Activities to do in Kakamega Forest National Reserve : The Kakamega Forest National Reserve, tucked away in Western Kenya, is a monument to the abundant biodiversity of the area. This verdant refuge, which is the only Guineo-Congolian tropical rainforest in Kenya, is a surviving remnant of a rainforest that formerly spanned Central and Eastern Africa, covering an area of around 200 square kilometres.
Things to do in Kakamega Forest National Reserve
If you’re wondering what to do when visiting Kakamega Forest National Reserve, we’ve compiled a list of some of the things you can do. This is a fantastic, breathtaking park.
The sole remaining tropical rain forest in Kenya is the Kakamega Forest, which formerly covered Western Kenya and stretched from West Africa to East Africa. With its abundance of species, the Kakamega Forest National Reserve is quite unique. You may walk through it and observe birds, butterflies, enormous strangler fic trees, old rain forest trees and primates.
Nature walks
The forest is home to numerous species of monkeys, and this is a significant primate sanctuary. In the underbrush, one can frequently spot gorgeous chameleons. The forest seems like a different place at night, with the air full with bats and resonating with the sounds of frogs, night birds, and the enormous forest squirrel’s loud call. Along with enormous trees and breathtaking waterfalls, a variety of birds and primates may be seen on the nature walk. There is a fig tree in the woodland that is said to be over 700 years old.
Birdwatching
Over 300 different bird species can be seen in the woodland, an incredible amount of birdlife. In addition to being a haven for birdwatchers, the reserve is home to a variety of primates, including Sykes, de Brazza, colobus, and black-cheeked white-nosed monkeys, as well as birds that are unique to the nation. Look for the black-billed turaco, grey parrot, blue-headed bee-eater, and hornbill—which makes a distinctive chopping sound—as they glide above you in the lush forest canopy.
Night Walks
Kenya Wildlife Society also hosts events at the park. A two-hour evening safari will allow you to get up close and personal with the reserve’s nocturnal animals and sounds. The forest is a different place at night, with the air ringing with the sounds of night birds, frogs, and the enormous forest squirrel, as well as the presence of bats. The spotlight leads night hikes, which are really worthwhile. You may come across nocturnal animals including civets, genets, and bush pigs. You can witness hammer-headed fruit bats in flight. There have been reports of rare sightings of potto and tree pangolins, and the enormous otter shrew is a true Kakamega special. There are also many other fascinating insects, such as the enormous goliath beetle.
Hiking
Hiking routes may be found throughout the forest, providing visitors with one of Kenya’s most distinctive experiences. There are 1 km to 7 km of trails here. One of the most popular lengthier treks, Isiukhu Trail connects Isecheno to the modest Isiukhu Falls and takes at least half a day. There are unobstructed views east to the Nandi Escarpment from Buyangu Hill, which is 4km away by car or foot. You can get up close and personal with the vast expanse of surrounding close-up nature on these hiking paths.
Cultural tours
Learn about and get to know these native people. Take pleasure in their storytelling of folktales and dancing performances.
Butterflies watching
More than 4800 kinds of colourful butterflies and 6000 species of less colourful moths may be found in the Kakamega National Park. Common butterfly species include the Mocker Swallow-tail, Regal Swallow-tail, Black-tipped Diadem, and Forest Mother of Pearl.
Go camping
This park is the perfect place for you if you prefer being outside and going on camping experiences. Get lost in Kakamega hidden treasures canopy and stunning rain forest. Among the best locations in the nation to camp is the park.
Nothing compares to an evening in the wild at Kakamega National Park, especially when a campfire is lit and you have your loved ones with you. Enjoy a cool night break and wake up to the sounds of beautiful birdsong, which will fill your ears. All you can do is smile and try to figure out which bird is trying to brighten your morning, and by the time you realise it’s morning, a cap of tea is waiting for you by your tent. This park is the perfect place for you if you prefer being outside and going on camping experiences. Get lost in Kakamega’s hidden treasures canopy and stunning rain forest. Among the best locations in the nation to camp is the park.
Nothing compares to an evening in the wild at Kakamega National Park, especially when a campfire is lit and you have your loved ones with you. Enjoy a cool night break and wake up to the sounds of beautiful birdsong, which will fill your ears. All you can do is smile and try to figure out which bird is trying to brighten your morning, and by the time you realise it’s morning, a cap of tea is waiting for you by your tent.
Photography
Everyone enjoys the thought of capturing a special moment in time, therefore visiting a park will have you snapping dozens of pictures to bring back home and look at with joy every time. It is imperative that you bring your camera with you so that you don’t miss any of these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
How to get to Kakamega Forest National Reserve
The only Guineo-Congolian tropical rain forest in Kenya is found in Kakamega Forest National Reserve. It originally extended from Central Africa to East Africa. The Kakamega Forest is situated in the Kakamega East District (Kakamega County) of Western Kenya. For an amazing trip, find out how to go to Kakamega Forest National Reserve and get in touch with kenya safaris tour.
Kakamega Forest is located 45 km/27 mi north of Kisumu and 420 km/260 mi northwest of Nairobi.
By road
It takes around six hours to drive from Nairobi to Kakamega Forest Reserve. There are 18 km between Kakamega town and Kakamega forest station in the Kakamega rain forest. Road access to Kakamega is via Kakamega Town, which is conveniently reachable from Kisumu via matatu or bus. To get to the jungle, you’ll either need to take a Kenya safari or have your own transportation.
It is better to explore the reserve on foot. There are several of well-marked walking pathways in the woodland. For walking, there are top-notch, certified local guides available.
By air
Nairobi is the main hub for transportation in Kenya, and it is where most travellers arriving by plane from Europe or North America land. The distance between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Nairobi is 15 km/9 mi. Moi International Airport (MBA), which is located 9 km/6 mi west of Mombasa, is Kenya’s second international airport. Typically, your tour operator (Focus East Africa Safaris) arranges for you to take charter flights between parks. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Kisumu International Airport (KIS) are connected by plane every day. Kisumu domestic flights are available with a number of domestic airlines:
Kakamega Forest Reserve is an hour’s drive from Kisumu International Airport (KIS), where you can arrange for a pick-up, rent a car, or hail a cab.
