Kakamega Forest

Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Kakamega forest believed to be the largest single indigenous forest south of the Sahara and a remnant of the true Tropical rain forest which once spread from the River Congo basin and covered East and Central Africa, lies about 17 kilometers north of Kakamega town on the Kisumu-Kitale Road. The Government has declared 44.9 Sq. Kms of this valuable forest a national reserve for the preservation of the forest and its unique West-African type of animals-mammals, reptiles, birds and butterflies.

Its flora attractions include indigenous trees like Elgon teak, Red Stickwood (Prunus africana), African Satinwood (Fagar a macropylla), Musizi (Maesopsis eminii) and many others. The rare Red-tailed monkey and Debrazza monkey dominate the primates group while the rare Yellow-backed Duiker may be seen.

Due to its unique fauna and flora, the forest has become a special study area for natural history students from all over the world.