Mwea National Reserve
National Reserve
Western Kenya Scenic Park
Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Canopy of Natural Beauty
Kenya’s surviving Guineo-Congolian tropical rainforest fragment, rich in birds, primates, butterflies, snakes and indigenous trees.
Overview
About Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Kakamega Forest is a biodiversity-rich rainforest destination unlike Kenya’s savannah parks. Dense canopy, streams, glades and forest trails support exceptional birding, seven primate species, butterflies, reptiles and more than 380 recorded tree species, making it particularly strong for natural-history and walking experiences.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Tropical rainforest ecosystem
Important Bird Area
Seven primate species
Butterflies and diverse reptiles
Forest viewpoints and waterfalls
More than 380 recorded tree species
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Guided forest walks
- Birdwatching
- Primate viewing
- Photography
- Nature study
- Hiking
Wildlife & biodiversity
- De Brazza’s monkey
- Other primates
- Forest birds
- Butterflies
- Snakes
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
The forest was protected as a Trust Forest in 1933. KWS notes that the northern section, about 4,468 hectares, was gazetted as a national reserve in 1985; the wider ecosystem is about 238 km².
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
From Nairobi, KWS lists routes via Nakuru and Kapsabet; the reserve is about 18 km from Kakamega town toward Webuye/Eldoret.
By air
Kakamega, Kisumu and Eldoret air access can be combined with road transfer.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 20 | USD 10 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 50 | USD 25 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Kakamega Forest National Reserve FAQs
What is Kakamega Forest National Reserve best known for?
Kakamega Forest National Reserve is especially known for Tropical rainforest ecosystem, Important Bird Area, Seven primate species, Butterflies and diverse reptiles. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
Road: From Nairobi, KWS lists routes via Nakuru and Kapsabet; the reserve is about 18 km from Kakamega town toward Webuye/Eldoret. Air: Kakamega, Kisumu and Eldoret air access can be combined with road transfer. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 500 and non-resident adults from USD 50 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Kakamega Forest National Reserve?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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