Discover Kakamega Forest National Reserve
What is Kakamega Forest National Reserve Entry Fees?
Kakamega Forest National Reserve Entrance fee
Below are the Kakamega Forest National Reserve entry fees for 2024
| Citizen | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Adults KSH | Child KSH | Adults KSH | Child KSH | Adults USD | Child USD |
| 300 | 125 | 300 | 125 | 22 | 13 |
Please note the rates are subject to change.
How to Pay for Kakamega Forest National Reserve Fees
How do you pay for Kakamega Forest National Reserve Fees? To pay for Park Fees, you will have to visit the KWS E-Citizen Account, create an account, and select Kakamega Forest National Reserve to pay for the park fees.
1. Download the e-Citizen mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and create an account or sign in if you already have an account.
3. Tap on the тАЬServicesтАЭ tab.
4. Scroll down and select тАЬKenya Wildlife Service (KWS)тАЭ.
5. Select the park or sanctuary that you want to visit.
6. Enter the number of adults and children in your party.
7. Select the payment method.
You can pay using M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or a credit/debit card.
8. Review your payment details and tap on тАЬPayтАЭ.
You will receive a confirmation message once your payment is successful.
The transaction will be mirrored in the Kenya Wildlife Service system, facilitating the visitorтАЩs entry to the park upon arrival at the entrance. On the day of Visit, ensure you have the ticket, and share it with the gate wardens for entry to the park.
What is the Best Time to Visit Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
The best time to visit Kakamega Forest National Reserve is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to August. The weather is ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting, with less rain making navigating trails easier. It’s also a great bird-watching time, as many birds breed and display after the April and May rains.
Avoid visiting Kakamega Forest National Reserve from April to May due to heavy rainfall, which makes trails muddy and difficult to navigate, limiting outdoor activities.
Low Season
April to June, November
This is the rainy season, with heavy downpours making some forest trails slippery and difficult to navigate. However, the forest is at its greenest, and waterfalls are most spectacular during this period. ItтАЩs also the best time for botany enthusiasts to see the forest in full bloom. Very few visitors come during this time, making it a peaceful experience for those who donтАЩt mind the wet conditions.
High Season
December and March
These months fall between the rainy seasons, offering relatively dry conditions with a mix of lush greenery. Birdwatching is still excellent, and the forest remains accessible, although occasional rains may occur. The forest is transitioning from wet to dry conditions, so trails might still be slightly muddy in certain areas.
Peak Season
July to October, January to February
This is the driest time of the year, making it ideal for exploring the forest trails and enjoying activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and primate tracking. The forest is vibrant but not overly wet, offering the best conditions for photography and wildlife observation. This is the busiest time in the reserve as both international and local tourists visit during the dry months.
How do you Get to Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
By Road
From Nairobi
The drive from Nairobi to Kakamega takes about 7 to 8 hours, covering approximately 418 km. The most common route is via Nakuru, Eldoret, and then Kakamega town. From Kakamega town, it’s a short drive (around 15 km) to the reserve.
From Kisumu
Kakamega Forest is about 50 km (1.5-hour drive) from Kisumu. You can take a taxi or hire a car for the journey. Public transport options like matatus are also available.
By Air
To Kisumu International Airport
The closest airport is Kisumu International Airport, which is about 50 km from Kakamega Forest. Daily flights are available from NairobiтАЩs Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) or Wilson Airport to Kisumu. From Kisumu, you can hire a taxi, take a shuttle, or use public transport to reach the forest.
By Train
Nairobi to Kisumu Train
Kenya Railways operates a train service from Nairobi to Kisumu. While slower than road or air travel, it offers scenic views of the Kenyan countryside. Once in Kisumu, you can proceed to Kakamega by road as described above.
Which are the Best Places to Stay Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
Which are the available Safari Packages to Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
Which Other National Parks to visit apart from Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Find other national parks related to Kakamega Forest National Reserve that you either combined your safari with or get inspired to book them later on in your next adventures. The destinations are some of the best that you can visit that are close to Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
Kakamega Forest National Reserve FAQs
