Kakamega Forest
Overview
Kenya Parks
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 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.
Pros & Cons
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?
Safari Tours to Kakamega Forest
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![16-Day Kenya Birding and Wildlife - Western Circuit]()
16-Day Kenya Birding and Wildlife - Western Circuit
$6,973 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Nairobi (Start), Nairobi NP, Tsavo West NP, Amboseli NP, Mt Kenya, Samburu NR, Lake Nakuru NP, Kakamega Forest, Masai Mara NR, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha), Kinangop Grasslands, Nairobi (End)
Wide Birding Eco Tours
4.9/5 – 14 Reviews
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10-Day Kenya Birding Kakamega, Kinangop and East Cost
$2,929 pp (USD)
Kenya: Private tour
Mid-range Lodge & Tented CampYou Visit: Kisumu (Start), Kakamega Forest, Lake Naivasha (Naivasha), Aberdare NP, Nairobi NP, Taita Hills WS, Malindi (Beach), Dakatcha Woodland (Highlight), Arabuko Sokoke FR, Mombasa (End)
Wide Birding Eco Tours
4.9/5 – 14 Reviews
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![22-Day Birding & Wildlife East Africa-Uganda Rwanda Kenya]()
22-Day Birding & Wildlife East Africa-Uganda Rwanda Kenya
$7,159 pp (USD)
Kenya, Rwanda & Uganda: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)BudgetLodge & Guest House
You Visit: Kigali (Start), Akagera NP, Nyungwe NP (Chimps), Ruhija (Bwindi Impenetrable NP), Buhoma (Bwindi Impenetrable NP), Queen Elizabeth NP, Maramagambo Forest (Queen Elizabeth NP), Semuliki NP, Kibale NP (Chimps), Murchison Falls NP, Budongo Forest (Chimps), Kampala (City), Mabamba Swamp, Kakamega Forest, Lake Nakuru NP, Kinangop Grasslands, Nairobi NP, Nairobi (End)
Wide Birding Eco Tours
4.9/5 – 14 Reviews
