Kakamega Forest – The Legacy of Africa’s Rainforest

Over 12,000 years ago, a great rainforest stretched across the African tropics, from the highland regions of the East African Rift Valley all the way to West Africa. Can you picture that? A continent with a seemingly never-ending cover of green that thousands of animal species call home. Over time, climatic changes caused a reduction in the size of this Guineo-Congolian forest, leaving behind a less expansive cover in Western Kenya. We know it today as Kakamega Forest, a rainforest that continues to thrive and carries with it the memories of its old glory days.  

Of the thousands of trees in Kakamega Forest, Mama Mutere was renowned for its age and size. 40 metres in height, this umbrella tree towered above others. Mama Mutere was one of a kind and was believed to be the mother of all mutere tree species in East Africa. After standing rooted in this rainforest for over 300 years, she had stood the test of time. Sadly, in June 2014, Mama Mutere was brought down by old age. The fallen trunk lies on the forest floor to date, a hard to miss sight that continues to attract many visitors to this site. 

The coverage of Kakamega forest is not what it used to be, yet it remains a sanctuary for wildlife that is native to other African countries. Of particular interest is the West African animal species residing within its thick dense foliage including the nocturnal potto, the black-lined green snake, Jameson’s mamba, and the giant otter shrew. Sighting these animals can transport you to different destinations, so if you’ve been to Kakamega forest you can say with certainty that you are widely travelled.  

The avifauna of the place is a continental treasure. About 30 bird species that were once populous can now only be found perched on the branches of Kakamega Forest’s indigenous trees. Their melodious harmonies flow down from the treetops to serenade anyone who visits the forest. The grey parrot, the blue-headed bee-eater, Chapin’s flycatcher and Turner’s eremomela are some of such endemic birds. Birds are not the only winged creatures inhabiting this space; Kakamega Forest is a lepidopterist’s dream with over 400 butterfly species recorded in the area.  

For a panoramic view of the rainforest, a short climb up Buyangu Hill or Lirhanda Hill will prove to be rewarding. Both hills are located within Kakamega Forest, with Buyagu giving a pleasant view of the southside and Lirhanda showing the north. A short distance away from Buyangu Hill is the Isiukhu Falls, a great place to set up a picnic and rest after a long hike.  

Have you walked beneath the shade of Kakamega Forest’s lush canopy? Share the experience with us!  

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The resting place of Mama Mutere. Image credits: Hikemaniak

Potto on the branches of a tree in Kakamega forest. Image credits: KWS

White fronted bee eaters. Image credits: KWS