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Considered as a sultry jewel on the equator, Kakamega Forest National Reserve is the only tropical rainforest in Kenya, left over from past millennia when dense rain forest stretched from West Africa, across Central Africa and into the highland areas on the west and eastern walls of the Great Rift Valley. On the visit to the reserve, the sheer size and grandeur of these rainforest trees, some over a hundred years old, is impressive. The trees create a complete environment for the birds, insects, butterflies and wildlife – so plentiful in the area. It also presents a real tropical rain forest experience with fascinating encounters of Africa’s greatest hard and soft woods such as; Elgon teak, red and white stink woods and several varieties of Croton and Aniageria Altisima. Walking beneath the lush forest canopy, the deep shade is pricked by flashes of color, exotic birdcalls, and the scents of wood, flower and moss while along the tracks; splendid orchids sit amongst the branches of the larger trees. The walk to Buyango Hill, the highest point in the forest, is a must for visitors. There are 7 kilometers of trails. The best, and pretty much only way to tour about the Reserve is by foot. You can choose to venture out on your own both night and day, or can opt to hire a guide. The advantage of hiring a guide at the reserve is that they are officially trained, and it can be somewhat easy to get lost here, though a pretty good system of signs does exist. The guides can also help you identify different animal and plant species, as well as tell you a little bit about them. The Reserve is twice the size of Nairobi National Park with 380 species of plants spread in swamps, riverine and hardwood forest areas, glades and the shallow forest around the edge of the reserve. Over 350 species of bird have been recorded including rare snake-eating birds. Butterflies and snakes normally only found in West Africa can also be seen, although visitors need have no concern about meeting them round every corner. Forest mammals include bush pig, grey duiker, civet, Sunni, clawless otters and some fascinating nocturnal game not to mention ground Pangolin, porcupines and the occasional leopard. Kakamega forest offers excellent primate viewing – Black and White Colobus are plentiful and the De Brazza Monkeys (known as 'Karasinga' in Swahili, thanks to its distinctive white beard) can be found in the adjacent Kisere forest area. Many rare species of primate are common here such as the Blue Monkey, frequently seen near the Ishiuki Falls, the Olive Baboon and the Red Tailed Monkey. Unlike the renowned safari destinations in Kenya, the Kakamega Forest is not home to a big number of large animals; instead birds, insects, and reptiles are the most abundant. Nature photographers and birdwatchers will relish in a visit to the Kakamega Forest Reserve, and it's really an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys eco-tourism on the whole. Should you include a visit to the Kakamega Forest during your Kenya vacation, you will be treated to a landscape and environment very unique to the area, which is a great compliment to the other amazing regions of the country. BIO Philip is the operator of Natural Track Safaris, a Kenya based nature Safari Company catering for family outdoor adventures, camping and overland safaris. For more safari information visit http://www.natural-track.com/tanzania_safaris.html and http://www.natural-track.com/safaris
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