National park
National reserve
Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Kenya's only tropical rainforest.
- Western Kenya
- Best: Jan–Feb, Aug–Sep
- Entry from US$50
Overview
- Reserve since
- 1985
- Reserve area
- About 4,468 ha
- Tree species
- 380+
- Primate species
- 7
- From Nairobi
- About 418 km
Kakamega Forest is Kenya's only tropical rainforest and the easternmost fragment of the Guineo-Congolian forest that once spread across Central and West Africa. It became a trust forest in 1933, and its northern section a national reserve in 1985.
The forest is an Important Bird Area with hundreds of species, seven primate species including De Brazza's monkey, many butterflies and snakes, and more than 380 tree species.
Trails lead to viewpoints, a waterfall and glades, ideal for birding and quiet forest walks.
- Forest birding
Central African species found nowhere else in Kenya.
- Primates
De Brazza's, black-and-white colobus and red-tailed monkeys.
- Sunrise and sunset viewpoints
Lirhanda Hill and Buyangu Hill.
Things to do
- Guided forest walks
With KWS or community guides.
- CyclingUS$10
Per day, excluding entry.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Rain falls in most months; December–February is driest.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Good
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Good
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS Conservation Fees 2025 (Legal Notice 160 of 2025)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hoursChildren 5–17: KES 250 / KES 350 / US$25 / US$10 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen). | US$50 | KES 675 | US$20 | KES 500 |
| Cyclingper day, excluding entry | US$10 | KES 300 | US$10 | KES 300 |
- Park entry (adult)per person, valid 24 hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$50
- Foreign resident
- KES 675
- Rest of Africa
- US$20
- East African citizen
- KES 500
Children 5–17: KES 250 / KES 350 / US$25 / US$10 (citizen / resident / non-resident / African citizen).
- Cyclingper day, excluding entry
- Foreign non-resident
- US$10
- Foreign resident
- KES 300
- Rest of Africa
- US$10
- East African citizen
- KES 300
- Fees are paid cashless through KWSPay on eCitizen. Children are aged 5–17.
- The Kenya Tourism Federation challenged these rates in the High Court in October 2025; KWS republished the same rates in 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By roadFrom NairobiAbout 7–8 hours
Via Nakuru and Kapsabet; 18 km from Kakamega town.
- By airFrom NairobiAbout 1 hour
Flights to Kakamega, Kisumu or Eldoret, then by road.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Trails are muddy after rain; wear boots.
- Early morning is best for birds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kakamega a rainforest?
Yes. It is Kenya's only tropical rainforest, a remnant of the Guineo-Congolian forest.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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