Kakamega National Reserve is the only remnant in Kenya of the once
great tropical rainforest that stretched across central Africa. As a
relic of this African equatorial jungle, it is now famous around the
world of being the home to several hundred species of birds, snakes,
insects, monkeys and other mammals, as well as countless tree species.
A
choice of walking trails, view points and guided tours enable you to
experience some of this fascinating, beautiful and unique forest first
hand. Amongst the ancient trees, awesome in size, you will find gurgling
streams, vibrant colouredbutterflies, chattering monkeys and rich
diversity of birds.
The reserve is located in Western
province, 415 Km away from Nairobi via Nakuru and Kapsabet towns at an
altitude of 1500-1700 m above sea level. It covers an area of 44 sq. Km
WHAT TO SEE
BIRDS
As
far as bird conservation is concerned, Kakamega reserve is one of the
important Bird Areas in Kenya with a prolific record of 488 species.
Turner’s Eremomela and Chipiri’s Flycatcher are listed as globally
threatened species, a further 15 species are regionally threatened and
46 species known in Kenya only from the Kakamega forest. Blue headed
Bee-eater, Ansorges Greenbul birds are found only in Kakamega forest and
neighbouring South Nandi forest in the whole of East Africa.
Other
birds to be found only in this and nearby forests in Western Kenya
include the Black Billed Turaco, Red Billed Paradise Flycatcher,
Chestnut, Jameson’s and Yellow Bellied Wattle eye, Southern Hyliota,
African Shrike Flycatcher, White tailed Ant Thrush, Petit’s Cukoo-Shrike
and Cassim’s Honeyguide.
MAMMALS
Among the
mammals known to live in the forest arre the Bush pig, Dulkers,
Bushbuck, Clawless Otter, Mongoose, Giant Water Shrew, Squirrels, Tree
Pangolin, Porcupine, Bats and Primates.
PRIMATES
Among
the primates found here are the Blue Monkey, Black and White Clobus
Monkey, DE Brazza’s Monkey, The Redtail monkey, The Eastern Potto and
Olive Baboons.
SNAKES
Thirty six species live
in the forest. True to the forest’s commercial origins, the snakes of
Kakamega are normally found from West Africa. The Forest Cobra and the
Gold’s Cobra, the Forest Night Adder, Jameson’s Mamba, the Black lipped
Cobra, the Bush Viper, the Rhinocerous-horned Viper and the Gabon Viper.
LIZARDS AND OTHER ANIMALS
The
most common terrestrial Lizard you are likely to come across is
Jackson’s Lacerta. Other Lizards are Agama, Peter’s Long Tailed Skink
and the Nile Monitor among other Lizards. Other interesting animals are
Amphibians, Molluscs, 487 species of Butterflies and other insects which
will leave the visitor in awe of nature.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
FOREST WALKING AND HIKING
Kakamega
forest is penetrated by a network of trails. A walk through thr
high-canopied forest, its silence broken by only bird calls or the
chatter of a troop of monkeys, occasionally the gurgle of a nearby
stream is a simple delight; all this is possible in a day trip. The
trails include the Busambuli trail, Isiukhu trail, Falls trails, Mukangu
trail, Colobus trail and Litali trail.
BIRD WATCHING
Kakamega
Reserve is familiar to every Kenyan bird enthusiast and the forest is
known internationally as an important Bird Area. The best time of the
year for bird watching are between the months of June and August after
the havy rains when many birds are in bleeding plumage and again in
October when upto 30 species of migrants arrive at the forest. Perfect
timing for bird watching are early morning and in the late afternoon.
PRIMATE WATCHING
Kakamega
forest is home to seven species of primates. They become active and
more easily located once the day starts to warm up, in the morning and
again a few hours before sunset.
BUTTERFLY WATCHING
All
nine African butterfly families are represented in the forest and
species diversity is high with 487 species recorded. The best time for
butterfly watching is in August and September when the heavy rains are
over.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT THE WARDEN ON
TEL: +254 (56) 30603, 30962
FAX +254 (56) 30962
EMAIL: kakamegastn@kws.go.ke, reservations@kws.go.ke
WEBSITE: www.kws.go.ke
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