Kakamega Forest

Kakamega is a fragment of the great Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once stretched across the continent — the only tropical rainforest in Kenya, and unlike anywhere else in the country. It is a place for slowing down and looking closely: some 350 bird species, blue and red-tailed monkeys, and butterflies in the shafts of light.

This is a specialist's detour rather than a big-game stop, best for birders and anyone wanting the other side of Kenya. We combine it with the Rift lakes for a western loop away from the safari crowds.