Activities to do at Kakamega Forest Reserve

Activities to do at Kakamega Forest Reserve : What’s left of the legendary tropical rainforest that formerly spanned from West Africa to Central Africa to the eastern boundaries of the Great Rift Valley is preserved on the 11,046 acres of the Kakamega Forest Reserve. The locals still rely heavily on the forest for wood fire and medicinal treatments. It continues to captivate both tourists and researchers due to its abundance of vegetation and animals.

Since its important function in the environment was first acknowledged in 1933, Kenya has designated Kakamega Forest Reserve as a protected area. The forest was designated as a national historic site in 1964. The future of this magnificent forest is currently in jeopardy due to the residents’ recent destruction of the forest resources. Scientists warn that if the current rate of erosion doesn’t alter, this beautiful location would disappear in 50 years. These seven actions can be taken before the forest vanishes.

1. Explore Rare Birdlife.

One of Kenya’s best Important Bird Areas (IBAs) is Kakamega Forest Reserve, which is also a birdwatcher’s heaven. More than 360 different bird species can be seen here, such as African black ducks, harrier hawks, cuckoo hawks, pink-backed and grey herons, and small sparrows. Only the forest region is home to at least sixteen of these species which offers magnificent birdwatching safari.

2. Feel the Butterfly Effect.

You may not fully understand Edward Lorenz’s theory of the Butterfly Effect, but you will still get to witness more than 400 different species of butterflies. Only in this place and in West Africa do certain species survive. To lighten your mood, Edward thought that tiny disruptions like a far-off butterfly fluttering its wings weeks before are what cause weather phenomena like tornadoes. Consider the potential effects of 400 different species of butterflies at the Kakamega Forest Reserve fluttering their wings.

3. See the Monkeys of Kakamega.

Researchers from around the world and locally have been drawn to the monkeys of Kakamega Forest Reserve. The Debrazzar monkey, which goes by the Swahili term “Kalasinga,” is very well-liked. Its unusual white beard is whence it gets its nickname. Debrazzars can be found in Kisere, a section of the forest that is governed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. It’s simple to identify the blue-tailed and red-tailed varieties close to Ishiuki Falls. In addition, there are enormous forest hedgehogs, bush pigs, uncommon birds that consume snakes, grey duiker, civet, Suni, clawless otters, and some amazing nighttime creatures like ground pangolins, porcupines, and occasionally leopards.

4. See the Great African Hardwoods and Softwoods.

Some of Africa’s best hard and softwoods, including the Elgon teak, red and white stink woods, various species of croton, and “Aningeria altissima,” may be found at the Kakamega Forest Reserve. These enormous trees, some of which are over a century old, are astounding in their size and grandeur. Magnificent orchids are sitting among the taller trees’ branches.

5. Walk the Trails.

There are more than 7 km of walking routes in Kakamega Forest Reserve that you can use with the assistance of a group of rangers who are available to lead you through the forest.

Explore more than 7 km of trails while being escorted through the forest by a group of rangers. Don’t overlook the stroll up Buyangu Hill. It offers a quick, steep ascent to a rocky peak with views of the entire forest to the south. There are clearly marked signage with the Latin and local names of the native trees that border the trails. Kakamega Forest Reserve, double the size of Nairobi National Park, is one location whose richness you cannot exhaust in a single day.

Surrounded by shallow forests, glades, marshes, and riverine and hardwood forest sections, the reserve is home to around 380 different plant species, making it a veritable treasure trove of natural delights. It is inevitable that you may come across instances of resource usage when strolling through the forest. Getting firewood is probably the most obvious. You could also witness other activities like gathering vines for rope and harvesting bark for medical uses. It may surprise you to learn that the Antiaris tree’s bark may be used to make blankets. Cattle grazing and thatching grass harvesting are frequent in the grassy glades.

6. Activities to do at Kakamega Forest Reserve : Witness the Yala Gold Rush.

Prospectors searching for the elusive gold have used the Yala River area as a backdrop for years. Deep trenches excavated for the same reasons can be seen here upon a visit. It’s possible that you will witness the locals along the riverbank themselves gold mining.

7. Activities to do at Kakamega Forest Reserve : Calm the Weeping Stone.

See the renowned “Weeping Stone,” a striking 8 M-tall vertical rock that balances a smaller one. Even during the driest of dry seasons, a constant trickle of water appears at the base of the smaller rock. But you’ll soon see that it might not be as simple as you think to quiet the stone after all.

The Kisumu-Kakamega route makes it simple to drive to the Kakamega Forest Reserve. To travel to Kakamega, you can take one of the regular flights or Contact us for more Kenya Safari Tours.