Kakamega Forest National Reserve: The Jurassic Park of Kenyan Jungles
Step into the Kakamega Forest, where time decided to take a vacation and forgot to come back. This forest is like the cool kid who never grew up, a remnant of the rainforest that once covered Central Africa
Now, let’s talk about the forest’s fabulous residents. Picture this: bush pigs with their own reality TV show, giant forest hedgehogs living their best hedge-life, and monkeys having treehouse parties like it’s the weekend (every day). It’s like a real-life animal sitcom, and you’re invited to the jungle drama.
And the birds! Oh, the birds! Blue Headed Bee Eater – the fashionista of the avian world, Black Billed Turaco – the punk rocker with a beak, Turner’s Eremomela – the elusive forest ninja, and Grey Parrots – the gossip queens of the treetops. It’s like a bird runway, where feathers are the latest trend.
Feel like a forest fiesta? Get ready for bird watching, where even the birds might be watching you back, hiking that’s basically a stroll through Mother Nature’s living room, and rock climbing that’s more like a vertical dance party with the trees. It’s a forest shindig, and you’re on the VIP guest list!
So, whether you’re here for the wildlife sitcom, the avian fashion show, or just to party with the trees, Kakamega Forest is the place where time takes a break, and nature throws the coolest jungle bash. Welcome to the Kenyan Jurassic Park – where the only thing extinct is boredom.
Also Check Out: Amboseli National Park: Kenya’s Crown Jewel of Wildlife and Scenic Beauty
Kakamega Kenya
Nestled about 30 km above the belly button of Earth’s belt, Kakamega is the cool hangout spot for 1,867,579 cool folks according to the 2019 census. Yep, it’s the HQ of Kakamega County.
Just 52 km away is Kisumu, Kenya’s tenth biggest city and the beating heart of Luhya land. Kakamega itself sits about 1,535 meters high – you could say it’s got a bit of an altitude attitude!
Kakamega is like the Hollywood of Luhya land, and Kisumu is its cool cousin just 52 km away. It’s the Tinseltown of Western Kenya, and the air is so fresh it moonlights as a breath mint.
Now, this place isn’t just about its altitude; it’s got its own set of 12 cool cliques called constituencies. Butere, Mumias East, Mumias West, Matungu, Khwisero, Shinyalu, Lurambi, Ikolomani, Lugari, Malava, Navakholo, and Likuyani.
Now, don’t be fooled by the name “Kakamega.” It’s not a secret code; it just means “pinch” in Luhya. Why? Because back in the day, the colonial folks had a unique way of eating ugali – the local staple. They’d pinch it like it owed them money. Classic move, colonizers, classic move.
Kakamega Forest: Where Nature Throws a Garden Party
1. Buyangu Hill’s Sunrise Spectacle: Forget coffee; the best wake-up call is the sunrise at Buyangu Hill. The forest gives you a panoramic view like it’s saying, “Good morning, jungle!”
2. Isiukhu Fall – Nature’s Slip ‘n Slide: It might be small, but Isiukhu Fall is like nature’s waterpark – a tiny cascade of liquid joy. Bring your swimsuit; leaves are optional.
3. Mukangu Trails’ Tree Hugger’s Delight: Meet the giant tree on Mukangu Trails – the Beyoncé of the forest, stealing the spotlight with roots that go deeper than your emotional attachment to pizza.
4. Nature Trails and Pollinator Garden: It’s like a treasure hunt with labels! Follow the trails, find interesting trees (they might have gossip), and visit the pollinator garden near the KEEP office. It’s where butterflies discuss the latest forest buzz.
5. The OG Rainforest – Only in Kenya: Kakamega Forest is the last standing member of the rainforest squad that once ruled Central Africa. It’s like the grandparent of forests – ancient, wise, and slightly forgetful.
6. Wildlife Gala – The Forest’s Red Carpet: Get ready for the ultimate wildlife fashion show. We’ve got birds strutting their feathers, snakes with a sassy slither, monkeys showing off their acrobatic skills, and bushbucks and duikers doing their best red carpet poses. It’s the Met Gala of the jungle!
7. Species Extravaganza – More Stars Than Hollywood: With over 380 tree species (they’re practically the Kardashians of the forest), 330 bird species (tweeting before it was cool), 27 snake species (they’re not slimy, just misunderstood), 7 primates (the forest’s social media influencers), over 400 butterfly species (more colors than your wardrobe), and several mammals (the real MVPs of the animal kingdom), it’s a biodiversity party you don’t want to miss.
So, whether you’re here for the sunrise spectacle, the waterfall frolic, or just to mingle with the forest’s A-listers, Kakamega Forest is the place where nature throws a garden party, and you’re invited.
Entry Fees
Get ready to break out your leafy wallets because entering Kakamega Forest Reserve comes with its own green price tag:
For Our Local Foliage
– Citizen and Resident Adult: Kshs. 300
– Child (Little Sapling): Kshs. 125
For Our International Explorers:
– Non-Resident Adult: USD 22
– Child (Mini Global Trekker): USD 13
But hey, no need to count your chloroplasts; just remember that these fees help keep the forest fabulous and ready for your next leafy adventure.
Navigating the Jungle: How do I Get to the Forest?
The Ground Adventure (aka Road Trip Extravaganza):
– Departing from Nairobi (418 km away)? Buckle up for a scenic roadie via Nakuru and Kapsabet. Cruise on the A104 road until Timboroa, then make a left turn (4 km later) onto the C36 road headed to Kapsabet. Follow the C39 road until it buddies up with the Kisumu – Kakamega road. Eldoret explorers, take the C39 road to Kapsabet for the quickest tree-hugging route.
The Sky Safari (aka Avian Express):
– Feeling fly? There are now scheduled flights to Kakamega! Or, if you’re more of a classic adventurer, catch a flight to Kisumu or Eldoret and then embark on a ground safari to Kakamega. It’s like your very own travel-themed choose-your-own-adventure story – with roads, runways, and a touch of jungle magic.
Things to Do in Kakamega Forest
1. Sunrise Selfies at Buyangu Hill: Get your early bird game on! The view from Buyangu Hill is like Mother Nature’s Instagram filter. Perfect for capturing the forest’s morning glow.
2. Chase Waterfalls at Isiukhu Fall: It might be petite, but Isiukhu Fall is like a natural waterslide waiting for your splashy adventure. Remember to bring your leafy swimsuit!
3. Meet the Tree on Mukangu Trails: This giant of the forest is not just a tree; it’s a superstar. Take a selfie; this tree has more fans than a rock concert.
4. Nature Trails and Pollinator Garden Hunt: It’s like a scavenger hunt, but with labeled trees and a pollinator garden near the KEEP office. Explore the forest’s hidden gems.
5. Time Travel in the Last Rainforest of Kenya: Kakamega Forest is like a time capsule – the last piece of the grand rainforest that once ruled Central Africa. You’re basically walking through history but with more birds.
6. Wildlife Gala: Attend the forest’s red carpet event! From birds flaunting their feathers to snakes with a sassy slither, it’s a who’s who of the animal kingdom.
7. Species Extravaganza – Biodiversity Bonanza: With over 380 tree species (they’re practically the Kardashians of the forest), 330 bird species (the original tweeters), and a cast of primates, snakes, butterflies, and mammals, it’s a biodiversity party you won’t forget.
8. Forest Fiesta – Soak in the Serenity: Take a moment to just be. Whether you’re into bird watching, hiking, or contemplating life with a butterfly, Kakamega Forest is your green therapy session.
Kakamega Forest is not just a destination; it’s a jungle adventure where every tree tells a story, and every creature is a character in the forest’s play. So, whether you’re chasing waterfalls or having a leafy rendezvous with nature, Kakamega is ready to play host to your wild escapades.
Where to Stay
1. Rondo Retreat Centre: The Zen Haven
– *Location:* Along inside Kakamega forest – Why Stay: Tranquil retreat with lush gardens, offering a spiritual escape in the heart of nature.
2. Kakamega Golf Hotel:
– Location: Along Golf Link Road
– Why Stay: A golfer’s paradise with a touch of luxury, surrounded by the greenery of the golf course.
3. Isikuti Guest House:
– Location: Lubao, Kakamega
– Why Stay: This cozy guesthouse with a homely atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a warm and welcoming stay.
4. Kakamega Forest Guest House:
– Location: Kakamega Forest Station
– Why Stay: Closest to nature, offering a rustic experience with the forest as your neighbor.
Whether you prefer the serenity of a retreat center, the elegance of a golf hotel, or the coziness of a guesthouse, Kakamega Forest offers a range of accommodations to suit your jungle escapade.
Kakamega Forest Photos
Kakamega Airport: Where Even the Runway Has Swagger
Welcome to Kakamega airstrip, a pint-sized airport up in the air at a whopping 1,530 meters above the ocean, playing it cool with a single asphalt runway—4,200 feet long, and 49 feet wide. Yep, that’s Kakamega Airport (IATA: GGM, ICAO: HKKG), chilling in Kakamega County, right in the heart of western Kenya, close enough to wave at Uganda across the border.
If airports had personalities, this one would be the rebel. It’s about 301 kilometers by air northwest of Nairobi International Airport. You know, the big shot in the country’s airport scene.
Geek alert: for those who dig coordinates, it’s rocking at 0° 16′ 12.00″N, 34° 47′ 0.00″ E. That’s like the VIP lounge of map coordinates.
And hey, this airport isn’t a loner! It gets weekly visits from Skyward Express, showing up from Wilson Airport in Nairobi. It’s like a weekly airport rendezvous—keeping the sky traffic lively and buzzing in Kakamega.
