Kakamega Forest Reserve Travel Guide

The Kakamega Rain Forest is a little patch of virgin forest in Western Kenya, remants of the Congo rainforest. The dense vegetation and gigantic indigenous trees are spectacular, and unique in Kenya. In addition, the reserve is home to many different bird species including the rare Casquet Hornbill and monkey species such as the Endangered De-Brazza Monkey, Black & White Colobus monkey, Sykes monkey and red monkey, and there are hundreds of butterflies. There are many trails you can walk, as well as some beautiful places to stay.  Guides are very reasonable and can point out the many fascinating smaller mammals and reptiles in addition to being very well informed on the medicinal values of the various plants and trees.    

One such place is the Forest Rest House. It has four double rooms which cost a few hundred shillings, or you can comp. It’s possible to eat beans and rice at a nearby shop, but you should brink your own food and means to cook it. A bit further down the road is the top-end Rondo Retreat (# (0331) 20425). It costs KSh 4400 per person per night with full board, or KSh 2500 if you want to fend for yourself. The last place to stay inside the forest is the Udo’s Bandas & Campsite in the northern part of the reserve near Isiukhu Falls. There’s seven bandas with two beds and a communal kitchen. Beds run KSh 250 per night. Bring your own food.   In the south of the park, you can camp or hire a banda at the KWS campsite.  The Keep bandas also come recommended.