The day began with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel, during which we discussed the plan for the day. It was a great opportunity to align ourselves in a calm atmosphere and share our excitement for what lay ahead. Right on time, Alice picked us up, and together we headed to MMUST.
From there, our adventure began: Along with Jaspar and Edgar, we boarded a university bus that took us to the Kakamega Rainforest. This rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in Kenya, is not only breathtakingly beautiful but also of immense ecological importance. Unfortunately, over time, it has shrunk from an impressive 240,000 hectares to a mere 23,000 hectares. Nevertheless, it still hosts a fascinating variety of plants, mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Since 1985, large portions of the forest have been protected—a glimmer of hope for the preservation of this unique ecosystem.
With an experienced guide, we explored the rainforest. He showed us various species of monkeys, some of which I had never seen before, as well as an impressive diversity of birds. Particularly awe-inspiring were the massive trees, several hundred years old, that seemed to tell the story of the forest itself. The guide shared fascinating details about the animals and plants we encountered along the way, turning the tour into an educational experience.
A highlight of the day was reaching a viewpoint at the end of a short hike. From there, we could see the rainforest in all its glory—a sight that left us all speechless. Naturally, we had to capture this moment with photos. Afterwards, we continued to a stunning waterfall, whose serene beauty and soothing sound left a lasting impression.
In the late afternoon, we said goodbye to Alice and returned to the hotel. We also had to bid farewell to Edgar, hoping that our paths would cross again soon. We ended the evening with a relaxing time at the hotel, preparing for our upcoming departure.
This day in the Kakamega Rainforest will remain etched in our memories for a long time. The combination of captivating nature, intriguing stories, and heartfelt encounters made it a truly special experience.
