Outstanding Birdlife and endangered African Grey Parrot
USD 70 - USD 300 Per Person Sharing Per Night
A variety of Mammals Including Bush Pig and Giant Forest Hedgehog
Jun - Jul
Jun - Oct, Dec - Feb
Location
The Kakamega Forest National Park is located northwest of Nairobi in Kenya’s Nandi County.
Size
The size of Kakamega Forest National Park is around 92 square miles.
History
The Kakamega Forest National Park was gazetted in 1933 as a Forest Trust and in 1986 a portion of the forest was joined with the Kisere Forest to create the Kakamega National Park.
Entrance Fees & Permits
The entrance fee to Kakamega Forest National Park is USD25 per adult
Hours of Operation
The Kakamega Forest National Park is open between 8am and 5pm daily.
By Road
The drive from Nairobi to Kakamega Forest National Park is around 216 miles, a drive that would take over six and a half hours.
By Air
Visitors can take a 55 minute flight from Nairobi to Kisumu Airport and then drive 90 minutes to get to Kakamega Forest National Park.
Weather & Climate
The rainfall is low during the winter months of June and July, making this a great time to visit, and again during the high season from December to February. Enjoy a dry climate as you discover the wonders of the Kakamega Forest National Park.
Avoiding Crowds
Visitors looking to avoid crowds should consider visiting Kakamega Forest National Park between the months of December to March and again either late June and early July or at the end of October, just on the edge of high and peak season.
Value for Money
With a variety of accommodations that range from comfortable and simple three-star options to modest hotels, discovering this part of Kenya is a value for money experience.
Popular Wildlife Sightings
Discover unusual animals such as the potto and tree pangolin when visiting the Kakamega Forest National Park. Giant hedgehogs and Colobus monkeys are always a treat to see and if you are enjoying a night drive, look out for civet and genet. Over 400 species of bird have been discovered in the park.
The Terrain
On the eastern border of Kakamega Forest National Park, the Nandi escarpment presents steep cliffs with other parts of the park clearly hilly while the rainforest covers vast parts of the park.
Game Drives
Experience the wonders of the Kakamega Forest National Park with enclosed 4×4 game drives through a diverse landscape, the chance to see colobus monkeys, De Brasas Monkeys and the small duiker, among many other fascinating animals.
Game Walks
There are nature trails that can be walked either with or without a qualified guide and a chance during the 5am-7am sunrise walk to spot nocturnal favorites such as the Potto.
Most of the accommodation on offer at Kakamega National Forest Reserve is modest and simple, with local touches and comfortable settings. A combination of bed and breakfasts, guest houses and hotels. Most guests typically stay in accommodations in either Kisumu or Nairobi and do a drive or fly-in experience.Kakamega National Forest Lodging
Lodge or Hotel Distance to park entrance (in miles)
Rondo Retreat Centre
6.4 miles to Kakamega Forest National Park
Milimani Resort 8.3 miles to Kakamega Forest National Park
Golf Hotel 8 miles to Kakamega Forest National Park
Place Caravan Hotel 10.4 miles to Kakamega Forest National Park
The Crying Stone
Witness the mystery of this weeping rock, said to depict a mourning woman, the water seeping from the “neck” of the feature.
Murilo Gardens
Enjoy a walk around the grounds of the Muliro Gardens, enjoying some downtime under tranquil trees.
When is the best time to visit Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
The best time to visit Kakamega Forest National Reserve is between June and October, when the weather is great and the rain is at bay.
How much does a safari in Kakamega Forest National Reserve cost?
If guests stay close to Kakamega pricing may range from around USD100 per person sharing, to guests paying around USD300 for safaris from further afield.
How to get to Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
The drive from Nairobi is long, around six and a half hours, while the option to fly will be a 55 minute flight with a 90 minute drive to Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
What makes the Kakamega Forest National Reserve so special?
The landscape of steep cliffs and forested ground makes this a different safari setting when compared to some of the larger, more popular national parks and reserves. The outstanding birdlife and array of unusual resident animals makes this a special experience.
What animals can I see in the Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
Look out for the endangered African Grey Parrot and admire the bush pig and giant forest hedgehog. Duiker and other plains game are often spotted in the reserve.
When is Kakamega Forest National Reserve open?
The reserve is open between 8am to 5pm daily.
Do you need to book in advance to visit the Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
Most day trips can be done without pre-booking, however the more upmarket accommodation located near the reserve should be pre-booked.
What’s the best way to see Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
Game drives in enclosed 4×4 vehicles or wildlife walks and trails are the best way to experience the Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
What hotels, lodges, and camps are near Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
The Milimani or Golf Hotels are two options to consider for accommodation near Kakamega Forest National Reserve.
What restaurants are near Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
Restaurants will be very local and basic, examples are Delicato Fish Palace and Cassia Fries N Cafe. Most quests will dine at their hotels or lodges.
What attractions are near Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
The Crying Stone
Witness the mystery of this weeping rock, said to depict a mourning woman, the water seeping from the “neck” of the feature.
Murilo Gardens
Enjoy a walk around the grounds of the Muliro Gardens, enjoying some downtime under tranquil trees.
