The only remnant in Kenya of the once great tropical rain forest that stretched across Central Africa is home to several hundreds of bird species making it an Important Bird Area (IBA.) Snakes, primates, butterflies and countless tree species and natural glades as well as the rare De Brazza monkey are a spectacle.
Kakamega forest is populated by a network of nature trails. A walk through the high canopies, it’s silence only broken by bird calls or the chatter of monkey troops or occasionally a gurgle of a nearby stream, is a simple delight. All this and more are possible in a day trip. The cool crisp serene forest environment makes it a perfect retreat from the daily hustle and bustle of the city.
A network of nature trails penetrates the forest. A walk beneath the lush forest canopy, the deep shade is pierced by flashes of color, exotic birdcalls, and chatter of monkey troops, occasional gurgles from a nearby stream and scents of wood, flower and moss. The best time to visit is during the rainy season, April to July, when the flowers are at their most beautiful. The cool crisp serene forest environment makes it a perfect space to retreat away from the daily hustle and bustle of life.
There are 7kms of trails that can be explored in the company of a ranger. The walk to Buyangu hill, the highest point in the forest is necessary for visitors. The indigenous trees lining the trails are identified on signs with their local and Latin names. A variety of plant species are spread in swamps, riverine and hardwood forest areas, glades and the shallow forest around the edge of the reserve. Unique snake species find a conducive home environment in the forest. True to the forest’s continental origins, the snakes of Kakamega are also found in West Africa. They include the Forest Cobra, The Gold’s Cobra, the Forest Night Adder, and the Black – Lipped Cobra, Jameson’s Mamba, the Bush Viper, the Rhinoceros- horned Viper and the Gabon Viper.
