Kakamega Forest
Getting There
Kenya Parks
Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the DK Eyewitness Guide to Kenya.
Your entry point to the country will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9mi southeast of the capital city Nairobi.
The springboard for all visits to Kakamega Forest is the town of Kakamega, a short distance to the west. Kakamega lies about 400km/248mi northwest of Nairobi, a drive that will take at least 7 hours*. Heading on to Kakamega Forest Reserve, the 17km/10mi drive east to the entrance gate at Isecheno takes about 30 minutes. Heading to Kakamega Forest National Reserve, the distance and driving time are similar, but you need to head northeast along the A1 towards Kitale.
There are now occasional flights from Nairobi to Kakamega Airport (GGM), which lies on the eastern outskirts of town. Alternatively, you can organize a pickup, rent a car or take a taxi from the busier Kisumu International Airport (KIS), which is 50km/31mi (1 hour’s drive*) from Kakamega.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
Daily flights to/from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Kakamega are offered by Skyward Express. Charter flights between parks are usually organized by your tour operator.
There are also daily flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Kisumu International Airport (KIS). Some Nairobi-to-Kisumu flights also leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4mi south of Nairobi.
Domestic flights to Kisumu can be booked with several carriers:
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – Kenya page to learn more about passport, visa and other entry requirements.