Birding in Kakamega Forest: Kenya's Western Rainforest Birds

Reaching the forest means leaving the savannah behind. Tall trees, vines, shaded trails and constant bird calls replace the open grassland and acacia of the Rift Valley, and the atmosphere is closer to Uganda's forests than to the Masai Mara.

For serious birders, Kakamega is a core stop on any Kenya list, and for others it is a restful, green contrast to long game-drive days.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

A Forest Apart

Kakamega's fauna and flora share much with the forests of Uganda and Central Africa, so birds that are common there are Kenya specials here. Lowland forest birds, plus a rich mix of monkeys, butterflies and amphibians, thrive in this humid habitat. Because it is fragmented and surrounded by farmland, the forest also depends on careful management. See the Kakamega Forest guide for the wider visitor picture and where to stay in Kakamega for options.

Turacos and Hornbills

The great blue turaco is the signature bird, huge and blue-green with a yellow-tipped bill and a loud, barking call. Black-billed turaco is also present. Black-and-white casqued hornbills and other hornbills fly with heavy wingbeats between fruiting trees, and their sound can be heard well before they appear. Early morning at fruiting trees gives the best chance to watch them feeding. These large birds are easier to find than the forest understorey species.

Understorey and Canopy Species

Kakamega is famous for forest birds that skulk or stay high. Look for blue-headed bee-eater, Jameson's wattle-eye, yellow-billed barbet, joyful greenbul, several illadopsis and greenbuls, Turner's eremomela and, with luck, Chapin's flycatcher. African grey parrots have been recorded, but sightings are less frequent than in the past. Crowned hawk-eagle patrols the canopy. Patience and quiet movement matter more than speed.

Glades, Edges and Rivers

Clearings and forest edges often give the easiest birding, with sunbirds, weavers, flycatchers and bee-eaters in the open. Streams and swampy patches add kingfishers and other water-loving species. Edges also catch the best morning light for photography. Alongside birds, you will probably encounter red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus, so keep binoculars ready for both.

Best Months

The forest is wet at all times, with rain in most months, and mud is part of the experience. Birding is usually most comfortable in drier spells, often around December to February and June to August, though weather varies. Migrants from Europe add to the list from about October to April. Dawn is the best period, as activity dies down by late morning. Plan flexible timings and expect showers. See the Kenya birding calendar.

How to Bird Kakamega

Use licensed local guides, who know trails, fruiting trees and territories, and who help with respectful behaviour. Wear long trousers, waterproof layers and boots with grip, and keep a small waterproof cover for cameras. Do not use playback to lure birds, and keep to trails. Early starts, then a break midday, then a shorter afternoon walk is a productive rhythm. See best binoculars for safari for optics that cope with low light.

Getting There and Combining Stops

The forest lies in western Kenya and is usually reached by road or by a flight to a nearby town, followed by a transfer. See the Nairobi to Kakamega route. It combines well with Lake Victoria shores and, for a broader trip, with Uganda's forests, as covered in the Uganda and Kenya combination guide. For planning see the Kenya birding itinerary planner.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team