Kakamega Rainforest Reserve
Kakamega Rainforest Reserve, also known as the Canopy of Natural Beauty. Located in the Lake Victoria basin approximately 50km north of Kisumu City.
This rainforest is one of the most excellent tourist destinations in Kenya and East Africa at large that you can visit and explore on foot. While enjoying the wildlife and relaxing with a cool breeze and fresh air from the forest. The trees create a complete environment for the birds, insects, butterflies and wildlife, so plentiful in the area.
The Reserve offers unique wildlife and scenic beauty as it’s the only remnant in Kenya of the unique Guineo-Congolian forest ecosystem. There are seven kilometers of nature trails with indigenous trees lining the trails. Which are identified on signs with their local and Latin names. The highest point in the forest; Buyango hill is a must visit for most visitors.
Kakamega rainforest also has some of Africa’s greatest hard and soft woods; Elgon teak, red and white stink woods and a variety of Croton and Aniageria Altisima, however, splendid orchids sit amongst the branches of the larger trees. These indigenous trees lining the trails are identified on signs with their native and Latin names.
Meanwhile, the Reserve is twice the size of Nairobi National Park with about 350 species of birds including the Great blue turaco, Yellow bellied wattle-eye, Blue headed bee-eater, African shrike-flycatcher, Petit’s cuckoo-shrike, the rare snake-eating birds. Forest mammals for instance Rothschild’s Giraffe, Roan Antelope, buffalo, bush pigs, Jackson’s Hartebeest, civets, Sunni, Bohor’s Reedbuck, serval cats, hyenas, grey duikers, clawless otters and some fascinating nocturnal game like porcupines, Ground Pangolin and the occasional leopard.
Kakamega rainforest also offers excellent primate viewing such as the Black and White Colobus monkeys and De Brazza Monkeys found in the adjacent Kisere forest area. Many other rare species of primates are common here like the Blue Monkeys. Which are frequently seen near the Ishiuki Falls, the Red Tailed Monkeys and also the Olive Baboons.
Activities in Kakamega Rainforest Reserve
Kakamega Rainforest Reserve has quite a number of Tourist activities that can be enjoyed while at the reserve and they include;
Birding
Kakamega Rainforest is a great birding destination with various bird species among. Such as the rare snake-eating birds, the great blue turaco and the black-and-white-casqued hornbill among others.
Wildlife Viewing
Various wildlife can be spotted during your visit to Kakamega and they include; Rothschild’s Giraffe, Roan Antelope, buffalo, bush pigs, Jackson’s Hartebeest, civets, Sunni and Bohor’s Reedbuck among others.
When to Visit
Kakamega rainforest reserve is open throughout the year but the best time to visit is during the rainy season in the months of April to July when the flowers are at their most beautiful.
How to Get to there
By Road
The shortest route to Kakamega from Nairobi is via Nakuru and Kapsabet and then joining Kisumu-Kakamega road and it is about 6 hours.
By Air
Scheduled flights can be taken from Wilson airstrip to Kisumu or Eldoret airstrips and then drive to Kakamega.
Kakamega Entry Gates
The reserve can be accessed through 2 Entry gates and they are;
KWS Gate
Kenya Forestry Service Gate
Accommodations
These accommodations range from Luxury and Mid-Range to Budget and they include;
Luxury Accommodations
Pinecone Hotel Kisumu
Best Western Hotel Kisumu
Mid-Range Accommodations
Isikuti Guest house
Golf Hotel Kakamega
Rondo Retreat Centre
Lamanis Haven
Place Caravan Hotel
Mulembe Villa
Millimani Resort