Kakamega Forest is the easternmost remnant of the great Guineo-Congolian tropical rainforest that once stretched across equatorial Africa. This 240-square-kilometre patch of ancient forest in western Kenya is a biodiversity treasure trove, harbouring species found nowhere else in the country.
The forest is home to over 400 species of butterflies (more than the whole of the UK), 330 bird species, and numerous primates including the blue monkey, red-tailed monkey, de Brazza’s monkey, and black-and-white colobus. Rare species such as the hammer-headed bat and flying squirrel add to the forest’s biological importance.
Guided forest walks reveal towering trees draped in lianas and epiphytes, forest clearings with spectacular butterflies, and the chance to spot shy forest creatures. Night walks offer opportunities to see bushbabies, pottos, and chameleons. The Isiukhu Falls waterfall is a popular hiking destination within the reserve.
Kakamega Forest is important both for biodiversity conservation and as a living laboratory for tropical ecology research. Community-based tourism initiatives around the forest help local people benefit from conservation.