An enchanting forest: dive into the Kenyan rainforest

When each guide was tasked with choosing a property, experience or destination that they loved, it was a delight to see the many unique choices they loved. With a diversity of guides came a diversity of passions.

Chege wa Kariuki, our expert ornithologist, chose the spectacular Kakamega Forst and the enchanting Rondo Retreat.

Nestled in the heart of Kenya, the Kakamega Forest stands as a living testament to the country's rich biodiversity and untamed beauty. This ancient tropical rainforest, often referred to as the last remnant of the Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once spanned the African continent, has become a haven for nature enthusiasts, scientists, and curious travelers. Beyond its vibrant flora, Kakamega Forest is home to a diverse array of fauna, including rare and endangered species. The forest is a haven for over 400 bird species, making it a birdwatcher's delight. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot the elusive Great Blue Turaco, Ross's Turaco, or the stunning Grey Parrot amidst the dense foliage. Additionally, primates such as the De Brazza's monkey and the Colobus monkey swing gracefully through the treetops, adding to the forest's magical atmosphere.

Rondo Retreat is interesting in its history; now belonging to the Trinity Fellowship, a Christian society committed to communication and conservation. In it’s past, the house was owned by a sawmiller who, in 1948, built a house at his wife’s request at the base of what was thought to be the biggest tree in the Forest, an Elgon Olive, the stump of which still stands today. The sawmiller left Kenya in 1961, leaving the property to the Christian Council of Kenya. Rondo officially came into the hands of the Trinity Fellowship in 1966 which was headed by the Reverend and Mrs. Cuthbert (Cubby) and Mathilde (Thilde) Dawkins. The Trinity Fellowship first used Rondo as a youth centre and orphanage. By no means ‘luxury’ in the traditional sense (and a very ‘dry’ destination - your guide will make sure to BYOB!), this pretty, quaint and historical property offers not only a glimpse into the past but a delve into the ecology history of Kenya.

By Giles Laurent - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0