Forest Stations in Kakamega
Malava Forest Reserve: A Roadside Beauty
It is theorized that Malava Forest become isolated from Kakamega Forest between 1895 and 1917. Still, it has almost certainly been an island for a considerably longer period, if indeed it was ever connected to other forest blocks at all. As far back as the records extend, to 1910, Malava Forest had been as isolated from other forests as it is today. Its name, Malava, is said to be derived from the Luhya idiom ‘clean’ after its attribute of having a clean forest floor in spite of the thick forest canopy.
The faunal diversity of buffalo, bush-buck, wild hog, hyena, leopard and python all became locally extinct through hunting and disturbance from logging and charcoal burning in the early 1930’s. Duiker, waterbuck, porcupine and aardvark are said to have a rare presence. It has maintained a high diversity of primates, with monkeys and baboons being the dominant set of mammals in the forest.
Also, its strategic location along the Kakamega-Webuye Road and Malava-Lugusi Road makes it an ideal stopover for exploration. It covers 7.2 km2 of which 3 km2 is under plantation and the rest under natural forest. Malava Forest Lodge offers accommodation within the Forest. It is located 25 km north of Kakamega town.
Kenya’s vast forest reserves are of immeasurable importance in biodiversity conservation, water regulation, and carbon storage. Collectively, these forests, natural and exotic, cover 2008 km2 or about 3.4% of Kenya’s land surface area, and 15% of the most fertile land. They also provide important recreational and ecotourism opportunities for visitors to enjoy Kenya’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Index of National Forests & Forests Reserves in Kenya
Baringo County - Tugen Hills Forest, Lembus Forest, Koibatek Forest, Bomet County - Chepalungu Forest, Trans Mara Forest, South Western Mau Forest Reserve, Bungoma County - Chepkitale Forest, Busia County - Budalang'i Forest, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Bugar Forest, Kessup Forest, Embobut Forest, Cherangani Hills Forest Reserve, Embu County - Njukiri Forest, Murinduko Hill Forest, Kirimiri Forest, Kiangombe Forest, Irangi Forest, Homa Bay County - Gwassi Hills Forest, The Kodera Forest, Kakamega County - Kakamega Forest Reserve, Kisere Forest, Malava Forest, Kericho County - Mau Forest Complex, Masaita Forest, Kiambu County - Kinale Forest, Kereita Forest, Kilifi County - Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, Mwangea Hill Forest, Dakatcha Woodland, Kirinyaga County - Murinduko Forest, Njukiini Forest, Kisii County - The Nyangweta Forest, Kitui County - Mumoni Hill Forest Reserve, Muvaroa Hill Forest Reserve, Laikipia County - Marmanet Forest Reserve, Mukogodo Forest, Lamu County - Witu Forest, The Dodori Forest, Boni-Lungi Forest, Machakos County - Iveti Forest Reserve, Makueni County - Kibwezi Forest Station, Marsabit County - Marsabit National Reserve, The Turbi Forest, Meru County - Giitune Sacred Forest, Mucheene Forest, Mpogoro Forest, Ngaya Forest, Nyambane Hill Forest, Ngare Ndare Forest, Muranga County - Aberdare Forest Station, Nairobi County - Ngong Forest, The Karura Forest, Nandi County - South Nandi Forest, North Nandi Forest, North Tinderet Reserve, Nyandarua County - Nyandarua Forest, Dundori Forest, Samburu County - Kirisia Forest, Taita Taveta County - Ngangao Forest, Vuria Hill, Fururu Forest, Tharaka Nithi Forest - Chuka Forest Station, Vihiga County - Nganyi Forest, Kaimosi Forest, The Kibiri Forest, West Pokot County - Kamatira Forest
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: Malava Forest Reserve
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Explore Destinations Nearby Malava Forest 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.
