Time has stood still for the Kakamega Forest National Reserve, a remnant of the rain forest that stretched all across Central Africa. This beautiful forest is home to various mammals including bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, colobus monkeys, Debrazzar monkeys, and pottos.
Some of the birds to be seen here include the Blue Headed Bee Eater, Black Billed Turaco, Turner’s Eremomela, and Grey Parrots. Bird watching, hiking and rock climbing can be enjoyed here in the serenity of the forest that time forgot.
The forest includes some of Africa’s greatest hard and soft woods: Elgon teak, red and white stink woods, and several varieties of Croton and Aniageria Altisima. Splendid orchids sit amongst the branches of the larger trees.
Walking beneath the lush forest canopy the deep shade is pierced by flashes of color, exotic birdcalls, and the scents of wood, flowers, and moss. The best time to visit is during the rainy season, April to July when the flowers are at their most beautiful.
Why Go on Safari in Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Wildlife includes Black-and-white Colobus and Red-tailed Monkeys and a small number of de brazza monkeys. Due to its relation to the Zaire basin, several West African forest mammals are found, such as Potto, Giant Otter Shrew, and Lord Derby’s Anomalure. About 28 species of snakes have been recorded including rare Gold Cobra and other West African snake species. About 350 butterfly species occur in this forest including one endemic, Mitisella Kakamega.
For birders, the sheer abundance of birds is overwhelming. Kakamega forest avifauna is unique. Several species of birds are mostly found in these forests and the surrounding areas and not in any other parts of Kenya. This includes Blue-headed Bee-eater, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Greenbul, and Turner’s Eremomela.
Types of trees are also unique. A tree that is endemic to the forest is Tiliacora kenyensis. Other types include Croton, Celtis, Trema, Antiaris, Bequaertiodendron, and Zanthoxylum.
