From Scenic Road Trips to Biking in Lush Forest: The Beauty of Kakamega

The Heritage Trails Expedition by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is opening up new tourism pathways, showcasing Kenya’s hidden gems and promoting lesser-known circuits.

Picture yourself cycling through vibrant tea plantations and lively villages, or biking deep within Kenya’s only tropical rainforest – the Kakamega Forest National Reserve.

This ancient Guineo-Congolian forest remnant, covering roughly 238 km², offers a much-needed calming effect with its cool, tireless breeze.

It is a lush, green haven year-round, home to towering hardwoods, over 380 plant species, 360+ bird species, 400+ butterflies, and a variety of mammals and reptiles.

This expedition is an opportunity to sample a wide range of cultural and historical experiences, fostering cultural exchanges and a chance to learn local traditions, truly connecting with the heart of Kenya’s culture and local communities.

It’s an ideal escape from routine, allowing you to explore Kenya’s hidden gems and create lasting memories, all while meeting like-minded people who share a passion for fitness and adventure.

For the active and fitness-conscious traveller, Kakamega presents an unparalleled opportunity to hit your fitness goals while exploring breathtaking scenery, hills, and lush greens.

The forest offers magnificent views, extensive hiking trails, including river-side walks, canopy hikes, and paths leading to stunning waterfalls like the iconic “Crying Stone” (Ilesi).

Guided treks are available for bird, butterfly, and primate sightings, such as colobus and De Brazza’s monkeys. Isiukhu Falls also adds to the scenic beauty, cascading over rocks into a serene pool.

Kakamega enjoys a tropical rainforest climate with 1,200–1,700 mm of annual rainfall. While heaviest rains occur in April–May and August–September, the relatively dry months of January–February and June–July are best for hiking, birdwatching, and butterfly viewing. Temperatures consistently range between 20–30 °C (68–86 °F).

Access to Kakamega is roughly 420 km (6–8 hours by road) from Nairobi via Nakuru/Kapsabet, or 50 km north of Kisumu (~1-hour drive from Kisumu airport).

Entry points are available at Buyangu (KWS) or Isecheno (KFS) via the Kisumu/Mombasa road. Accommodation options cater to various preferences, including camping, ecolodges, bandas (e.g., Isecheno KEEP, Rondo Retreat), and inns in Kakamega town.

For impactful storytelling and visuals, key campaign sites include the dramatic Crying Stone waterfall (ideal for drone footage and wellness/yoga campaigns), centuries-old ancient fig trees like Mama Mtere tree, evoking mystery and natural heritage, and the Butterfly Farm and birding trails, perfect for educational content.

Capturing the nightlife in the forest, with its nocturnal wildlife like bats, frogs, and night birds, offers immersive storytelling potential.

The Heritage Trails Expedition, spearheaded by the Kenya Tourism Board, is a bold new move to position Kenya as a leading adventure and cultural tourism destination, showcasing our diverse beauty and hidden gems.

It encourages visitors to go beyond the usual tourist spots – past the beaches and traditional safaris – to discover a cocktail of adventure in many other untapped areas of Kenya.

Come discover and experience what Kakamega truly has to offer, and contribute to community development and environmental stewardship along the way.