Stunning views of nature in Kakamega forest thrill hikers, cyclists

The canopy of the natural beauty of countless tree species, some aged over 100 years, took away the breath of hikers and cyclists who participated in the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series, Western Circuit.

 Kakamega Forest Reserve is the only remnant in Kenya of the once great tropical rain forest that stretched across Central Africa.

 “Kakamega Forest is always a delight to visit, as it is the only remnant in Kenya of the once great tropical rain forest that stretched across Central Africa. When I heard it would be the first stop for the Magharibi Trail series by Magical Kenya, I was excited,” Charlene Mwangi, a hiking and bird watching enthusiast, said.

 It was her fifth visit to the forest. Her previous visits mostly focused on bird watching, as the forest is a bird paradise, with hundreds of species.

 “This time, however, the focus was hiking the northern side of the forest, and Kenya Wildlife Service had an amazing adventure for us: a 22km trail under the canopy. This was a perfect trail, as most of the time you are under the shade of the trees, meaning even when the sun is very hot, you barely feel the effects.”

 Mwangi said the reserve is perfect for forest bathing, allowing one to fully connect with nature.

 “It encourages being present in the moment, noticing the details of nature, and avoiding distractions like devices and fully engaging with the forest's atmosphere through all senses – sight, sound, smell, touch, and even taste.”

“I like to take my time to observe what is around me and not rush through a trail and also learn from the local guides and rangers. The trail was both in the primary and secondary sections of the forest, where we followed the Isukhu River up until we got to the waterfall.”

The river flows so quietly in most of the sections that one barely realises it is right there, other than in sections with some rapids and the waterfall.

 “In addition, the trail is covered by towering trees covered in carpet-like moss, as it’s a very moist environment; in between, we could hear birds chirping, observe monkeys and see lots of beautiful butterflies. In addition, I got to taste the forest guavas and wild ginger. A very rewarding experience, where you get to activate most muscles in the body and enjoy the fresh air,” Mwangi said.

Kakamega forest  is home to hundreds of bird species, making it an Important Bird Area (IBA.)

Snakes, primates, butterflies and countless tree species and natural glades, as well as the rare De Brazza monkey, are a spectacle.

The forest has a network of nature trails.

A walk through the high canopies, its silence only broken by bird calls or the chatter of monkey troops or occasionally the gurgle of a nearby stream, is a simple delight. All this and more are possible in a day trip.

The cool, crisp, serene forest environment makes it a perfect retreat away from the daily hustle and bustle of the cities.

 On the first day, at least 40 hikers and cyclists took part in exploring the forest.

 The Kenya Tourism Board is repositioning the Western tourism circuit as a key adventure destination, spotlighting its unexplored landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and pristine natural attractions.

CEO June Chepkemei said the move was in line with Kenya's strategy to diversify tourism offerings.

The Magharibi Trail Series ran from May 29 to June 1, taking participants across the scenic landscapes of Kakamega, Siaya, and Homa Bay counties in an immersive three-day expedition combining hiking, cycling, and cultural experiences.

"The Magharibi Trail will showcase the extraordinary biodiversity and cultural richness of what Western Kenya offers to global adventure seekers. In choosing Kakamega forest as our starting point, we are highlighting Kenya's only tropical rain forest and remaining remnant of the ancient Guineo- Congolian rainforest, a biodiversity hot spot that represents our commitment to sustainable adventure tourism," Chepkemei said.

"We are excited to have a host of activities that will showcase this circuit in a much more experiential and immersive way, allowing visitors to connect deeply with both the natural landscape and cultural heritage of these remarkable counties."

The trail series featured specialised routes for both hikers and cyclists, where participants traversed the iconic Buyangu Hills and Isiukhu Falls in Kakamega forest, continuing to the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria in Siaya county, and culminating in an exploration of Rusinga Island in Homa Bay county on May 31, where they experienced the rich cultural heritage of the Suba people.

Highlighting the global shift in travel preferences, Chepkemei emphasised the economic significance of adventure tourism,.

She said the trail series adds substantial value to Kenya's tourism portfolio, aligning with the target of attracting 200,000 adventure tourists in the next five years.

"We are witnessing a fundamental shift where travelers increasingly seek destinations that offer both physical challenges and meaningful cultural connections," Chepkemei said. "Kenya's diverse topography and rich cultural tapestry position us perfectly to capitalise on this trend."

The initiative comes as Kenya looks to welcome three million visitors by year-end.

The event is the second in a series of six editions planned throughout 2025, following the successful Heritage Trails and Tinderet- Barngetuny Mountain Run held in January.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between KTB, Athletics Kenya and Kenya Wildlife Service, with support from various stakeholders.

Josephat Erupe, senior assistant director, Western Conservation Area at KWS, said the trail series is a strategic promotion that will open up the Western Circuit, one of Kenya’s most overlooked tourism regions.

“By showcasing attractions that range from wildlife to adrenaline-pumping adventure activities, we aim to attract more visitors to this region. Adventure as a tourism offering is quickly gaining traction in this region, especially among the youth who are looking for fun, health-conscious experiences."

Upcoming editions will feature the Aberdares Trails in June, Mt Kenya Trails in August/September, Central Rift Trails in November, and Mt Elgon Mountain Run in December 2025.

Local communities along the trail routes have been actively involved in the planning process, ensuring that the economic benefits reach the grassroots level while preserving the authenticity of the experiences offered.