A Guide To Kakamega Forest National Reserve
The 44km square Kakamega Forest National Reserve is in the Lake Victoria basin, about 50km north of Kisumu. Being the only remnant in Kenya of the unique Guineo-Congolian forest ecosystem, the park offers unique wildlife and scenic beauty. The forest is home to more than 400 species of butterflies (about 45 per cent of butterflies in Kenya), about 300 bird species and 27 species of snakes.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve
The park also supports more than 350 species of trees and seven primate species, including the endangered DeBrazza monkey (found in the isolated Kisere Forest Reserve, which is part of the larger Kakamega Forest National Reserve), black and white colobus monkey and vervet monkey. The Potto (the world’s slowest mammal on earth), duikers and dik diks are also found in Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
Facts About Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Area; 44sq km
Distance from kisumu; 50km north of Kisumu
Distance from Nairobi; 415km by road
Altitude; between 1500m and 1600 above sea level
The Kakamega Forest National Reserve is situated in the Lake Victoria basin, about 50km north of Kisumu town. Being the only remnant in Kenya of the unique Guineo-Congolian forest ecosystem, the park offers unique wildlife and scenic beauty. For bird and butterfly watchers, this is the place to visit.
The park, 415km from Nairobi, is accessible by road via Nakuru and Kapsabet. There are no scheduled flights to Kakamega and visitors fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and connect to Kakamega by road. Entry to the park is by cash only. Cash receipts can be bought at the kakamega forest national reserve main gate or the Kws headquarter in Nairobi. The park does not offer in-park accommodation but Kws has self-catering facilities at Udo Bandas and isukuti guest house. The park has several campsites.
What To See At Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Mammals
- Bush pig, Giant Forest Hedge Hog, Colobus Monkey, Debrazzar Monkey, Potto, Clawless Offer and many others.
Birds
- Blue Headed Bee Eater, Black Billed Turaco, Turners Eremomela,Grey Parrot
Snakes
- Black Lipped Cobra, Rhinoceros Horned Viper, Gabon Viper,Forest Cobra among others
Trees
- Prunus Africana, Olea Capensis, Maesopsis Emini
Accommodation and hotels in Kakamega Forest National Reserve
KWS Self Catering
- Isukuti Guest House
- Udo Guest House
- Udo Traditional Huts
- Udo Traditional (Big Hut)
Campsites inKakamega Forest National Reserve
- Udo Campsite
- Biota Campsite
How to get to Kakamega Forest National Reserve
- By road – The shortest route from Nairobi (418 km) is via Nakuru and Kapsabet. Take the A104 road as far as Timboroa and continue for another 4 km until you see left turn which takes you to the C36 road to Kapsabet from there take the C39 road until it joins the Kisumu – Kakamega road.From Eldoret the shortest route is via the C39 road to Kapsabet.
- By air – There are now scheduled flights to Kakamega and visitors can also fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and travel by road to Kakamega.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve fees
Citizen
Adults KSH: 350
Child KSH: 200
Resident
Adults KSH: 600
Child KSH: 350
Non – Resident
Adults USD:25
Child USD: 15
Kakamega Forest National Reserve Contacts
Attraction Type: Wildlife
Category: National Reserve, Birding Site
Region: Western
City / Town: Kakamega
Telephone: 254 56 20425 254 56 30603
Email: kakamegaforest@kws.go.ke
Watch a short video of the Kakamega Forest National Reserve
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