Kakamega Sunrise

A few weeks ago, we explored Kakamega Forest - Kenya's only tropical rainforest situated in Kakamega and Kisumu Counties, northwest of Nairobi. Kakamega is Kenya's only tropical rainforest and is reportedly Kenya's last remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest that once spanned the African continent. Kakamega Forest is home to Rondo Retreat - a popular AMPATH expat weekend getaway and idyllic nature sanctuary in the middle of the rainforest. We enjoyed delicious chai, caught up on some good reads, and Lauren crushed Cody at King Domino (a nerdy board game we like).

Reading on the porch at Rondo Retreat

Rondo Retreat hosts a variety of hikes, including a four hour hike along the winding Yala River and morning sunrise hike above the forest canopy. We opted for the latter and started our adventure sometime around 5 am on our second morning in Kakamega. As we worked our way through the moonlight, troops of colobus monkeys began howling across the forest canopy as the first rays of sunlight worked their way through the dense brush. We quickened our pace, suddenly aware of the impending sunrise.

Moon through the forest canopy

After making our way through the forest, we reached a clearing with a narrow switch-back path, leading up a steep hill. We scrambled our way to the top of the hill, followed by goat, sheep and cattle, shortly before the sun started peaking through thick clouds.

Hiking above the forest canopy for sunrise

The dense fog on the tops of the forest canopy gradually cleared as the sky began glowing sunrise pink, orange and yellow. The views were stunning and the panoramic view of the forest reminded of us of how fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful place.