Kakamega Forest: Kenya’s Last Rainforest for Birds and Primates
Kakamega Forest in western Kenya is a remnant of the ancient equatorial rainforest, home to rare birds, monkeys and butterflies.…
Destination guide
Kakamega Forest: the complete guide
Kakamega Forest in western Kenya is the last remnant of the great equatorial rainforest that once stretched across Africa. Its trees tower overhead, monkeys call from the canopy, and its birdlife and butterflies are unlike anything else in Kenya. It is a destination for birders, naturalists and anyone who wants something quieter than the savannah.
Here is what you can see in Kakamega, when to visit and how to reach it.
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Tours featuring Kakamega Forest
01
Why visit Kakamega
Kakamega is a different Kenya, humid, green and full of sound. The forest shelters species found nowhere else in the country, such as the great blue turaco, the grey parrot and several forest hornbills, as well as monkeys, bushbabies, snakes and more than 400 kinds of butterflies.
Walks are the main activity. Guided trails go through the canopy, beside streams and up to the viewpoint at Lirhanda Hill, where sunrise lights the forest. The best birdwatching is at dawn, and our local guides know where to look.
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What to do in Kakamega
Birdwatching
Dawn walks for turacos, hornbills, parrots, barbets and many more.
Primate watching
Spot red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, De Brazza's monkeys and black-and-white colobus.
Butterfly walks
Visit clearings and streams where butterflies gather.
Lirhanda Hill sunrise
A short climb to a viewpoint over the forest at first light.
Night walks
Look for bushbabies, flying squirrels and forest creatures after dark.
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Best time to visit
December to February
Great
Drier and warmer, which makes the trails easier.
June to August
Good
Cooler, with some rain but fewer insects.
March to May
Green/Wet
The wettest months. Heavy rain, muddy trails and few visitors.
September to November
Good
Mixed weather, good birdwatching.
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How to get to Kakamega
By road
About 7 to 8 hours from Nairobi via Nakuru and Kisumu.
By air
Fly from Nairobi to Kisumu or Kakamega airstrip, then drive.
What to bring
Waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, binoculars, insect repellent.
05
Combining Kakamega with other places
Kakamega is often combined with Lake Victoria at Kisumu, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara on a western Kenya itinerary. See our birding safari to Kakamega and Kisumu for an example.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Kakamega Forest worth visiting?
Yes, especially for birders and naturalists. It is the only place in Kenya to see many forest species.
Are there dangerous animals?
Not on the main trails. Walk with a guide, and take care with snakes and insects.
How long should I stay?
Two nights for good coverage of birds and primates.
Read before you go
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