Butterflys, birds and forest monkeys in
Kakamega Forest

Kakamega Forest is found east of Kakamega Town in the south western part of Kenya, commonly reached via the road connecting Kisumu City at Lake Victoria (by road 52 km south of Kakamega) and Webuye (50 km north of Kakamega). Being placed below the Nandi Escarpment raising by 4-500 m, its altitude ranges from 1,460 to 1,765 m a.s.l.

Annual rainfall is about 2,000 mm, although being of large inter-annual variation. The area drains to the west with two prominent rivers Isiukhu and Yala crossing the forest. The forest encompasses an officially gazetted area of 23,777 ha, of which half is covered by natural forest cover. In its vicinity several other forest reserves: Kisere (471 ha), Malava (719 ha) and Bunyala (826 ha) can be found, plus the privately managed forest patch Kaimosi. Of these only Kisere receives a higher protection status as do three designated areas within the main forest block, being either classified as national or nature reserves.

Forest management is split between KWS and KFS in order to protect and conserve its unique biodiversity and resources. Kakamega Forest is known for being the only tropical lowland rainforest in Kenya, of a type similar to the Guineo-Congolian rainforest covering the vast Congo basin. As such it represents the easternmost limit of many West African species. Here you find their unique mix with those of a more montane character. Some of its species are even endemic. This treasure is under threat, historically due to commercial exploitation since the 1930s, nowadays in particular due to the use of the forest by the surrounding human population for their daily needs; with charcoal burning, and cattle grazing and trampling taking the lead among the threats.

Read more about "Forest surrounding" and "Tourist attractions" on the second page.