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Destination
Kakamega Forest
The lush rain forests of East
Africa provide a welcome escape from the hot, dry savanna. Kakamega
forest is the only place in Kenya to truly experience the diversity
and beauty of a tropical rain forest. The splendor and
color of the wild orchids that decorate the forest floor are only
out-done by the exotic bird life that ornaments the tree tops. Colobus
monkeys and Blue monkeys cavort overhead while massive buttresses
provide support for the tree trunks below. A forest Mother
of Pearl butterfly alights on a broad green leaf illuminated by
a ray of sunlight that breaks through the dense forest canopy. These
are the sights and the sounds of Kakamega Forest, but nothing can
describe the feeling of experiencing it.
This page provides information on
the following subjects:
What
is unique about Kakamega Forest?
- Kenya's only Tropical
Rain forest- The Kakamega Forest is generally considered the
eastern-most remnant of the lowland Congolean rain forest of Central
Africa. Although Kakamega Forest is dominated by central
African lowland species, it also contains highland species. This
mix of lowland and highland species gives Kakamega Forest a unique
variety of flora and fauna. Kakamega Forest possesses
this assemblage of species because of its elevation (predominantly
between 1500 m and 1600 m) and its proximity to the Nandi Forests
which are east and south.
- Birds The
forest is best known for its diversity of birds and some 367 species
have been recorded. A checklist can be found at Kakamega
Bird Checklist Thirty-six of
the species that occur in and around Kakamega Forest are found
nowhere else in Kenya ( Endemic
Bird Species). One of the most flamboyant
species in Kakamega Forest is the Great Blue Turaco a turkey sized
glossy blue bird that sports a mohawk-like haircut. Kakamega
Forest is a "must" for any serious bird watcher visiting Kenya.
- Butterflies Kakamega
Forest supports a wide diversity of beautiful butterflies. Some
of these include the Regal Swallowtail, the Black-tipped Diadem
and the Forest Mother of Pearl. The forest is a regular
destination for lepidopterists and for butterfly safaris catering
to tourists.
- Reptiles-
Although they can be difficult to find, Kakamega Forest is also
known for its diversity of snakes, with over 40 species,. Lizards
are present along with various skinks, chameleons and agamas. The
most impressive lizard is the Nile Monitor which can grow to be
two meters in length.
- Flowers In
addition to 160 tree and shrub species, Kakamega Forest contains
almost 170 species of herbs and 62 species of ferns. Of
these plant species 60 are orchids and 9 are endemic (found only
in Kakamega Forest). Along with the orchids Kakamega
Forest supports many different conspicuous flowers including the
flame lilies. In order to observe the flowers of Kakamega
Forest at their best you should arrive during one of the wet seasons
from April to May or from August to September. However,
the roads in and around the forest are worst during these seasons.
- Mammals- The
most conspicuous mammals in the forest are the seven species of
primates including red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, the common
black and white colobus monkeys, and the rare de Brazza's monkeys. Smaller
antelope such as duikers are present. Small carnivores, such as
Egyptian mongooses, African civets, servals, and genets hunt in
Kakamega Forest. Leopards still occur in Kakamega Forest
but are rare.
For more information on
the plants and animals of Kakamega Forest see our Ecology
page.
Climate
The Kakamega Forest is very
wet, with an average of 2.08 meters of rain per year. Rainfall
is heaviest in April and May (during the "long rains"), with a slightly
drier June and a second peak of rain roughly in September to November
(during the "short rains"). January and February are
the driest months. The temperature is fairly constant
throughout the year, with mean daily minimums of about 11 C (51.8
F) and mean daily maximums of about 26 C (78.8 F).
What
is there to do in Kakamega Forest?
The wide variety of activities
that the forest provides are based out of two different places within
the forest: Isecheno and Buyangu. These two sites correspond with
the different management units that exist in Kakamega Forest: the
Kakamega Forest Reserve and the Kakamega National Reserve. Isecheno
is the site of the Forest Station that oversees the Kakamega Forest
Reserve, while Buyangu is the site of the Kenyan Wildlife Service
Station that oversees the Kakamega National Reserve. While
there are some differences between the two sites, all of the activities
listed below are possible at both Isecheno and Buyangu.
- Hiking and Scenic
Views- An extensive network of trails runs throughout Kakamega
Forest. There are two different trail systems: one
near the Forest Station at Isecheno and one at the Kenya Wildlife
Service Station at Buyangu. The walk to Buyangu Hill,
the highest point in the forest, is a must for visitors. Lirhanda
Hill, near Isecheno, is another popular hiking destination that
rises above the forest canopy and provides excellent vistas of
the forest and surrounding countryside. On some of
the trails, the indigenous trees are identified by signs with
their local and latin names. Walking on these trails
provides the perfect opportunity to experience the lush beauty
of a rain forest.
- Observing Wildlife-
As mentioned above, Kakamega Forest is a unique habitat and it
supports a wide variety of plants and animals some of which are
found nowhere else in Kenya and some nowhere else in the world.
Guides
It is possible to hire guides
at the Buyangu Kenyan Wildlife Service Station and at the Isecheno
Forest Station. Guides can be helpful in identification
of plants and animals as well as having a wide range of knowledge
about the forest. If you are interested in the medicinal
or traditional uses of the plants and animals of Kakamega Forest then
a guide is essential. Guides are not a necessity during
the day, however, and you are free to walk on the trails alone. Night
walks can be arranged through the forester or warden and must be led
by a guide.
Wilberforce Okeka (picture at left) is the head guide
at the Isecheno Forest Station. He is extremely knowledgeable
about the forest. He is adept at identifying the trees,
herbs and animals of Kakamega Forest. He is an excellent
birder and he knows the medicinal and traditional uses of forest
products. Wilberforce is also involved in a number of
programs that are helping to conserve the forest for future generations
(For more information see our Conservation
page.) We highly recommend Wilberforce Okeka as a guide
and as a source of knowledge about Kakamega Forest.
Who
can take you there?
This is a short list of
Kenyan based tour companies that go to Kakamega Forest:
Private Safaris
Caxton House
Kenyatta
Avenue
P.O. Box
45205
Nairobi
Tel: 02-337115 |
Mara Mbose Tours
Wedco Centre
Jomo
Kenyatta Highway
P.O. Box
33
Kisumu
Tel:
035-21597/ 23366 |
East African Ornithological
Safaris
Contact Mr. Don
Turner
P.O. Box
48019
Nairobi
Tel:02-48772 |
In Paradise Agencies
P.O. Box 114
Kakamega
Or
contact Joselyne
Franka Hotel
Tel: 0331-20086 |
Let's Go
Travel
P.O. Box 60342, Nairobi, Kenya
1st Floor, Caxton House, Standard Street, Nairobi
Phone: + 254-2-213033 or 340331
Fax: + 254-2-214713 or 336890
E-Mail: info@letsgosafari.com or letsgo@iconnect.co.ke
Our Web Sites:
http://www.kenya-direct.com/letsgo
http://www.letsgosafari.com
Here are some other non-Kenyan
based tour companies that book tours to Kakamega:
Wildlife
Worldwide
Chameleon House, 162 Selsdon Road,
South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 6PJ. UK
Telephone +44 (0)20 8667 9158
Fax +44 (0)20 8667 1960
Email sales@wildlifeworldwide.com
http://www.wildlifeworldwide.com/travel.html
Sarus Bird Tours
Sarus Travel 12 Walton Drive,
Walmersley, Bury, BL9 5JU, UK
Telephone 0161 761 7279
Fax 0161 797 6243 e-mail: info@sarusbirdtours.co.uk
http://www.sarusbirdtours.co.uk/
W I N
G S
1643 N. Alvernon Way, Suite 105
Tucson, Arizona 85712, U.S.A.
Toll free (888) 293-6443
Telephone(520) 320-9868
FAX (520) 320-9373
E-mail wings@wingsbirds.com
http://wingsbirds.com/index.html
Clockwork Travel
5210 Pershing Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Tel: 800 752 6246 or (817) 735 4130
Fax: (817) 735 8930
E-mail: kenneth@clockbird.com
http://www.clockbird.com/
Kilimanjaro
Adventure Travel
1770 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 192
Cambridge, MA 02140 - USA
Tel: (617) 868-0743
Fax: (617) 497-5254
e-mail bookings@kilimanjaro.com
http://www.kilimanjaro.com
Expedition
Travel
1717 N.W. 45th Avenue
Gainesville, FL 32605
Email: expeditiontravel@expeditiontravel.net
http://expeditiontravel.net/index.html
For general information on traveling to Kenya see
our Links Page.
How
can you get there from Nairobi?
- By car: The
trip from Nairobi to Kakamega town via Nakuru and Kapsabet is
about 418 km (261.3 miles). Take the A104 road as far
as Timboroa and continue for another 4 km (2.5 miles) and then
turn left onto the C36 road to Kapsabet. From Kapsabet
take the C39 road West until it joins the A1 Kisumu-Kakamega road. From
there turn North on the A1 to Kakamega town.
If you are traveling directly
from Nairobi to Isecheno you can follow the above directions. However,
when you are on the C39 road after Kapsabet you can take a short
cut. Turn right in a village called Chepsonoi at a
sign posting for Rondo Retreat and take that dirt road directly
to Isecheno. This road, however, can be very bad especially
in wet conditions and a four wheel drive or high clearance minibus
is recommended.
- By Bus: There
are several bus companies that provide services to Kakamega town
from Nairobi. The Akamba bus company is a safe choice
with daily service to Kakamega town.
- By Air: There
is an air strip located 4 km (2.5 miles) outside of Kakamega town
and a plane can be chartered from Nairobi. Flights
also run daily from Nairobi to Kisumu.
How can
you get there from Kisumu?
Kakamega town is located north of Kisumu on the A1
road through the town of Maragoli. Taxis, buses and matatus
(public transportation vans) are all available to provide transport
between Kisumu and Kakamega town. Similarly, transportation
can be arranged from Kisumu to Kakamega Forest through a taxi or
a matatu. If you have your own car and want to get from
Kisumu to Isecheno, take the A1 road toward Kakamega town. At
Khayega, 10 km (6.3 miles) before Kakamega town turn right onto
a dirt road toward Shinyalu. At Shinyalu take the right
branch (toward Isecheno) and then 5 km (3.1 miles) latter go left
at the Forest Department signpost (note this signpost is not always
there). From Kisumu, Buyangu is accessible through Kakamega
town (see directions below).
How can you
get from Kakamega town to Kakamega Forest?
- From Kakamega
town to Isecheno: If you have
your own car, a road runs from Kakamega town directly to Shinyalu
where the left branch leads toward Isecheno. However,
we do not know the quality or condition of this road. Another
route is to take the A1 road south of the Kakamega town and turn
left at Khayega toward Shinyalu. 5 km (3.1 miles)
outside of Shinyalu take a left at the Forest Department signpost. Ask
for help if you can't find the signpost because it has been known
to disappear occasionally! Matatus (public transportation vans)
run once daily from Kakamega town to Kapsabet via Shinyalu and
in the process run right past the aforementioned Forest Department
signpost where you can be dropped off. The Guest House
and Isecheno Forest Station is only ten minutes walk further.
- From Kakamega town to Buyangu: 20
km (12.5 miles) north of Kakamega town on the A1 road take a right
turn at the sign for the Kakamega National Forest Reserve. 2-3
km (1.5 miles) up this road is the Kenyan Wildlife Service Station
where you can get further information.
Where
can I stay in Kakamega Forest?*
Isecheno Guest House (photo
by Damon Hearne)
Isecheno Guest House and Campsite
Contact: The Forester
Kakamega Forest Station
P.O. Box 88
Kakamega, Kenya
This pleasant and affordable accommodation
at Isecheno offers four rooms each with two single beds and a bathroom.
These rooms are elevated from ground level by stilts and provide
a gorgeous view of the forest from the verandah. You
should bring your own bedding and there is no electricity. The
campsite, located next to the Guest House has its own outhouses,
shower rooms, and running water. Rates are very modest.
Udo's Bandas and Campsite
Contact: The District Warden
Kenya Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 879
Kakamega, Kenya
Tel: 0331-20425
Udo's is located in the northern part of the
Kakamega National Reserve near Buyangu. The accommodations
within the thatched rooms are very basic with no running water or
electricity. Visitors should provide their own bedding
and food. Modest rates.
Rondo Retreat
Contact: Rev. Michael Carlisle
P.O. Box 2153
Kakamega
Tel: 0331-30268
Managed by the Trinity Fellowship, this retreat
center is first class and offers elegant rooms in delightful cottages
with four poster beds. The grounds are lovely and the
setting is lush and beautiful. There is a dining room
but no alcoholic drinks are offered. Tourist level prices.
Rondo is located 3 km (1.9 miles) from Isecheno on the road to Ikuywa.
Where can
I stay in Kakamega town?
The Golf Hotel
Contact: The Manager
The Golf Hotel P.O. Box 118
Kakamega
Tel:
0331-20125/30150 |
Wayside House
P.O. Box 900
Kakamega
Tel: 0331-20128 |
Other lodgings in Kakamega
include the Bendera Hotel and Restaurant, Franka Hotel and Salama
Board and Lodging.
For more information on traveling in Kenya, we recommend
the Rough Guide to Kenya.
An
important part of conservation is identifying the economic benefits
that come from conserving. Ecoursim is one of these economic
benefits. Your visit to Kakamega Forest can help to preserve
this important and unique place. The local economic benefits
from tourism can play a very important role in promoting conservation.
The majority of the people living around Kakamega Forest are subsistence
farmers who have little or no income. These people often
rely on the forest to provide resources such as fire wood, herbs and
roof thatching. By visiting the forest and supporting the
local economy, tourism can give local people the ability and desire
to save the forest. Additionally, the park fees you pay
are used to hire park rangers who enforce conservation measures.
These fees also maintain facilities that support rangers and attract
tourists. Providing support for conservation is just one
more reason to visit Kakamega Forest.
More information on the Conservation
of Kakamega Forest.
Nearby
attractions and parks
- Lake Victoria
- Lambwe Valley National
Reserve/Ruma National Park
- Ndere Island National
Park-(Lake Victoria)
- Kisumu Impala Sanctuary
- Mount Elgon National
Park
- Saiwa Swamp National Park
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