Kakamega Forest
Wildlife & Animals
Kenya Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the DK Eyewitness Guide to Kenya.
Kakamega Forest teems with small mammals, but it is not primarily a wildlife destination. Primates likely to be seen by most visitors are olive baboon, black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey and blue monkey. A small population of the localized de Brazza’s monkey occurs in the nearby but separate Kisere Forest (though it is more easily seen in Saiwa Swamp National Park). Giant forest squirrels live in the canopy, while bushbuck, blue duiker or bushpig might be glimpsed scurrying off in the undergrowth.
Wildlife Highlights
The forest transforms after sunset. Guided night walks, conducted by spotlight, are more than worthwhile. Some of the nocturnal creatures you might encounter are giant forest hog, genet and civet. This is the only place in Kenya where giant hammer-headed fruit bats might be seen in flight. Rare sightings of the sloth-like potto and bizarre tree pangolin have been recorded, and a real Kakamega special is the giant otter shrew. There are lots of interesting insects as well, including the supersized goliath beetle.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Kakamega Forest can be visited throughout the year, as wildlife viewing is not particularly seasonal. However, heavy rain can disrupt hiking and other activities in the forest. Rain is a possibility at any time of year, but it is most likely in April, May and August. The driest months are from December to February, which are the ideal time to visit.
