Kakamega Forest
Overview
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 ranks among Kenya’s most rewarding bird-watching and primate-viewing hot spots. This is because, as the country’s largest surviving tropical rainforest, it forms the easternmost haunt of many species more usually associated with West Africa. The forest is a ‘must visit’ destination for keen birders, but the wondrous jungle atmosphere will also appeal greatly to keen walkers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Administratively, Kakamega is split between a 45km²/17mi² national reserve and 195km²/75mi² forest reserve; these function as two separate destinations.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Birds aside, primates are conspicuous and include black-and-white colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkey and olive baboon. The rare de Brazza’s monkey is confined to the Kisere sector of the national reserve. Nocturnal primates include potto and at least two species of bush baby. Other mammals are generally difficult to spot but include bushbuck, blue duiker, black-fronted duiker and various squirrels and small carnivores. More than 400 butterfly species have been 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 includes a wide variety of ferns, orchids and flame lilies. Several beautiful streams run through the forest interior.
Activities
Guided and self-guided bird and nature walks are available in both the forest reserve and the national reserve. The knowledgeable local guides are superb at identifying birds and their calls. If you want to explore by car or to walk unguided, the national reserve, with its well-marked network of trails and motorable tracks, is the better option. To look for de Brazza’s monkey, organize an early morning or late afternoon guided walk in Kisere Forest, an annex of the national reserve situated about 5km/3mi from the entrance gate.
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).
