Escape
from the ordinary into the extra ordinary. There are so
many exciting things to see and to do in experiencing and
exploring the wonderful world of the tropical rain forest.
HIKING ALONG NATURE TRAILS
Starting with the rolling lawns and flowerbeds of Rondo’s upper garden, already alive with animals and birds. Descending in the dappled light to the fish pond and paths of the lower garden with dancing butterflies before and behind. And leading out into the forest proper accompanied by a piercing cacophony, or left alone in intriguing silence never knowing what one might see around the next corner. This is one of Rondo’s very own trails that runs right down to and along the Yala River.
Out in the sunshine again you can climb Lirhanda Hill (Smiling Bald Peter we call him) that rises above the forest canopy with stunning vistas of the forest and surrounding countryside.
TAKING IN SOARING SIGHTS
GUIDES Well qualified local guides are available. Take Benjamin, for one, he
is a walking encyclopedia and a conservation activist.
HIKING ALONG NATURE TRAILS
Starting with the rolling lawns and flowerbeds of Rondo’s upper garden, already alive with animals and birds. Descending in the dappled light to the fish pond and paths of the lower garden with dancing butterflies before and behind. And leading out into the forest proper accompanied by a piercing cacophony, or left alone in intriguing silence never knowing what one might see around the next corner. This is one of Rondo’s very own trails that runs right down to and along the Yala River.
Out in the sunshine again you can climb Lirhanda Hill (Smiling Bald Peter we call him) that rises above the forest canopy with stunning vistas of the forest and surrounding countryside.
TAKING IN SOARING SIGHTS
Trees of tremendous height, great girth and massive buttresses, hanging with
lianas. A mix of lowland and highland species giving Kakamega Forest a unique
variety of flora and fauna.
Flowers including 60 species of orchids and 9 are endemic (found only in Kakamega
Forest). Rondo is proud to have some in its own garden. Then there are many species
of herbs and ferns.
Birds The forest is best known for its sheer abundance and diversity of birdlife.
Some 367 species have been recorded. 36 of the species that occur in and around
Kakamega Forest are found nowhere else in Kenya. Kakamega Forest is a “must” for
any serious bird watcher.
Butterflies There are representatives of every African family of butterflies.
Some of these include the Regal and Broad Green-banded Swallowtails, the Black-tipped
Diadem, the Forest Mother of Pearl, and Hobart’s Red Glider, the only scarlet
butterfly in the Forest. Plus the genus Charaxes which contains the fastest flying
butterflies in Africa. Other interesting insects are the Goliath Beetle, Stick
Insects and Fire Flies.
Animals In addition to the monkeys already mentioned there are Giant Forest and
Flying Squirrels, mongooses, civets, servals, and genets, smaller antelope such
as duikers, and numerous species of bats. The Hammer-headed Fruit Bat is endemic
to Kakamega Forest, and is the largest bat on the African continent with a wing
span of almost one meter and a huge head.
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