Kakamega Forest National Reserve is the only Tropical rainforest in Kenya. Naicef packages the best Kakamega Forest National Reserve attractions, activities, accommodation, with charges, for the best forest experience!
It is one of the popular top tourist attractions in Kenya.
To experience the canopy of natural beauty, Kakamega Forest National Reserve, write to my@naicef.com or call +254799922277
Kakamega Forest National Reserve is dubbed as the canopy of Natural Beauty. Why is that? Read along to find out!
Naicef is the best tour company in Kenya for exploring Kakamega Forest National Reserve!
Interesting Facts about Kakamega Forest National Reserve
This forest is the only tropical rainforest in Kenya. It stretches across Central Africa, hosting over 300 bird species and 450 butterfly species.
The forest is home to 36 unique snake species. These snakes are also found in West Africa. This is because Kakamega Forest has vast continental origins.
Kakemega forest has 380 species of trees. The oldest trees are found in Kakamega Forest.
The Kakamega forest has attracted personalities like the US Ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec in April, 2018.
A German-funded project from 2001-2010 worked in the forest. The main objective was to find strategies for a sustainable use of the forest. The project name was called BIOTA East.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve has been recognized on the tentative lists of states parties on the UNESCO World Heritage site.
History of Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Kakamega Forest National Reserve was first designated a forest reserve in 1933. It covers an area of 178.38 sq km. The Yala and Isecheno nature reserves were established within the forest reserve in 1967.
The forest was again designated in 1985. This area includes the Kisere Forest Reserve to the north and the northern portion of Kakamega Forest.
Therefore, the reserve area is now at 44.7 sq km.
How to get to Kakamega Forest National Reserve
By road- From Nairobi via Nakuru to the Kisumu Kakamega road. From Kakamega town, drive towards the Eldoret route.
There are scheduled flights to Kakamega by air. Alternatively, you can fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and then travel to Kakamega by road.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve Charges
Kakamega Forest National Reserve entrance fees are as follows;
Kakamega Forest National Reserve charges for Citizens
Adults- KES 300
Children- KES 215
Kakamega Forest National Reserve charges for Non-Residents
Adults- USD 25
Children- USD 15
Visitor Experience in Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Apart from being a forest reserve, it does offer several attractions and activities. Below are the attractions and activities in the forest reserve.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve attractions & What to see
1. Kakamega Forest
There are 380 species of plants. They include 170 species of flowering plants, 150 species of trees, 60 species of ferns, 60 species of orchids and 9 species found only in this forest.
The forest has the tallest and oldest trees. There are Africa’s hard and soft wood trees found here. False Mvule towers at the entrance of the reserve with moss covering it.
There is also a 500-year-old giant fig tree. Its traditional name is called mukabamukaba, which means Sharing. Its buttress roots welcome you to the fig tree.
2. Kakamega Forest National Reserve animals
Mammals include Flying Squirrels, De Brazza’s monkey, porcupines, bushbucks, Duikers, Vervet monkeys, Red tailed monkeys and African Elephants.
Reptiles and amphibians are also present in this forest.
There are 36 species of snakes in this forest. They include Forest Cobra, Night Adder, Jameson’s Mamba, Rhinoceros-horned viper, Gabon Viper and Gold’s Cobra.
The Kakamega forest has over 367 bird species. Some include Red-tailed Bristol bird, Balck and white horn bill and Great blue turaco.
The forest reserve also has 450 colorful butterfly species. Insects are also in abundance.
3. Kakamega Forest Viewpoint
After a roughly 15 km walk, you will be met with a viewpoint. At the viewpoint, you will see exotic trees. The trees were planted there to prevent soil erosion.
From the viewpoint, you can see the forest as a canopy. In addition, Quartz rocks are found here.
Nandi, Kisera and Malaba forest are seen from the viewpoint.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve Activities & Things to doÂ
1. Hiking
Hiking and walking in Kakamega Forest National Reserve covers a distance of 20 km. The trees and animals create a beautiful ambiance.
2. Swimming
The baby waterfall in the reserve is a rewarding experience after the long walk and hike.
3. Birdwatching
For 2 hours, you will observe beautiful birds in the reserve. The birdwatching period in the nature reserve is from 06:30 to 16:30.
4. Sunset viewing
Lirhanda Hill has an organized sunset viewing from 1500 hours to 1700 hours.
5. Cultural interaction
The Luhya community inhabit this region in abundance. Within the reserve, you will see the Luhya villages.
In addition, visitors can enjoy Isukuti dance performances and storytelling of legends within the reserve.
6. Night time adventures
The Kenya Wildlife Service organizes these excursions. This gives time for viewing the night animals.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve accommodation
Where to stay in Kakamega Forest National Reserve? Below are accommodations in the reserve
- Isukuti Guest House
- Udo Guest House
- Isecheno KEEP bandas
- Senel Guest house
- Boita Camspsites
- Golf hotel Kakamega and many more.
Best Time to visit Kakamega Forest National Reserve
December to February and June to July are the best times to visit the reserve.
June to August is an excellent time for bird watching.
August and September are the best months for butterflies.
Migrant birds are best seen from November to April.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the forest reserve is in Kakamega county, Kenya. It’s best known for the beautiful butterflies and being the only tropical rainforest in Kenya!
Some of the best attractions include
- The forest
- Butterflies
- De Brazzas monkeys
- 500 year old Giant fig tree
- Waterfall
- Viewpoints
Reach out to Naicef for the best African Forest tour in Kakamega Forest. Naicef is the best tour company because we focus on
Customer centricity: We personalise every tour to fit the needs of every traveler.
Quality: We give the best quality in every African experience with unforgettable safaris.
Professionalism: Our dedicated team has professionals to give you the best trips while forming lasting memories.
For every experience you take with us, you contribute to sustainable environmental and local community programs.
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