Kakamega Forest

It is in the watershed of the Isiukhu and Yala rivers, which originate on the Nandi Escarpment to the east and flow westwards through the forest before emptying into Lake Victoria.

These may have originated from past human activity such as cattle grazing or may be the result of herbivory and movements by large mammals such as buffalo and elephants (both now extirpated from the region).

The glades vary a great deal in structure, some being open grass and others having a considerable number of trees or shrubs.

367[5][6] bird species have been recorded in the forest such as the west African Great blue turaco and black-and-white-casqued hornbill.

Insects are abundant and some are quite spectacular, such as Goliath beetles, pink and green flower mantis, and numerous colorful butterflies (489 species).

[11] Many local inhabitants rely on the forest to supply important resources, such as firewood, building poles and traditional medicines.

The region is said to be one of the most densely populated rural areas in the world, and pressure on the forest resources is considerable.

The Kakamega Rainforest Tour Guides (KRFTG) can arrange tours to visit the weeping stone (Crying stone) at Ilesi, located along the Kakamega-Kisumu road, or Kisere Forest to see the De-brazes monkey in the north of Kakamega.

[14] Forest tours have attracted prominent personalities including outgoing US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec who paid a visit in April 2018 and marveled at its beauty.

The biogeographical assignment of a west Kenyan rain forest remnant: further evidence from analysis of its reptile fauna.