The Kakamega forest gazetted in 1964 as a national heritage, has been the source of herbal remedies and wood fuel among the local inhabitants for generations. It is home to a wealth of fauna and flora that continue to make the tropical rainforest a tourist attraction. Recent ravaging of the forest resources by the locals has now put the future of this spectacular forest at risk of extinction. Scientists warn that the forest may cease to exist 50 years from today. They say that the rapidly dwindling forest may reduce from the current 108 sq. kms. to less than 20 sq. kms. within 5 decades if the current level of degradation is not checked.
Getting There
Straddling the districts of Vihiga and Kakamega, the forest is 418 Kms. from Nairobi
Main Attractions
The forest is famous for its more than 400 bird species including the pink-backed and grey herons, the African black duck, the harrier hawk, the little sparrow and the cuckoo hawk. It is also home to various butterfly species and monkeys and continues to attract local and international researchers. The unique monkey species include the Debraza found at Kisera, a part of the forest under the Kenya Wildlife Service management. The blue and red-tailed types can also be found here as well as the bush baby. The forest forms part of the western tourist circuit and plays the important role of attracting rain and acting as a wind breaker.
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The forest is famous for its more than 400 bird species including the pink-backed and grey herons, the African black duck, the harrier hawk, the little sparrow and the cuckoo hawk. It is also home to various butterfly species and monkeys and continues to attract local and international researchers. The unique monkey species include the Debraza found at Kisera, a part of the forest under the Kenya Wildlife Service management. The blue and red-tailed types can also be found here as well as the bush baby. The forest forms part of the western tourist circuit and plays the important role of attracting rain and acting as a wind breaker.
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