Kakamega National Forest Reserve

Kakamega Forest is the last remaining section of tropical rain forest in Kenya. A part of the Congo-West African equatorial rainforest, the 45 square km reserve (declared National Reserve in 1985), is bordered on all sides by fertile farmlands, making this small area a refuge for a huge number of animals, insects and plants. Kakamega Forest is best known for its diversity of birds - 367 species have been recorded. Kakamega is well off the beaten track and wonderful for walkers, birders and those who simply wish to enjoy this last tropical rainforest.

The Forest itself is incredibly diverse, with over 160 species of trees, creepers and bushes, including a number of endemic plant species, mostly ferns and orchids. Some of the trees in the region include Elgon teak, red and white stink woods, varieties of Croton and Aniageria Altisima. The high forest canopy shades the ground, preventing thick undergrowth from forming. Walking is surprisingly easy and one of the best ways to explore the forest as the animal and insect life is small, but truly spectacular. Over 400 of Kenya's 1000 butterfly species may be found here. Several animals, such as the bush-tailed porcupine, giant water shrew and hammer-headed fruit bat, are found nowhere else in the country. You can also see Colobus monkey, De Brazza monkeys and blue monkeys as well as shy duikers. Some larger carnivores, including jackals, spotted hyenas and leopards occur. Kakamega is also known for its diverse snake fauna, with over 40 species, although they can be difficult to find.

For visitors, the best time to visit the park is during the rainy season (April-July) when the flowers are blooming. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the park by walking on its nature trails, camping, picknicking and even going out on night-time game walks. The trails cover about 7 km and visitors are accompanied by guides. Temperature is fairly constant throughout the year, daily minimums of about 11° C and daily maximums of about 26° C.