Kakamega Forest NR Kenya flag

Kakamega Forest NR - Kenya Wildlife Destination

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Starting from

$500PP

Overview

Time has stopped for the Kakamega Forest, a remnant of the tropical jungle that extended all over Central Africa. This delightful woodland is home to different well-evolved creatures including bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, colobus monkeys, Debrazzar monkeys and pottos. Some of the birds to be seen here incorporate the Blue Headed Bee Eater, Black Billed Turaco, Turner's Eremomela and Gray Parrots. Bird watching, climbing and rock climbing can be delighted here in the tranquillity of the woodland.

High Season
mid-December to March & July to October
Best Time to Go
December to February and June to July

Pros & Cons

  • Small but lovely Isiukhu fall
  • The giant tree on Mukangu trails
  • Rare tropical forest habitat
  • Great hiking opportunities on several forest trails
  • Fantastic birding with many West African species
  • Off-the-beaten-track and little visited
  • Not on any tourist circuit
  • Very limited accommodation, including only one tourist lodge

Map in Kenya

Kakamega Forest NR map

Wildlife & Animals

Kakamega Forest is not primarily a wildlife destination. However, there are some small animals are available which includes a bush pig, duikers, bushbuck, African clawless otter, mongoose, giant African water shrew, squirrels, tree pangolin, porcupine, bats and a variety of primates including the blue monkey, redtail monkey, De Brazza's monkey, baboon, potto and the occasional vervet monkey. 

Wildlife Highlights

The forest changes after twilight. Night walks are led by the spotlight. A portion of the nighttime animals you may experience are bushpig, genet and civet. Hammer-headed fruit bats can be found in flight. Uncommon sightings of potto and tree pangolin have been recorded and a genuine Kakamega extraordinary is the giant otter wench. There are loads of fascinating interesting insects too, including the super-sized goliath beetle.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Kakamega Forest can be visited all year round, 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.

Birds

Kakamega forest is famous for its birds, around 367 bird species have been recorded in the forest such as the West African Great blue turaco and black-and-white-casqued hornbill. At least 9 birds are not found anywhere else. It supports over 80 species on the eastern limit of their range from central and West Africa.

Best Time for Birding

Kakamega forest is a bird watcher's delight the entire year. Unusual forest species are regularly long-lasting occupants and can be seen anytime. Migratory birds plunge into the forest from November to April. There is a lot of rain consistently, however, April and May are the wettest months, and travel during that time can be really difficult.

Best Time to Visit – Kakamega Forest NR

Kakamega Forest can be visited all year round, 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.

High Season
mid-December to March & July to October
Low Season
April to June & November to mid-December
Best Weather
December to February
Worst Weather
April and May

December to February (Dry Season)

  • Rarely gets hot, Most of the time it's sunny & dry
  • Due to short grass and less water sources, Animals can be spotted easily
  • Roads are in good condition compare to other parks
  • Migrant birds from Europe & North Africa can be spotted
  • Special forest birds are challenging to spot
  • Accommodation options are very limited, Book in advance

April to November (Wet Season)

  • Bird watching is amazing
  • Butterflies are abundant in the months of August and September
  • Rain in April and May will sometimes come in between your planned activities
  • Roads become sloppy and difficult to travel

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