Kakamega forest, believed to be the largest single indigenous forest south of the Sahara and a remnant of the true Tropical rain forest that
once covered East and Central Africa , lies about 17 kilometres north of Kakamega town on the Kisumu-Kitale road. The Government has declared 44.9 sq. kms. of this valuable forest a national reserve for the preservation of the forest and its unique and varied species of reptiles, primates and butterflies.
Its flora attractions include indigenous trees like Elgon teak, Red stinkwood (Prunus Africana), African satinwood (Fagara macrophylla), Musizi (Maesopsis eminii) and many others. The rare red-tailed monkey and Debrazza monkey dominate the primates group while the famous yellow-backed duiker catches many a visitors' eye.
The great blue turaco is one of the many rare species of birds found in the forest. Due to its unique flora and fauna, the forest has become a special study area for natural history students from all over the world.
