VISITE DE LA FORÊT DE KAKAMEGA

On arrival at the reserve's main entrance, report to the ranger office to set off with one of the four official guides. Although it's not compulsory, it's strongly recommended that you take a guide (rates depend on length and distance, but allow Ksh 2,000 for a 4-hour tour). He or she will be able to show you a huge number of animals that you probably wouldn't have spotted on your own, explain how this forest ecosystem works and perhaps save you from going round in circles for two hours. You can also organize a night walk to observe the sloths as they make their long, arduous progress. To fully appreciate this forest, take one of the many hiking trails that have been laid out. They're usually well signposted (although you can sometimes get lost) and offer superb, interesting walks of an hour, half a day or even a whole day, with no major difficulties.

One of the trails takes you up to Buyango Hill, the highest point in the forest, offering a magnificent panorama. Isiukhu Falls, to the very north of the reserve, is a great place for a walk of several hours, during which you should see many monkeys. It's a delight to walk through a real jungle, at the foot of hundred-year-old trees on which magnificent wild orchids grow.

Kakamega Forest is a must for any birdwatcher, and is also the epicenter for butterfly lovers. Some of these butterflies are unique to the forest. Other interesting insects include Goliath beetles, stick insects and fireflies. In addition to monkeys, we can also observe hylochers, flying squirrels, mongooses, civets, servals, genets, small antelopes such as duikers, and many species of bats. Avifauna lovers will also find something to their liking, including the rare grey-cheeked hornbill.

The best time to visit the forest is undoubtedly between December and March, when it rains a little less. However, butterfly enthusiasts will prefer the months of July and August, while flower lovers will opt for the months of April to June (very wet, but a grandiose spectacle). In any case, bring good waterproof footwear, a pair of binoculars and a parka.