Kakamega Forest National Reserve
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.
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. Turn left on 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.
From Kakamega town, park is 18 km towards Webuye/Eldoret route.
By Air - There are scheduled flights to Kakamega and visitors can also fly to Kisumu or Eldoret and travel by road to Kakamega.
KAKAMEGA FOREST NATIONAL RESERVE |
Citizen |
Resident |
Non-Resident |
|||
Adults KSH |
Child KSH |
Adult KSH |
Child KSH |
Adult USD |
Child
|
|
300 | 125 |
300 |
125 |
22 |
13 |
MODE OF PAYMENT: Through Ecitizen (https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/ ) via MPesa, Visa Card, RTGS ,Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Vehicle Charges Per Day
No. of Seats Ksh.
• Less than 6 seats - Ksh.300
• 6-12 seats - Ksh.1,030
• 13-24seats - Ksh.2,585
• 25-44 seats - Ksh.4,050
• 45 seats and above - Ksh.5,000
Teeming with over 300 bird species, over 400 butterfly species recorded and a safe haven to about seven primate species, Kakamega Forest makes a perfect destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. The forest is renowned by bird enthusiasts not only in the confines of our borders but also globally. Scenic spots easily accessible and rewarding sites worth your visit include Buyangu hill-a short sharp climb to a rocky summit from where the rolling forest canopy can be viewed to the South. Other spots include Lirhanda hill and Isiukhu waterfalls.
Unique snake species numbering to about thirty six 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, the Black – Lipped Cobra, Jameson’s Mamba, the Bush Viper, the Rhinoceros- horned Viper and the Gabon Viper. The beautiful forest and natural glades, rich and unusual in their composition makes it unique both nationally and globally where over 380 species of trees have been recorded.
Visitors can enjoy picnicking, camping, bird/butterfly watching, hiking, scenic viewing, cycling and cultural tourism from the rich Western Kenya community.
Teeming with over 300 bird species, over 400 butterfly species recorded and a safe haven to about seven primate species, Kakamega Forest makes a perfect destination for nature lovers and bird watchers. The forest is renowned by bird enthusiasts not only in the confines of in Kenya but also globally. Scenic spots easily accessible and rewarding sites worth your visit include Buyangu hill-a short sharp climb to a rocky summit from where the rolling forest canopy can be viewed to the South. Other spots include Lirhanda Hill and Isiukhu waterfalls.
The forest is home to 36 unique snake species. 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, the Black – Lipped Cobra, Jameson’s Mamba, the Bush Viper, the Rhinoceros- horned Viper and the Gabon Viper.
The beautiful forest and natural glades, rich and unusual in their composition makes it unique both nationally and globally where over 380 species of trees have been recorded.
Visitors can enjoy picnicking, camping, bird/butterfly watching, hiking, scenic viewing, cycling and cultural tourism from the rich Western Kenya communities.
Isukuti Guest House:
Accommodation; 4units; 3pax per unit
Consists of one double bed and one single bed.
Amenities; Fully equipped kitchen and dining area, refrigerator and gas cooker. Lighting is by electricity. Also provided is a house caretaker, beddings, mosquito nets, towels and toiletries. TV with access to local channels.
Rates;
Citizens & Residents: Ksh. 4,000
Non-Residents: US$ 50
Udo Guest House:
Accommodation: 4units, 2pax per unit
Each unit has a master bedroom with two single beds and one double bed.
Amenities; Fully equipped kitchen and dining area, refrigerator and gas cooker. Lighting is by electricity. Beddings, mosquito nets, towels and toiletries. TV with access to local channels. A house caretaker is available to help.
Rates;
Citizens & Residents: Ksh.3, 000
Non-Residents: US$ 40
Camping: Public Campsites
- Udo Campsite
- Biota Campsite
For this category standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/bathroom and kitchen area.
Public campsites do not require prior booking.
*Reservation of guesthouses is done through the park warden or through KWS headquarters reservations desk; reservations@kws.go.ke
*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day for both special and public campsites including other park charges.
Email: kakamegaforest@kws.go.ke
Phone: Office: 0202418419
Main gate: 0202654658