Lirhanda Hill
Sunrise.
Matthias Bohnen — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Josep M. Gracia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Mbohnen — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Nao Iizuka — CC BY 3.0 · Nao Iizuka — CC BY 3.0
Kakamega Forest is a tropical rainforest in Kakamega, Vihiga and Nandi counties of western Kenya, near the border with Uganda, about 44 km north of Kisumu in a straight line. It is Kenya's only tropical rainforest and is said to be its last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian forest that once spanned the continent. The forest lies on rolling ground mostly between 1,500 and 1,600 metres, in the watershed of the Isiukhu and Yala rivers, which rise on the Nandi Escarpment and flow west through the forest to Lake Victoria. With its reserves it covers about 238 square kilometres, a little under half still native forest; in the north is the Kakamega National Reserve, protected since 1985. Grassy glades of varying size are scattered through it. Tall, dense trees rise in layers of green, crossed by red dirt paths, with the calm brown Yala river winding between them. From Lirhanda Hill a sea of treetops stretches to the horizon, especially at sunrise. Visitors walk the forest trails with guides to see birds, butterflies and monkeys, and climb Lirhanda Hill for sunrise. Wear shoes that can handle mud and carry a rain jacket.
Sunrise.
Through the forest.
And butterflies.
Kakamega County, western Kenya
It is recommended.
A rain jacket.