From the summit of Buyangu Hills, a breathtaking panorama unfolds before me, revealing a lush landscape that extends endlessly into the distance. With a curious step into the inviting darkness of the woods, I am immediately enveloped by an ancient atmosphere, infused with the pure essence of nature, emanating from towering trees that seem to murmur the timeless secrets of the earth. The melodious calls of birds draw me further into the forest’s sacred heart, and as I venture deeper, nature awakens around me, revealing an ever-growing array of wonders, both familiar and mysterious.

Kakamega Rainforest
Photo: Trip Advisor
Some centuries ago, Kakamega Forest used to be part of a vast ecosystem known as the Guineo-Congolian forest, which stretched from the Atlantic Ocean, through the Congo Basin, all the way to Kenya. The forest is located within Kakamega and Nandi Counties in the northwest part of Kenya, roughly 400km from the capital Nairobi.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN KENYA
Biodiversity
Kakamega Forest is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with diverse species of plants, birds, mammals, and invertebrates. To date, over 400 plant species have been documented, including 160 types of trees, 180 flowering plants, and 60 species of ferns.

A tree in Kakamega Forest
Photo: Atmos Earth
Avifauna thrives wonderfully in this forest. It’s home to more than 480 species, notably, the Martial Eagle, Black-billed Turaco, Blue Headed Bee Eater, and Grey Parrot. Interestingly, an aspect of rarity emerges when we speak of birdlife in this forest, at least 20 species of birds found here occur in no other place in Kenya, for example, the Blue-Headed Bee Eater.

Turaco bird in Kakamega Forest
Photo: Africa Expert
Monkeys happen to be everywhere, don’t they? In Kenya you may even walk alongside them in the streets, they have no problem adapting to the urban life just as they do in the jungles. And for their cousins, baboons, if you have ever traveled by road from Nairobi to destinations in the Rift Valley, such as Lake Nakuru, you sure must have met a gang of about a hundred baboons patrolling the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway, and taxing passengers their bananas, biscuits or sodas. Well, unfortunately not all kinds of primates happen to be that common. Some species prefer a ‘monk life’ deep in the woods, as far as possible from the bothers of man, and that’s exactly what you will encounter inside Kakamega Forest, thousands of monkeys and baboons, including the redtail monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, pottos, and of course baboons.

A red tailed monkey in Kakamega Forest.
Photo: Kakamega Forest
Indeed, it can be said that Kakamega Forest is an empire of monkeys. However, you will see several other mammals, including the rare Ground Pangolin, Aardvark, Bush Pigs, and Giant Forest Hedgehog.

A De Brazza Monkey in Kakamega Forest
Photo: Amboseli National Park
There are roughly 27 species of snakes, including Jameson’s Mamba, Green-Bush Viper, Goldie’s Tree Cobra, and Rhinoceros-horned Viper. It’s also worth noting that the snakes in Kakamega Forest share a strong similarity with those found in the West African rainforests. This intriguing fact supports the hypothesis of an ancient interconnectedness between these regions.
The forest is home to over 500 species of butterflies, adding vibrant splashes of color to its rich ecosystem. Beyond these, countless other invertebrates thrive within its bounds.

A Swallow-tail butterfly in Kakamga Forest
Photo: Africa Expert
Top Sceneries
Kakamega forest is part of a 44 km2 protected area; Kakamega National Park. It is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service which aside from preserving the forest, oversees tourism activities within the forest.
Buyangu Hills is located 4km from Kakamega National Park and it generously elevates you for a perfect view not just of the rainforest, but also of the Nandi Escarpments.

Tourists at Kakamega Forest
Photo: Samburu National Park
The Yala River meanders through this forest, adding to its natural beauty. Among its many wonders is the mysterious Mama Mutere tree, the oldest and most photographed tree in the forest—you’ll understand why when you see it up close. And don’t miss the chance to pause and admire the mesmerizing Isiukhu Falls, tucked away within the forest’s depths.
Popular Activities
Kakamega Forest is a popular destination for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hiking, and night-time excursions.
Eager to delve deeper into the wonders of nature? Siraam Tours has you covered. Contact us now for an immersive safari experience, tailored to your preferences.
THE RED LIST: FIVE BIG NAMES IN THE IUCN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED MAMMALS.