Kakamega Rainforest

Kakamega Rainforest is the only tropical rainforest in Kenya. Located in Western Kenya, it is part of a larger area that makes up the last primeval rainforest in the nation. It's also home to various monkeys and hundreds of bird species, some of which are threatened.

Kakamega Rainforest Halal Travel Guide

Kakamega forest map English.svg|Map of the Kakamega forest YalaRiver - Yala river

The Kakamega Rainforest is the last that remains of the tropical rainforest that once stretched from the Atlantic coast across the African continent to the Indian Ocean. Even Kakamega is interspersed with open areas, both man-made and caused by wild animals. The altitude of the forest is between 1466 m and 1779 m above the sea level and it is divided into three parts. The first part is the national reserve, composed of the forests of Buyangu and Kisere in the north, and it is administered by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). The second part is the forest reserve administered by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS). The natural reserve, which is also administered by the KFS, is made up of two enclaves of the forest reserve Isecheno in the middle and Lirhanda in the south.

Landscape

Geographically Kakamega is an eroded mountain massif, situated about 1500-1600 m (or about one mile) above the sea level and part of the Kavirondo rift, which itself is a part of the East African rift. The highest peaks in the forest are Ikuwya Hill (1779 m), Lirhanda Hill (1734 m) and Buyangu Hill (1633 m), while the lowest point is the Yala river (1466 m). Rivers generally flow from east or northeast to west-southwest.

History

When described in the early 19th century and the rainforest covered 2400 km² and was contiguous with the Nandi rainforest — today it has declined into about 10% of that. The Kakamega forest reserve was created in 1926, and in 1967 the Yala (nowadays Lirhanda) and Isecheno natural reserves were established. Back then and the region was used for farming and economical activity on a completely different scale than today, even as fees were eventually instated for using the forest. In 1984 large parts of the forests in the region were cut down in order to establish the Nyao-Kaimosi tea-growing zone, and thereby Kakamega was separated from Nandi.

This was a watershed event in the history of Kakamega and since that measures have been taken to restore the rainforest. One year later the shamba system of small-scale farming (functional since 1910) was scrapped, and the national reserves of Buyangu and Kisere were created. Over the last decades nurseries for native trees, plants and shrubs have been set up, in addition to projects to help the indigenous butterflies (one of the forest's main attractions) and to introduct bee farming. Today "human interaction with the environment" is either prohibited or limited, though local peasants are allowed to pick up dead wood and graze cattle in parts of the forest. In 2010 the Kenya Wildlife Service submitted a proposal to UNESCO to include the Kakamega rainforest on the World Heritage list.

Climate & Weather

Daytime temperatures generally vary between 20°C and 30°C, and the lowest temperature ever recorded was 11°C. December to February are the driest months, while April, May and August are the wettest. As Kakamega is located almost right at the Equator, temperatures are in training constant around the year and monthly differences in precipitation are far less pronounced than in other tropical locations.

Fauna

MonkeyAtKagamega - A blue monkey climbing in a tree PottoCincyZoo - Perodicitus potto

Large mammals such as elephants are rare in Kakamega, but there are a large number of different birds, snakes and butterflies. About 400 species of butterflies can be encountered here including Acraea, Junonia, Tirumala, Limenitidinae euphaedra and Charaxes, plus other insects like the goliathus goliatus, mantidae, and myriapodae. The forest is also good for birdwatching; you can encounter almost as many different bird species including turacos (including the great blue turaco), old world babblers (including the grey-chested kakamega), sunbirds (including the Nectarinia rubescens kakamegae). The forest is also home to some very rare birds like the psittacus erithacus erithacus (a subspecies of the African grey parrot) of which there are only about a dozen individuals left and the threatened Chapin's flycatcher.

There are about 40 snake species in the forest, many of them poisonous, including black and white cobras, Gaboon vipers, black and green mambas. Moreover there are other reptiles like chameleons, geckos and agamas and amphibians including puddle frogs and the Mascarene grass frog and toads.

Mammals in Kakamega include monkeys and other primates, like the de Brazza's monkeys, mantled guerezas, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons and pottos. Other mammals living there are giant squirrels, Egyptian mongooses, civets, giant otter shrews and red river hogs.

Flora

Massive trees characterise the flora of Kakamega. About 350 different plants grow here, of which 160 are endemic, including ferns, orchids and the camphor basil which has many medical uses.

In Isecheno you can find the largest and oldest tree in all Kakamega. Named "mama mutere" by the local residents, it's a 40 metres high and about 250 years old maesopsis eminii. Bark of this tree species has been used in traditional medicine against stomach ailments, and it is believed to be helpful against prostate cancer as well.

Travel to Kakamega Rainforest

See also: Kakamega#Get in

Cykeltaxi i kakamega - Boda-bodas in Kakamega

There are different directions for getting in, depending where in the Rainforest you're heading to.

National reserve

By matatu and shared transport

Starting from Kakamega market, take a Kenya#By matatu|matatu (shuttle van) to Webuye and get off at Mwanza. From there, take a pikipiki (motorcycle taxi) or boda-boda (bike taxi) to Isukuti Guest House.You can also ask to be dropped off at the Kambiri track, but in that case you will need to walk for about 2.3 kilometers by foot.
A regular taxi from Kakamega to Isukuti Guest House will (as of 2022) cost you Kenya#Money|Ksh 1500.

Rent a Car or Limousine in Kakamega Rainforest

From Kakamega, drive towards Webuye along Highway 1. After 15.6 kilometers, turn right to get to the office of the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Natural reserve

By matatu and shared transport

Take a matutu from Kakamega's market to Shinyalu. From Shinyalu, continue to the Forest Rest House in Isecheno by pikipiki, boda-boda, or by foot (a 6.3-km walk). If you decide to walk, take left at the Isecheno primary school and walk along the road to the Forest Rest House.
You can also take a taxi from Kakamega to the Forest Rest House and the ride will also cost you Ksh 1500 (as of 2022).

Rent a Car or Limousine in Kakamega Rainforest

From Kakamega, drive along Khasakhala Road (towards the airport) for about 11 kilometers to get to Shinyalu. Then, follow the road from the Isecheno primary school to the Forest Rest House.

Fees and permits

The national reserve is open every day of the year between 6AM and 6PM. The entrance fee for foreigners is USD25 for adults and USD15 for children, youth and students with an international student card. The fee is payable in US dollars or Kenyan shillings. The Isecheno natural reserve is also open between 6AM and 6PM and the entrance fee is Ksh 600. Visiting the forest reserve is free, and you can enter anytime of the day.

How to get around in Kakamega Rainforest

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In the national reserve, motor vehicles are prohibited save for on the tracks to the Buyangu housing sites. The tracks are in good condition but rather busy. Otherwise and there are several paths around the forest for getting around by foot or bike.

Bring a hat and waterproof clothes. They are they useful when it rains, and morning mist is a frequent occurrence in the valleys, especially in March and April. Insect repellent is also necessary, in particular for nighttime excursions.

What to see in Kakamega Rainforest

Attractions

Isiukhu Fall| | wikipédia= | facebook= 0.3543, 34.8813 - Waterfall of the Isiukhu river where it enters the Buyango forest.

Buyangu Hill | | wikipédia= | facebook= 0.3451, 34.8632 - A viewpoint in the national reserve, 1633 m above sea level.

Lirhanda Hill | | wikipédia= | facebook= 0.2170, 34.8949 - At 1734 m and the second highest mountain in Kakamega, and a viewpoint.

Batcave | | wikipédia= | facebook= 0.218442, 34.896539 - A former Gold mine, nowadays a good place for observing bats.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kakamega Rainforest

Lirhanda Hill (2293431121) - View from Lirhanda Hill

At the Isecheno entrance, guides are available for short walks, long walks, full day walks, and sunrise walks. The sunrise walk being particularly inspiring.

The Kenya Forest Service organises walks and activities starting from the Forest Rest House in Isecheno:

birdwatching trip, starting at 6:30AM and 4:30PM, 2 hours, Ksh 500
visit to a village and its market, 2 hours, Ksh 500
nighttime excursion, 2 hours, Ksh 1200
viewing of the sunrise or sunset from Lirhanda Hill and a visit to the Batcave, starting at 5AM and 5PM, 3 hours, Ksh 1200
trip to Isiukhu Fall and Buyangu Hill with motorised transport, 3-5 hours, Ksh 2000
trip to Yala river, 5-7 hours, Ksh 2000
excursion to a traditional mchezo wa ng'ombe bullfight (where two bulls fight each other) in Shibuye or Khayega. Unlike the Spanish bullfighting the point is not to harm or kill the animals. They take place about once a month. Price is negotiated with the park officers.
cultural evening with the Luya tribe with dance performances (isukuti), recitations of stories and legends and lessons in traditional medicine. Price is negotiated with the park officers.

Halal Food & Restaurants in Kakamega Rainforest

The places listed in Sleep below, except the Rondo Retreat Lodge, double as restaurants. These are in fact the only places in the rainforest to have a prepared meal.

Picnicking is allowed anywhere as long as you don't damage the environment. Open fires are nevertheless prohibited outside the designated zones in the camping areas of Udo's bandas and Isecheno KEEP bandas.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kakamega Rainforest

Kakamega Rainforest - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Kakamega Rainforest, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Kakamega Rainforest. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Kakamega Rainforest and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Kakamega Rainforest. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Kakamega Rainforest. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKakamega Rainforest: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Kakamega Rainforest.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Kakamega Rainforest: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Kakamega Rainforest, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Kakamega Rainforest.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kakamega Rainforest, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Kakamega Rainforest, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Kakamega Rainforest and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kakamega Rainforest, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kakamega Rainforest, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Kakamega Rainforest without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

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About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kakamega Rainforest is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Kakamega Rainforest, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kakamega Rainforest Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kakamega Rainforest

eHalal Group Kakamega Rainforest is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kakamega Rainforest. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Kakamega Rainforest.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

In the guest houses operated by the KWS and there are two rates, one for foreigners quoted in US dollars, and one for Kenyans quoted in Kenyan shillings.

TraditionalBandaHut - Udo's bandas

Isukuti Guest House - | facebook= 0.352523, 34.861051 Buyangu forest ☎ +254 56 30603 USD90 - Three huts for two persons each.

Udo's bandas - | facebook= 0.353024, 34.863940 Buyangu forest

| image TraditionalBandaHut.JPG ☎ +254 56 30603 Hut for 2 persons: USD80, hut for 4 persons USD80, campsite USD15 - Three huts for two persons, one hut for four persons and a camping area.

Forest Rest House | | facebook= Off Shinyalu-Chepsonoi Road 0.236847, 34.866014 Isecheno forest ☎ +254 726 951764 (mobile phone) Ksh 500/person/night, breakfast: Ksh 350, lunch Ksh 500, supper: Ksh 500 - A lodge for eight persons and two huts.

Isecheno KEEP bandas | | facebook= Off Shinyalu-Chepsonoi Road 0.236487, 34.868249 Isecheno forest ☎ +254 726 951764 (mobile phone) Ksh 900/hut/night, breakfast Ksh 350, lunch Ksh 500, supper Ksh 500 - Five comfortable huts with space for a maximum of 21 persons and a camping site.

Rondo Retreat Lodge - | facebook= https://ebook.com/RondoRetreatCentre/info Shinyalu-Chepsonoi Road 0.226910, 34.884594 in the forest reserve near Lirhanda Hill ☎ +254 733 527702 (mobile phone) - 18 double rooms in a retreat centre of the Christian Trinity Fellowship.

Stay Safe

The emergency number is 112.

The national reserve, made up of the Buyangu and Kisere forests is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and the rest of the Kakamega rainforest by the Kenya Forest Service.

Kenya Wildlife Service - | wikipédia=Kenya Wildlife Service | facebook= ☎ +254 20 2418419, +254 20 2654658
Kenya Forest Service - | wikipédia= | facebook= ☎ +254 726 951764, +254 771 806284 (mobile phone)

Kakamega police wikipédia= | facebook= ☎ +254 60 322032

Open fires are prohibited everywhere save for at the designated areas in the camping grounds. You may encounter poisonous snakes in the forest, especially if you venture off the official trails.

In the national reserve, "human interaction with the environment" is strictly prohibited and can carry a fine of Ksh 5000 or even imprisonment. In the two other areas local peasants are allowed to pick up dead wood and graze cattle.

News & References Kakamega Rainforest

Travel Next

Nairobi
Kakamega

Ilesi Crying Stone | lien name= wikipédia= | facebook= 0.240606, 34.755613 CryingStone - A 40-m high rock and one of several "crying stones" in the region. They got their name from the fact that they are always wet at the base, even during dry periods.

Kaimosi Tea Estate | lien name=non wikipédia= | facebook= Route C39A/Stendi Kisa-Yala Road, Kaimosi 0.1532, 34.9348 Teapickers-near-kericho.JPG ☎ +254 56 52403 A tea plantation that can be visited by appointment.

Kakamega Rainforest

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