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 runs the southern section (known as 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 towards Kisumu via Kapsabet and Chapsonoi, then take a motorbike from Chapsonoi Police Station to Isecheno Forest Station, covering about 10 km.

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

Best Time to Visit

Kakamega Forest Reserve, with its tropical climate, is a lush, vibrant destination throughout the year. 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, offering a spectacular display of the forest’s 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, along with 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, featuring spectacular species like 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 experiencing 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 an impressive biodiversity with over 360 species of birds, 7 species of primates, and over 510 species of butterflies. It also harbors over 1,000 species of plants, including woody 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 hosts various mammals, such as 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, along with common gastropods, millipedes, and spiders.

Walks Through the Forest

Walks through the forest offer 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 their significance and medicinal values. These trees are used by local communities for treating ailments like malaria and common colds. The walks also provide opportunities to see an array of butterflies and birds, making it an exciting activity for nature enthusiasts.

A climb on the canopy watch tower 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 rapid waterfalls, calm breezes, and the presence of numerous butterflies, birds, and monkeys. The riverine-based forest setting offers a serene and 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 provides 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 one of the Important Bird Areas (IBA) with 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 provide a cultural experience by visiting 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, which showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. 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 the interests of the visitors, ensuring a personalized and informative experience.

Where to stay in Kakamega Forest Reserve

In the Kakamega Forest Reserve, the southern part, for now, you can camp at the Isecheno camping site or you can still stay in 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 that offers accommodation on a full board or half board basis in the southern part of the forest which is 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 hurt of Kakamega town, Jamindas Paradise Motel, Bishop Stam which is 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 is located in the Kakamega rain forest in the Southern part of Isecheno forest station. Keep bandas can accommodate 21 people. There are 5 bandas, banda one has 5 beds, banda two has been partitioned and has 2 rooms each has 2 beds. Banda 3 has also partitioned and has 4 beds, banda four has 5 beds and Banda 5 has 3 beds.

In KEEP bandas there are warm and cold showers outside the room. For the lights here, they use generators and lanterns at night. There is a kitchen where guests can cook their food. The kitchen has utensils cooking facilities and tap water. But for those guests who need meals, we offer catering services for either workshops or for 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 that has over 320 bird species. It takes approximately half an hour’s drive from Kisumu Airport to the hotel and with an arrangement the Hotel van is available at 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 and quiet place that can accommodate Missionaries and Tourists visiting the Kakamega forest.

Rondo can accommodate up to 35 people but it can serve up to 50 pax 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, wonderful gardens for relaxing, and high-standard rooms for single, double, and triple rooms.

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

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 the Important Bird Areas (IBA) in Kenya, and it is home to a variety of species that are found only in this region, including birds, butterflies, primates, plants, mammals, beetles, and reptiles.

To preserve this precious ecosystem, it is essential to engage in conservation efforts that combine nature-based enterprises with environmental education. By educating the local community about conservation policies and encouraging environmentally friendly Income 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 their 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 the differences in funding sources, all CFAs share a common goal: to conserve 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, bird watching, and educational programs about 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 rainforest areas that have been degraded or deforested. 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, offering training and employment opportunities.

Butterfly Farming

Butterfly farming is an eco-friendly enterprise where local people rear butterflies. It helps in the conservation of 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 in the diversification of 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 under the Muileshi Community Forest Association, which includes groups like Kakamega Community Based Organization (KCBO), Musha CBO, Ikuchi CBO, KEEP, and Lianungu CBO.

These groups focus on tree nurseries, beekeeping, environmental education, tree planting, medicinal plant awareness, and biodiversity conservation, as well as 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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