Tentative UNESCO Sites in Kakamega
The Pretty Kakamega Forest National Reserve
A flourishing and biodiverse tropical rainforest in western Kenya, its West African affinities are unique locally, and Kakamega Forest National Reserve contains many species found nowhere else in the country. Its avifauna is unique not locally, but continentally. Within its healthful embrace, several variegated species have been isolated. Relict populations here, including Ansorge’s Greenbul, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Chapin’s Flycatcher and the Turner’s Eremomela, are absent from nearly all similar forests in Africa. Moreover, it is often referred to as Kenya’s last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once stretched across central Africa.
The most popular route to Kakamega Forest National Reserve is via the Isecheno Gate, 18 km east of Kakamega town via Kakamega-Webuye Road through Kambiri Market. This is well signposted. From Eldoret town the easiest route is via the Kapsabet-Chepsonoi-Mukumu Road. Either way, both routes arrive at the mid-western edge of the reserve, which is open year-round daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Charges: citizen-300, Resident-600, Non-resident USD 22. Kakamega Forest National Reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity, tranquil atmosphere, and cultural significance. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Site to boot.
The biologically-flush 44.5 km2 Kakamega Forest National Reserve is a birders, walkers and photographers playground. It harbors more than 400 bird species, rare and endemic tree species like the Elgon teak, Red stinkwood and African satinwood, and plenty of monkeys – including colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and the rare De Brazza’s monkey. As a destination, the forest has pieced itself together as a sanctum for nature-lovers, where amazing beauty unfolds around every bend. It is home to over 400 butterfly species. On top of that, there is genuine serenity and tranquil solitude about the forest. Nature takes center stage.
It is about the wide-band tropical bird songs of the rain forest? or the sunlight piercing through the forest canopy? or the majesty of an untravelled waterfall? or even, perhaps, its viewing deck at Bunyangu Hill that overlooks the roof of the forest and the spectral Lirhanda Cave at the foot of the hill? There is plenty to enjoy here. Kakamega Forest National Reserve is both a scenic and exploratory park, where visitors can opt to scout by walking, riding or driving. The forest holds spiritual and cultural significance for the local Luhya community, who consider it a sacred space for rituals and herbal medicine. There accommodation options at Kakamega Forest Ecosystem are; at Isikuti, Udo Guest Houses, and Rondo Retreat.
Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Sites are locations that a country has proposed for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These sites undergo a rigorous evaluation process by UNESCO’s Committee to assess their cultural, natural, or mixed significance. Countries propose these sites to gain international recognition and protection, promoting their value for preservation for future generations.
Index of Sites in UNESCO Tentative List
Baringo County - Lake Baringo National Reserve, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Marakwet Irrigation Furrows, Homa Bay County - Mfangano & Rusinga Islands, Kajiado County - Olorgesailie Prehistoric Museum, Kakamega County - Kakamega Forest National Reserve, Kilifi County - The Historic Town of Gedi, Kilifi Caves (Panga ya Saidi, Chasimba, Mawe Meru), Kwale County - The Eastern Arc Coastal Forest, Shimba Hills National Reserve, Makueni County - Chyulu Hills National Reserve, Meru County - Meru Conservation Area, Mombasa County - Fort Jesus, Nakuru County - Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Hell's Gate National Park, Narok County - Masai Mara Ecosystem, Nyeri County - Aberdare National Park, Taita Taveta County - Tsavo National Parks, Tana River County - Tana Delta Complex
Related Pages: The 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kenya
Kakamega County remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s cultural and ecological diversity, with its vibrant traditions, economic activities, and natural beauty making it a critical part of the nation’s heritage. Smack in the middle of Western Kenya, enjoying a temperate climate, Kakemega is both populous and vibrant.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Kakamega National Reserve
A Guide to Kakamega County
A Summa Digest of Kakamega
About Kakamega Way Back When
30 Destinations in Kakamega County, arranged as one would visit these - north, south, east then west - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Mwikhupo Falls, Sidikho Falls, Kakamega Forest Ecosystem, Kisere Forest, Malava Forest, Mawe Tatu Hills, Kakamega National Reserve, Isukuti Guest House, Udo Bandas, Isiukhu Falls, Lirhanda Cave, Busambuli Lodge, Isecheno Nature Reserve, Kambiri Hill, Mukai Stone Cave, Savona Isle Resort, Rondo Retreat Centre, Yala Nature Reserve, Nandi Escarpment, Lamanis Haven, The Golf Hotel, Kakamega Sports Club, MMUST Botanical Garden, Muliro Gardens, Rosterman Gold Mines, Shilahi Garden, Ikhongo Murwi, Ilesi Pottery Centre, Malinya Stadium, Nabongo Cultural Centre, Hamptons City
Know More About Kakamega County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
The altitudes of Kakamega varies between 1,240 ms to 2,000 ms. The southern part of the county is rather hilly, and strewn with unique and rugged granite tors, rising in places to nearly 1,950 ms.
Temperatures range from 18oC and 29oC. January to March are the hottest while June to August are cold spells. The climate is equable over the county, with adequate and well distributed rainfall.
