Kakamega Forest Reserve

Kakamega Forest Reserve covers 240 square kilometers and is the easternmost remnant of the great Central and West African tropical rainforest. Once part of a continuous forest stretching from the Congo Basin into East Africa, this unique ecosystem now survives in western Kenya, about 40 kilometers northeast of Kisumu, along the northeastern rim of the Lake Victoria basin.

This evergreen forest is not only a botanical and ecological treasure, but also Kenya’s finest birdwatching destination, with over 410 recorded species. For birders, Kakamega offers world-class experiences, from forest giants like the Black and White Casqued Hornbill to rarities such as Chapin’s Flycatcher and Turner’s Eremomela. Walking the well-marked nature trails at dawn or dusk reveals a magical blend of sounds, colors, and birding moments you’ll never forget.

Kakamega Forest Birdwatching

Butterflies

Kakamega forest is known for its high number of butterflies, with more than 450 recorded, more than half of the total species found in Kenya

Mammals

A wide range of mammals includes giant forest squirrels, scaly-tailed flying squirrels, hammer-headed fruit bats, bushpigs, grey duikers, civets, and suni. There are many nocturnal animals too like the ground pangolin; potto, hedgehog, aardvark, brush-tailed porcupine, and leopards are also to be found in the Kakamega forest though rarely seen. There are rare primates like the Black and white Colobus, De Brazza Monkeys, Blue Monkey, Red-tailed Monkey, and Olive Baboon

Plants

In the Kakamega forest, there are about 385 species of plants. This includes 60 species of ferns, 150 species of trees and shrubs, and 170 species of flowering plants including 60 species of orchids with 9 species endemic to this forest.

Reptiles

The Kakamega Forest has 61 reptiles (38 snakes, 21 lizards, 1 terrapin, and 1 tortoise) and 24 amphibian species (all frogs). The forest is host to a number of lizards, amphibians, and snakes, and true to the forest’s continental origins, the snakes of Kakamega are mainly from West Africa, the Forest Cobra, Jameson’s Mamba, Bush Viper, Gabon Viper, and Rhinoceros Viper.

Climate

Kakamega Forest receives some of the highest rainfall in the country and annually the precipitation is 2,000 millimeters. Most of this rain falls between April and November, with a short dry season from January to March. Rain falls mostly in the afternoon or early evenings and is often accompanied by heavy thunderstorms. The temperatures do not vary greatly throughout the year, with a mean maximum shade figure of 27⁰ C and a mean minimum of 15⁰ C

Kakamega Forest Birds

Birding in Kakamega Forest

Kakamega Forest is undoubtedly Kenya’s premier birdwatching destination. As the easternmost remnant of the great West African rainforest, its flora and fauna are virtually unique in Kenya, offering birders an experience unlike anywhere else in the country.

Birdwatching here is done on foot, along a network of well-established nature trails. These trails are highly productive, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons, when bird activity peaks. The forest is alive with calls, colors, and movement — a true paradise for birders.

Mixed feeding flocks often create electrifying moments, as dozens of species move through the canopy together. Meanwhile, patient birders can find treasures in the understory, such as the Gray-chested Babbler, Mountain Illadopsis, Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye, Chapin’s Flycatcher, and the striking Black-billed Turaco.

Kakamega Forest boasts over 410 bird species, with 194 of them being forest-dependent. It also shelters two globally threatened species: Chapin’s Flycatcher and Turner’s Eremomela. Other highlights include:

Black and White Casqued Hornbill
Blue-breasted Bee-eater
Shining-blue Kingfisher
Jameson’s Wattle-eye
Yellow-crested Woodpecker
Red-breasted Owlet
Martial Eagle & Crowned Eagle (with the latter nesting near Rondo Retreat Centre)

With its lush evergreen tropical forest, world-class birding, and unforgettable encounters, Kakamega is a must-visit on any serious birding tour in Kenya.

eBird Hotspot link