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Kakamega Forest National Reserve is a tropical rainforest located in Kakamega and Nandi County, Kenya. It is situated approximately 418 km northwest of Nairobi, near the border with Uganda. This forest is significant as it represents Kenya’s only remaining remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once extended across Central Africa.
Geography and Climate The forest covers an area of about 238 square kilometers, with roughly half of it still consisting of indigenous forest. The terrain is undulating, primarily between elevations of 1500 to 1600 meters. Kakamega Forest experiences a wet climate, receiving an average annual rainfall ranging from 1200 mm to 1700 mm. The heaviest rainfall occurs during the long rains in April and May, while January and February are typically the driest months.
Biodiversity Kakamega Forest is renowned for its rich biodiversity. It hosts over 380 recorded plant species, including 60 species of ferns and numerous tree species such as Elgon teak and red stinkwood. The forest is also home to approximately 367 bird species, making it a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts. Notably, there are nine bird species endemic to this forest that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
In terms of fauna, the reserve supports various mammals including bush pigs, duikers, African clawless otters, and several primate species like De Brazza’s monkeys and colobus monkeys. Additionally, there are around 36 snake species present in the forest.
Attractions and Activities Kakamega Forest offers numerous attractions for visitors:
Best Time to Visit The optimal times to visit Kakamega Forest are during the drier months from December to February and June to July when birdwatching conditions are ideal due to less rain.
Accessing Kakamega Forest Visitors can reach Kakamega Forest by road or air. By road, it takes approximately six hours from Nairobi via Nakuru and Kapsabet. Alternatively, scheduled flights operate from Nairobi to Kakamega or nearby Kisumu.
Accommodation Options There are various accommodation options available within or near Kakamega Forest including guesthouses and campsites catering to different budgets.
From: $152 to $651 pp/day
From: December to February and June to July (Less rain)
From: Mid-December to March and July to October (Not busy)
From: 45km² / 17mi²
Although teeming with small animals, Kakamega Forest National Reserve is not primarily a wildlife destination. There are seven primate species of which you could easily see black-and-white colobus, red-tailed, and blue monkey. The very rare de Brazza's monkey is more difficult to find. Giant forest squirrels live in the canopy, while you might see some small antelope, such as duiker and dik-dik, scurrying off in the undergrowth.
Wildlife Highlights
The forest transforms after sundown. Night walks are conducted by the spotlight and are more than worthwhile. Some of the nocturnal creatures you might encounter are bushpigs, genets, and civets. Hammer-headed fruit bats can be seen in flight. Rare sightings of potato and tree pangolin have been recorded, and a real Kakamega special is the giant otter shrew. There are lots of interesting insects as well, including the supersized goliath beetle.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Kakamega Forest can be visited throughout the year, but heavy rains might interfere with hiking trips. The driest months are from December to February. The heaviest rain is in April and May, so these months are less ideal.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve has a tropical high-rainfall climate. Its closeness to the equator means that temperatures are steady throughout the year. Afternoons average around 26°C/79°F, while nights average around 14°C/57°F. It rains all year, with peaks in April and May.
Drier Season –December to February
Wet Season –March to November
Your entry point to the country will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9 mi southeast of the capital city Nairobi.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve is 420km/260 mi northwest of Nairobi and 45km/27 mi north of Kisumu. The drive from Nairobi takes about 6 hours*. You can organize a pickup, rent a car, or take a taxi from Kisumu International Airport (KIS), which is an hour’s drive* from Kakamega.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
Charter flights between parks are usually organized by your tour operator. There are daily flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Kisumu International Airport (KIS). Some Nairobi-to-Kisumu flights also leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4 mi south of Nairobi. Domestic flights to Kisumu can be booked with several carriers:
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – Kenya page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.
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