| |
Kakamega
Forest National Reserve
Among
Kenya safaris itineraries, this is a birder and
trekkers paradise. Kakamega Forest National Reserve
was opened in 1985 and is 418 Kms from Nairobi covering an area of 240
Sq. Kms. It is the only tropical rainforest in Kenya, left over from
past millennia when dense rain forest stretched from West Africa, across
Central Africa and into the highland areas on the west and eastern walls
of the Great Rift Valley.
Rising 4,000 to 7,000 Ft above
sea level, the forest has been a protected area of Kenya since its vital
role in the eco-system was first recognized in 1933.
The sheer size and grandeur of
these rainforest trees, some over a hundred years old, is impressive.
The trees create a complete environment for the birds, insects,
butterflies and wildlife, so plentiful in the area. It is a home-coming
for birdwatchers and trekking in the forest gives the feel of the
real African wild, all in one
Kenya safari
package.
The forest includes some of Africa's greatest hard
and soft woods: Elgon teak, red and white stink woods and several
varieties of Croton and Aniageria Altisima. Splendid orchids sit amongst
the branches of the larger trees. Walking beneath the lush forest canopy
the deep shade is pierced by flashes of color, exotic birdcalls, the
scents of wood, flower and moss. The best time to visit is during the
rainy season, April to July, when the flowers are at their most beauty.
There are 7 kilometers of trails
with a team of ranger guides to escort visitors through the forest. The
walk to Buyango Hill, the highest point in the forest, is a must for
visitors.
The indigenous trees lining the trails are identified on signs
with their local and Latin names. The Reserve is twice the size of
Nairobi National Park with 380 species of plants spread in swamps, riverine and hardwood forest areas, glades and the shallow forest around
the edge of the reserve. 350 species of bird have been recorded
including rare snake-eating birds. Butterflies and snakes normally only
found in West Africa can also be spotted,
although visitors need have no
concern about meeting them round every corner. Forest
mammals among them
the bush pigs, grey duikers, civet, Sunni, clawless otters and some
fascinating nocturnal game: Ground Pangolin, porcupines and the
occasional leopard.
Kakamega forest offers excellent
primate viewing with Black and White Colobus being plentiful and the De Brazza Monkeys (known as 'Karasinga' in Swahili, thanks to its
distinctive white beard) can be found in the adjacent Kisere forest
area. Many rare species of primate are common here such as the Blue
Monkey, frequently seen near the Ishiuki Falls, the Olive Baboon and the
Red Tailed Monkey.
Accommodation is available within
the Reserve: one guest house (total 8 beds), self-help bandas with 10
beds and two campsites. Other nearby hotel accommodation is available as
well as the Rondo Retreat, recently opened to visitors, located inside
the Reserve.
Easily included on the same
western circuit is Ruma National Park.
Created as a reserve in 1966 to protect the only remaining habitat of
Roan Antelope, the Park is in the Lambwe Valley in South Nyanza, 140
kilometers from Kisumu town. The 120 sq. kilometers Park is a mix of
rolling savannah, woodlands, rivers and hills. Its main attractions are
game viewing, birdwatching, hiking and walking, and fishing in the
rivers.
You can watch Bohor's Reedbucks,
Rothschild's Giraffe, Jackson's Hartebeest, Roan
Antelopes, buffalos,
leopard, serval cats and hyenas.Birding is exelent with many
species
recorded. There is no accommodations in the park apart from two camping
sites.
Two other parks on this circuit
are Ndere Island National Park
and
Kisumu Impala Wildlife
Sanctuary.
Ndere Island Park is only 4.2
square kilometers, an island just off the northern shores of Lake
Victoria, opened in November 1986. Ndere means 'Meeting Place' in the
language of the local Luo tribe. According to Luo folklore, Kit Mikayi,
mother of the tribe, rested up near Ndere after her long journey south
down the Nile Valley. She found the lush shoreline so pleasing that she
and her people stayed.
It is home to a variety of birds
including fish eagles and a dense population of swifts. Hippos and
crocodiles, including the lesser known Spotted Crocodiles, are at home
here. 50 impalas have been introduced to the woodland which fringes the
shores. Attractions include hiking, walking, traditional fishing, boat
safaris and picnics. No accommodation is available.
Kisumu Impala Wildlife
Sanctuary was opened in October 1992, to protect a herd of impalas
and provides safe grazing grounds for hippos from the lake. It is used
as a holding point and sanctuary for 'problem' animals, such as leopard,
hyena and baboon. It is close to Kisumu town and occupies less than one
square kilometer.
|
|
