies. It helps conserve butterfly species and provides an alternative livelihood for the community. The butterflies can be sold to butterfly houses and for educational purposes.

School Outreach Program

School outreach programs aim to educate students about environmental conservation and sustainability. These programs can include workshops, nature walks, and interactive sessions to raise awareness among young people.

Energy-Saving Devices

Promoting the use of energy-saving devices helps reduce the consumption of firewood and charcoal, which are major drivers of deforestation. These devices include energy-efficient stoves, solar cookers, and solar lighting systems.

Mushroom Farming

Mushroom farming is a sustainable agricultural practice that provides a source of nutrition and income for local communities. It can be done with minimal land use and helps diversify livelihoods.

Fish Farming

Fish farming, or aquaculture, provides an alternative source of protein and income for local communities. It can be integrated with other agricultural activities to create a sustainable and diversified farming system.

Entertainment

To enhance the visitor experience, cultural entertainment is offered in the evenings. This includes traditional Luhya dances and storytelling sessions, available on request. It provides insight into local culture and traditions, enriching the eco-tourism experience.

Conservation Volunteering

You can volunteer with community groups working on conservation in Kakamega Forest through the Muileshi Community Forest Association, which includes groups such as Kakamega Community Based Organization (KCBO), Musha CBO, Ikuchi CBO, KEEP, and Lianungu CBO.

These groups focus on tree nurseries, beekeeping, environmental education, tree planting, awareness of medicinal plants, biodiversity conservation, and promoting traditional foods and general community work. Volunteers stay in community homestays near the project sites and can volunteer from 2 weeks to over 6 months, paying $350 per month for accommodation and meals.

The work schedule is Monday to Friday, with weekends free for personal activities or travel. Volunteers can contribute to proposal writing, marketing community products, or initiating new projects, and no specific qualifications are required. At the end of their stay, volunteers receive a participation certificate as a token of appreciation.

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