National Reserves 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.
Kenya certainly has enormous touring resources. There are no less than sixty national narks, reserves and game sanctuaries, covering approximately 11% of the land surface. Each of these diverse and stunning national parks and reserves offers unique wildlife experiences and unique, breathtaking landscapes.
Index of National Parks & Reserves in Kenya
Baringo County - Lake Baringo National Reserve, Lake Bogoria National Reserve, Kerio Valley National Reserve, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Bomet County - The South Western Mau National Reserve, Busia County - Malaba Sanctuary, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Rimoi National Reserve, Embu County - Mount Kenya National Park; Irangi Forest Station, Mwea National Reserve, Garissa County - Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary, Rahole National Reserve, Arawale National Reserve, Boni National Reserve, Homa Bay County - Ruma National Park, Isiolo County - The Bisanadi National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve, Kajiado County - Amboseli National Park, Kakamega County - Kakamega National Reserve, Kilifi County - Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Watamu Marine National Park, Malindi Marine Reserve, Kisumu County - Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Ndere Island National Park, Kitui County - Mwingi National Reserve, South Kitui National Reserve, Kwale County - Shimba Hills National Reserve, Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve, Lamu County - Dodori National Reserve, Kiunga Marine National Reserve, Machakos County - Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, Makueni County - Chyulu Hills National Park, Ngai Ndethya National Reserve, Mandera County - Malka Mari National Park, Marsabit County - Losai National Reserve, South Island National Park, Marsabit National Park & Reserve, Sibiloi National Park, Meru County - Meru National Park, Mombasa County - Mombasa Marine National Reserve & Park, Nairobi County - The Nairobi National Park, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot National Park, Crescent Island Sanctuary, Hell's Gate National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nandi County - Bonjoge National Reserve, Narok County - Masai Mara National Reserve, Nyeri County - The Aberdare National Park, Samburu County - Samburu National Reserve, Maralal National Reserve, Siaya County - Lake Kanyaboli Reserve, Tana River County - Kora National Park, The Tana Primate National Reserve, Taita Taveta County - Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Tharaka Nithi County - Mutejwa National Reserve, Trans Nzoia County - Mount Elgon National Park, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Turkana County - Central Island Reserve, South Turkana Reserve, West Pokot County - Nasolot National Reserve
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.
You Are Here: Kakamega National Reserve
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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.
