KAKAMEGA FOREST NATIONAL RESERVE
Kakamega Forest: A Nature Lover’s Playground (With a Few Surprises)
Once upon a time, a massive tropical rainforest stretched across Central Africa, and today, Kakamega Forest is the last remnant of that lush kingdom. It’s like the last slice of pizza that no one thought to grab — and it’s packed with hundreds of bird species, making it a top-tier Important Bird Area (IBA).
The forest is also home to slithering snakes, cheeky primates, butterflies doing their thing, and enough tree species to make a botanist dizzy. And just when you think it can’t get cooler, you spot the elusive De Brazza monkey — a rare and adorable sight that will make you feel like you’ve just won the nature lottery.
With a mind-blowing 380 recorded plant species, Kakamega Forest is practically a plant lover’s dream. This botanical wonderland includes:
60 species of ferns, because who doesn’t love a little greenery?
150 species of trees and shrubs that make the forest feel like a natural skyscraper.
170 species of flowering plants, including a jaw-dropping 60 species of orchids—with 9 of them found only in this forest. Talk about rare beauty.
It’s like the forest is showing off its floral flair
Kakamega Forest Size
This green giant covers a total area of 45 square kilometers(17 sq miles) or 4,468 hectares of lush, tropical rainforest. It’s like nature’s best-kept secret, waiting for you to explore it. That’s 45 km² of canopy, trails, and, of course, wildlife.
Nature Trails: A Walk on the Wild Side
Kakamega boasts a network of nature trails, where a stroll through towering canopies feels like walking in the clouds (but with fewer jet engines). The peaceful silence is occasionally broken by bird calls, monkey chitchat, or the gentle gurgle of a nearby stream — a soundtrack so relaxing, even your stress will leave.
It’s all doable in a day trip, by the way, so if you’re looking for an escape from the daily grind of city life, this forest is basically your VIP ticket to serenity
Kakamega Forest Birds
Prepare your binoculars because Kakamega Forest is a birdwatcher’s paradise! With over 400 bird species, it’s like nature’s version of a live action, multi-species documentary. From the elusive Great Blue Turaco to the Grey-cheeked Hornbill, every corner of this forest is alive with color and song. If you’ve got a thing for birds, this is your ultimate playground.
Kakamega Forest Animals
Beyond the birds, Kakamega Forest is home to a wide variety of animals. Think monkeys (you’ll hear them long before you see them), snakes (don’t worry, they’re the slithering kind), and bats (who are probably just judging you from above). If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive De Brazza monkey, making this jungle feel more like a real-life safari.
Kakamega Forest is home to a delightful variety of mammals, each adding its own charm to the jungle vibe. Among them, you’ll find:
Bush pigs (because even pigs deserve a wild adventure),
Duikers, bushbucks, and the African clawless otter (who’s basically the forest’s version of a water ninja),
Mongoose and the giant African water shrew (small but mighty),
Tree pangolins (the armor-plated creatures of the canopy),
Porcupines, bats, and a whole bunch of primates like the blue monkey, redtail monkey, the rare De Brazza’s monkey, pottos, and the occasional vervet monkey.
While leopards have been occasionally spotted, the last official sighting was back in 1991—so you might have to be extra sneaky to catch a glimpse of one!
And don’t forget the amphibians and reptiles—Kakamega’s got them too, because what’s a forest without a few slithering surprises?
Birds of Kakamega Forest
Let’s break it down—Kakamega is a bird hotspot. From the vibrant blue turaco to the striking African Crowned Eagle, the forest offers an incredible variety for any bird enthusiast. So, grab your bird guide, and maybe some snacks, because these birds are worth the wait. Plus, they don’t just stand around – they sing, they fly, they make you feel like you’re living in a David Attenborough special.
Kakamega Forest Entry Fee
You want to visit this magical place, right? Well, it’s not just free entry to paradise. Here’s what you’re looking at:
Kenyan Citizens/Residents: Ksh 300 for adults, Ksh 125 for children.
Non-Residents: USD 22 for adults, USD 13 for children. (Note: Fees may vary based on the area you’re visiting in the forest, so it’s a good idea to check before you go.)
Vehicle Charges (Per Day)
Depending on your ride, here’s what you’ll pay:
| Vehicle | Amount (ksh) |
| Less than 6 seats | 300 |
| 6-12 seats | 1,030 |
| 13-24 seats | 2,585 |
| 25-44 seats | 4,050 |
| 45 seats and above | 5,000 |
Mode of Payment
Paying is a breeze. You can conveniently use eCitizen (https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/) and choose from these options:
M-Pesa – Quick and easy, just like a text message.
Visa Card – For the swipe-and-go crowd.
RTGS – For those who prefer their payments as smooth as the river Tana.
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) – For the tech-savvy and paper-free.
Kakamega Forest from Kisumu
Kisumu is only about 50km away from the forest, making it a quick day trip. Just hop in your car, and after an hour’s drive, you’ll be standing in the heart of this forest paradise. Take the Kisumu-Kakamega Road, and you’re there in no time. Easy peasy.
Kakamega Forest Contacts
Want to get in touch? Whether it’s booking a tour or asking about the entry fees, here’s how you can contact Kakamega Forest:
Phone: Office: 0202418419
Main gate: 0202654658
Email: kakamegaforest@kws.go.ke
Kakamega Forest Activities
What can you do in this green wonderland? Well, pretty much everything:
Bird watching (of course)
Nature walks through the canopy
Camping under the stars (because who doesn’t want to sleep in the forest?)
Photography (it’s Instagram gold)
Importance of Kakamega Forest
Kakamega Forest is not just a beautiful tourist spot; it’s a biodiversity hotspot! It plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance in the region, providing vital water sources and acting as a habitat for countless species. It’s like the forest version of an unsung hero, making the world go round without asking for much in return.
