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 Kenya will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9mi southeast of the capital city Nairobi.
The gateway for all visits to Kakamega Forest is the town of Kakamega, a short distance to the west. Kakamega lies about 400km/250mi northwest of Nairobi, a drive that will take at least 7 hours*. Heading on to Kakamega Forest Reserve, the 17km/11mi 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 toward the town of Kitale.
There are no longer flights from Nairobi to Kakamega Airport (GGM), which lies on the eastern outskirts of town, but the service might resume at some point. 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
Flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL) to Kakamega used to be offered by Skyward Express, and they might well resume the service in the future. Charter flights between parks are usually organized by your tour operator.
There are daily flights from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Kisumu International Airport (KIS). Some flights to Kisumu 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.