​Overview – Kakamega Forest NR

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Kakamega Forest National Reserve is the only tropical forest left in Kenya. The forest is home to a variety of primates, and it is one of Kenya’s birding hot spots. It marks the easternmost distribution of many sought-after West African species. Even non-birders will appreciate the jungle atmosphere of the forest. Walking with a knowledgeable guide is the best way to explore the forest.

Best Time To Go December to February and June to July (Less rain)
High Season Mid-December to March and July to October (Not busy)
Size 45km² / 17mi²
Altitude 1,555-2,084m / 5,102-6,837ft

Pros & Cons

  • Rare tropical forest habitat
  • Great hiking opportunities on several forest trails
  • Fantastic birding with many West African species
  • Off the beaten track and little visited
  • Not on any tourist circuit
  • Very wet climate
  • Limited accommodation, including only one tourist lodge

Kakamega Forest NR Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Wildlife

Many creatures live in the forest, but most are small and hard to spot. There are, however, a lot of primates. Some of the more conspicuous ones are black-and-white colobus, red-tailed and blue monkey. Nocturnal species include potto and bush baby. Other mammals, which are less easy to spot, include duiker, dik-dik and scaly-tailed flying squirrels. Butterfly enthusiasts are well catered for with more than 400 species recorded.

Scenery

Kakamega Forest harbors a rich tropical environment with an immense biodiversity. Despite the heavy logging of the 1970s, there are still large tracts of ancient hardwood, such as Elgon teak, in the forest. Other flora to look out for is the numerous ferns, orchids and flame lilies.

Weather & Climate

Kakamega Forest has a climate typical of tropical areas. Temperatures don’t rise or fall much throughout the year, and hot days are followed by cool nights. The area experiences a long Wet season (March to November), with most of the rain being dumped in April and May. It’s less damp during the comparatively brief drier season (December to February), but it can still rain a lot in these months.

Best Time To Visit

The periods when it rains less (December to February and June to July) are the best times to come to Kakamega. It’s breeding season for the local birds around the middle of the year, and in August and September a lot of color is added by emerging butterflies. Hikes are a lot more enjoyable in the drier season (December to February).

Want To Visit Kakamega Forest NR?

Kakamega Forest Safaris

Kakamega Forest NR Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Lizzie Williams  –  
South Africa ZA

Lizzie is a reputed guidebook writer and author of the Footprint guides to South Africa, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

A meander through spectacular equatorial rainforest
4/5

Kakamega is one of the last remaining (and fast diminishing) tropical rainforests of East Africa. By walking the narrow winding paths, I always find it such an extraordinarily beautiful and tranquil place. Its characterised by tangled...

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Latest User Review
Shima Mudakha  –  
South Korea KR
Reviewed: Feb 9, 2024
5/5

we saw incredible monkey with white hair on their back so pretty, Kakamega people are amazing. food was delicious .there are so many birds and the trail is wonderful.

Full Review