Kakamega forest is a virgin tropical rainforest that lies in the heart of Western Kenya's main agricultural region. It is the home to a large number of endangered botanical and zoological species. Among the wildlife that is to be found here are the rare De Brazza’s monkey, other forest primates including the red-tailed monkey, the colobus and blue monkey.The hammer-headed fruit bat or a flying squirrel can be seen in the night.

One feature of the forest that continues to draw visitors to this tropical paradise is the abundant bird life. The best months for viewing the avifauna being June, August and October when many migratory species arrive. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded, among which are black and white casqued horn bill, Ross’s Turaco and the Greater Turaco. An added attraction is the variety of wild flowers and butterflies that exist here.

WESTERN CULTURE
Western Kenya is rich in culture playing host to a number of tribal groups including the Abaluyia, the Luo, the Kuria and the Abagusii. Interacting with the villagers in these areas as you listen to fork lore, join them in some traditional dances and have a bite of their fare is a cultural experience never to be forgotten. Below is one of the many trips that cover this region. Please contact us for many more safari itineraries for Western Kenya.

WTT 998SE - THE BEST OF CULTURE AND ECO TOURISM

DAY 1 NAIROBI - KISUMU
Leave Nairobi in the morning, have lunch at Kericho the tea capital of Kenya. Walk in the tea plantations then drive via Lwanda Magere
(the Luo warrior who was killed and turned into a stone) continue to Kisumu for dinner and overnight.

DAY 2 NDERE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK – KAKAMEGA
After breakfast drive to Kaloka beach, take a boat to Ndere Island national park see some game and bird life. Row the boat back to Kaloka beach. Drive via Kit- Mikaye ( This rock is where Mikaye the mother of Luo tribe sheltered herself after along journey down the Nile) drive back to Kisumu for Lunch. Kisumu tour takes you to Impala park, Kisumu Museum and Dunga beach are optional. Drive to Kakamega arriving late evening, dinner and overnight.

DAY 3 KAKAMEGA FOREST
After breakfast drive to Kakamega forest walk through the forest in the company of forest rangers. Early evening interaction with villagers closeto the forest as you learn what the community is doing to preserve the forest. Entertainment by traditional Luyia dancers. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 4 KISUMU- KENDU BAY- HOMA BAY
After early breakfast drive past Kisumu southwards via Odino falls to Kendu Bay for lunch then to Lake Simbi Nyaima. Proceed on a walk around this lake watching out for the different types of birds, talk to local people to know much about this magical lake. Continue to Kanjira Hot springs. The evening will be spent looking at the fishermen’s catch even as you mingle with the local community as they purchase fish by the lakeside. Dinner and overnight at Homa bay

DAY 5 HOMA BAY -RUSINGA - MBITA
Drive to Rusinga Island, explore this Island visit historical sites e.g. Tom Mboya Mausoleum and the fighting bulls etc. In the evening continue to Mbita point for dinner and overnight .

DAY 6 MBITA - RUMA NATIONAL PARK - AWENDO
Leave Mbita in the morning to Ruma National park, game drive followed by lunch at Ndhiwa then continue to the ruins of Thim Lich Ohinga then to Gogo falls. Drive to Homa Bay for dinner and overnight.

Day 7 AWENDO-NAKURU-NAIROBI
Leave Awendo after breakfast for Nairobi stopping in Nakuru for lunch before climbing the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley and arriving in Kenya's capital city in the mid afternoon.