All about Kakamega Rain Forest National Reserve

All about Kakamega Rain Forest National Reserve

Kakamega Rain Forest National Reserve is apparently the major rain forest that has been present for many years in Kenya. As a matter of a fact, it is a thick forest that has been well conserved for over millennia. This is exactly the time when a densely tree populated forest measured across West to central Africa and right in the highlands of the west and eastern walls of the Great Rift Valley.

Kenya plays a very large role of protecting and conserving the forest and its ecosystem that is ever since the year 1993. This has also been equated with maximum support from the masses. These are the members of the public who have in a number of occasions, worked hand in hand with the government in order to improve and sustain the biodiversity in this reserve. This is an element that has enabled this reserve to stand strong hitherto, with actually a good number of animal and bird species.

Kakamega Forest in Kenya 

Most trees here are over one hundred years old and it is exiting to note that despite their industrial value, they have still been conserved from all forms of destructions. These trees form a good home for birds, insects, butterflies and more so wildlife that are in large number in this area.

 The forest carries some of the Africa’s widely known hard wood among other and soft wood species. For instance; the Elgon teak, white and red stink wood species are the commonly available. There are also the sights of splendid orchids that stand on the tree branches specifically the tall and huge ones.

It is exciting to walk and trek under the tree canopy where a lot of lovely colors are seen and bird calls are filled in the air. The scent of the leaves and dew amid, flowers and moss make the place complete for a cordial walk in the woods. Apparently, the best time to come to this reserve is during the rainy seasons that are between April and July. Believe it or not, this is the time when flowers are very attractive and the animals are lively due to the plenty amounts of food for their survival.

There is one major factor that separates this Forest Reserve from many others in Africa irrespective of its widely known trees. This includes the presence of excellent primate viewing points. This is like the Colobus and the De Brazza monkeys which has acquired a significant Kiswahili name ‘Karasinga; due to its distinctive beards. The Blue coloured Monkey, Olive baboon and the monkey that is characterized with a Red Tail which are occasionally seen at ishuriuki falls are also exciting to watch.

While at Kakamega Rain Forest National Reserve, accommodations are available in plenty. There is a guest house at the reserve that offers a total of eight accommodation beds, bandas with ten bed capacity and two camp venues for outdoor accommodations.

Also, in the reserve there is the Rondo retreat that is open for tourists and visitors.