Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Kakamega Forest National Reserve is one of the tourist attractions of Kenya with over 380 recorded species of plants, Kakamega Forest National Reserve is in Kakamega county in Kenya about 350 km road distance from Nairobi. It covers an area of 44.7 km² of a protected area under the Kenya Wildlife Service. It is Kenya’s only remnant of a rainforest that stretches to central Africa. The forest lies in the Lake Victoria catchment, about 40 km north of Kisumu, and just east of the Nandi Escarpment that forms the edge of the central highlands. It is in the watershed of the Isiukhu and Yala rivers, which flow through the forest before emptying into Lake Victoria.
The forest including reserves covers about 238 square kilometres, a little less than half of which currently remains as indigenous forest. In the north of the forest is the 4,468 hectares 45 km2 Kakamega National Reserve, given national forest reserve status in 1985. Just to the north is the Kisere Forest Reserve. Kakamega forest was first gazetted as Trust Forest in 1933, and two small Nature Reserves, Yala and Isecheno totaling about 700 hectares were established within the Forest Reserve in 1967. Some streams and small creeks run through the reserve. The larger creeks are usually bordered by a few to tens of meters of forest on either side which divide the glades, while the smallest creeks flow through open grasslands, often forming small marshy patches.
This beautiful forest is home to various mammals including bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, a large population of black and white colobus monkeys, Debrazzar monkeys, and pottos. Some of the birds to be seen here include the Blue Headed Bee Eater, Black Billed Turaco, Turner’s Eremomela, and Grey Parrots.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve Overview
Kakamega Forest is one of Kenya’s most treasured natural ecosystems—home to unique wildlife, breathtaking birdlife, rare insects, and lush vegetation found nowhere else in the country. This ancient rainforest hosts numerous mammals, including bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, black-and-white colobus monkeys, De Brazza monkeys, pottos, and more. Bird lovers can spot species such as the Blue-Headed Bee-Eater, Black-Billed Turaco, Turner’s Eremomela, and Grey Parrots.
Attractions of Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Rich Flora and Fauna
Kakamega Forest boasts over 380 species of plants, including:
150+ species of trees and shrubs
60+ fern species
170 flowering plants
60 species of orchids, with 9 endemic to the forest
Birdlife
With 367 recorded bird species, Kakamega is a paradise for birdwatchers. Some highlights include:
West African Great Blue Turaco
Black-and-White-Casqued Hornbill
9 bird species found nowhere else in Kenya
Mammals
The forest hosts a diverse range of mammals such as:
Duikers
Bushbuck
African Clawless Otter
Giant African Water Shrew
Mongoose
Pangolin
Porcupine
Bats
Blue monkey, red-tailed monkey, baboon, vervet monkey
Occasional leopard sightings (last official sighting in 1991)
Insects & Reptiles
The forest is abundant with spectacular insects including:
Goliath beetles
Pink and green flower mantis
489 butterfly species
Numerous ants, spiders, millipedes, and beetles
Reptiles and amphibians are also commonly spotted.
Key Tourist Sites
Isecheno Forest Station
Located in the southern section, this is the most visited area where you’ll find:
The famous Mama Mutere Tree (most photographed tree in Kakamega)
Historic sites
Beautiful strangler fig trees
Hiking & Nature Trails
The forest features numerous trails ideal for:
Forest walks
Camping
Primate watching
Butterfly and bird watching
Game viewing
Village walks
Cultural & Historical Excursions
The Kakamega Rainforest Tour Guides can organize trips to:
The Weeping Stone (Crying Stone) of Ilesi
Kisere Forest to see De Brazza’s monkeys
Best Time to Visit Kakamega Forest
December to February & June to July: Best periods with less rainfall.
Mid-year: Bird breeding season, perfect for birdwatchers.
August: Forest comes alive with colorful butterflies.
Dry season (Dec–Feb): Best for hiking due to clear trails.
Operating Hours
Daily: 08:00 hrs – 18:00 hrsHow to Get There
By Road
From Nairobi (418 km): Take A104 to Timboroa → left onto C36 to Kapsabet → C39 to Kisumu–Kakamega Road.
From Eldoret: Follow the C39 road to Kapsabet.
By Air
There are scheduled flights to Kakamega. Alternatively, fly into Kisumu or Eldoret and continue by road.
Activities in Kakamega Forest
Birdwatching
Organized by the Kenya Forest Service at 06:30 hrs and 16:30 hrs (2-hour tours).
Mama Mutere Tree
The largest and oldest tree in the forest—over 250 years old and 40m tall. Traditionally used for medicinal purposes.
Hiking
Explore Kenya’s only true rainforest with multiple scenic trails, waterfalls, and viewpoints.
Sundowner at Lirhanda Hill
A guided sunset experience lasting 3 hours between 15:00 hrs – 17:00 hrs.
Buyangu Hill
A 4 km walk or drive from the gate, offering panoramic views toward the Nandi Escarpment.
Cultural Evening with the Luhya Tribe
Enjoy traditional dances, stories, and local cultural interactions.
Night Excursions
A 2-hour guided night safari organized by the Kenya Wildlife Service—perfect for spotting nocturnal species.
Park Entry Fees
| Category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen | KSh 300 | KSh 215 |
| Resident | KSh 300 | KSh 215 |
| Non-Resident | USD 25 | USD 15 |
Accommodation in Kakamega Forest
Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodation options, including:
Isukuti Guesthouse
Udo Guesthouse
Udo Campsite
Golf Hotel Kakamega
Pinecone Hotel
Best Western Hotel Kisumu
And other budget to mid-range stays nearby
