THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO KAKAMEGA FOREST
In the heart of the western region is a beautiful stretch of the only remaining tropical rainforest in Kenya. It is situated in Kakamega, Vihiga, and Nandi counties, Kenya. Being a rainforest, it is rich in flora, fauna, and beautiful attractions like waterfalls.
Kakamega Forest is a natural habitat for wild animals, birds, reptiles, butterflies, and rodents. It is rich in plant species, including rare and threatened species. It is home to over 300 bird species and 400 butterfly species. The forest is rich in medicinal value plants and over 100 years old trees.
It is rich in hiking trails and beautiful viewpoints for tourists and visitors who want to explore the forest.
Kakamega Forest is the only remaining fragment of the ancient Guineo-Congolian forest that once occupied central and eastern Africa.
The Human Impact in Kakamega Forest
Kakamega Forest is the most densely populated natural forest in Kenya. This harms the forest and has an impact on its environment. The local people utilize the forest for their own use and economic benefit.
The forest formerly occupied 240000 ha but now covers half of the area due to human settlement and activities. People were offered some part of the forest to cultivate and graze, but with time they have gone beyond the boundaries set by the Kenya Forest Service. This has led to conflict between the residents and the Kenya Forest Service.
Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, and other organizations and partners have come to protect the forest.
How To Get Kakamega Forest
Kakamega is approximately 379.9 km from Nairobi via A104 and takes approximately 6 hours 58 minutes. Via B3, it is approximately 401.8 km and takes approximately 7 hours and 6 minutes.
From Kakamega town to Kakamega forest, it is approximately 14.7 km and takes 30 minutes. From Kakamega market, you can take a matatu to Webuye and get off at Mwanza. From there, take a motorcycle to Isikuti Guest House. You can also be dropped off at Kambiri Track.
If you are using a private car, from Kakamega drive towards Webuye along Highway 1; after 15.6 km, turn right to get to the office of Kenya Wildlife.
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Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Kakamega Forest ranges between 1466 meters and 1779 meters above sea level. The forest is divided into 3 parts.
1st part is the National reserve
It is formed by the forests of Buyangu and Kisere in the north and administered by the Kenya Wildlife Services.
2nd is the forest reserve, which is administered by the Kenya Forest Service. The forest reserve has two parts: Isecheno in the middle and Lirhanda in the south. The highest peak of the forest is Ikuwya Hill at 1779 meters, Lirhanda Hill at 1734 meters, Buyangu Hill at 1633 meters, and the lowest is Yala River at 1466 meters.
Kakamega Forest being the only tropical rainforest in Kenya and at threat needs protection and care. The Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Forest Service help to protect and administer the forest. They have offered a portion of the forest for residents to cultivate and graze, but with boundaries.
The boundaries are always altered, which puts the forest and the wild animals at risk. In 2010, Kenya Wildlife Service submitted a proposal for UNESCO to include Kakamega Forest on the World Heritage List.
Nurseries for native plants like trees and shrubs have been put in place so that the forest’s thick vegetation cover can be preserved and maintained. There are projects to help preserve the indigenous butterflies, which is the main tourist attraction, and also an introduction to bee farming.
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Species in Kakamega Forest
Fauna
Large animals like elephants are rare to find in the forest. Butterflies are the main tourist attraction in the forest; some of the species include Acrea, Jumonia, Limura, and Charaxes. There are also insects like Goliathus and Mantidae myriapodae.
If you are a bird lover, then this will be paradise for you. There are varieties of bird species like Great Blue Turaco, Grey-chested Kakamega, and sunbirds. The rare bird species are African grey parrots, and the threatened species is the Chapin’s flycatcher.
Snakes in the forest are black and white cobras, Gaboon vipers, and black and white mambas. Other small animals are chameleons, geckos, and agama.
Flora
There are 350 different plant species, 160 of which are endemic, like fern, orchid, and camphor basil, used by the locals for medicinal purposes. In Isecheno there is the largest and oldest tree, famously known as Mama Mutere by the locals. It is 40 meters high and has lived 250 years. The bark of the tree is used as a traditional medicine against stomach ailments.
Kakamega Forest Tours and Packages
Camping
There are two campsites within the forest. Udo’s campsite and Bandas in the northern part are managed by the Kenya Wildlife Services. The other campsite is the Kakamega Forest Station run by the Kakamega Environment Education Project in the south.
If you love camping in nature in the middle of the forest, these campsites will not offer that. There are several bandas, self-contained rooms, ablution blocks, and a cooking area. The campsites offer flush toilets and hot showers. They have a cooking area with sinks with running water, firewood, fire jikos, huge tables, and benches.
The campsite has access to trails and viewpoints to see sunrise and sunset. You can also visit the rivers and the waterfalls.
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Guided walk
Forest guides are available to take you for bird walks, nature walks, and walks to see the shy De Brazza monkeys. The guide rates range from Ksh 400 for residents to 100 for citizens for short walks. Birdwatching or De Braza viewing ranges from Ksh 500 for residents and Ksh 150 for citizens. Longer hikes range from Ksh 1000 for residents and 400 for citizens.
Activities in Kakamega Forest
Ø Bird and butterfly viewing
This is a famous activity that needs patience and a curious nature. There are a lot of birds in Kakamega Forest for you to view and take photos of. The forest is famous for different indigenous species of butterflies. You can take photos of the beautiful butterflies to post on your social media and share with friends and family.
Ø Viewing sunrise and sunset
There are different viewpoints to see the beauty of sunsets and sunrises. You can view this beautiful scene from Lirhanda Hill, Buyango Hill, and Ikuwya Hill. You also go to view the bat caves.
Ø Photography
The forest has beautiful, breathtaking nature for you to take photos of. The sunset and sunrise, the waterfall, and bat caves. You can also take photos of yourself in this beautiful nature to add to your timeline.
Ø Hiking
There are different trails to view the beautiful nature of the forest from. These trails are:
Nature trail
This is a famous safari tour. It is short and covers 2-3 kilometers, which takes approximately 1-2 hours. It is suitable for everyone, of all ages and fitness levels.
Buyango Hill trail
It has panoramic views. It is a 4-5 km long trail and takes 2-3 hours to cover.
Isiukhu Falls trail
It is a trail that leads to the Isiukhu Fall. It is a long trail covering 6–8 hours and takes 3–4 hours. It is difficult and consists of flat roads and hills. Some parts are muddy and slippery.
Other trails are the Lirhanda trail and the Isecheno forest trail.
Ø Picnic
Carry enough snacks to enjoy at the viewpoints with beautiful scenery with your family and friends. At the campsite, they have large tables and benches where you can have your picnic.
Nearby Attractions at Kakamega Forest
1. The Crying Stones (Ikhongo Murue)
It is at Ilesi along the Kakamega-Kisumu road. It resembles a solemn head resting on tired shoulders. It is made up of a large boulder balanced on top of a massive column of rock with ‘tear’ flowing down. Water streams down from the top of the massive towering basil, which is a unique phenomenon.
This is a must-visit site.
2. Nabongo Cultural Centre
It was started in 2008 to reflect on the past and the current ways of the kingdom at Eshiembekho in Matungu. Nabongo was a king and cultural monarch of the Wanga, or Abawanga.
3. Malava forest
This is a small tropical forest on Kakamega-Webuye Road. The forest has different varieties of trees with local names. This is a getaway forest from the bustling town of Kakamega.
What to Carry for Kakamega Trail
As you plan to visit Kakamega Forest for a day hike, you should pack:
1. 1-2 liters of water since the area is not hot and the altitude is not high along the trails.
2. Carry enough snacks for energy as you explore the forest.
3. Wear a long top and bottom.
4. Wear flexible hiking shoes.
5. Carry your identification cards; they will be needed at the entry.
6. Come with money in cash and mobile money so that you will not have any inconveniences with the payment methods.
Kakamega is almost at the equator; therefore, the temperatures are constant around the year, with monthly differences in precipitation. Carry a raincoat in case the weather changes while hiking.
Safety and Visitor Tips while visiting Kakamega Forest
Before you visit Kakamega Forest, research more about the forest so that you will not have any inconveniences while visiting the forest. Visit as a group for safety and fun moments. You can get a local guide who is familiar with the trails to take you around the forest.
You can visit the forest any time and any season. The best time to go hiking in the forest is in the morning. This time there is no fog or dew.
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