October 4th, 2012 
Emily 
When people visit Kenya, they tend to spend time on safaris or at the beaches on the coast. But Kenya is also home to the remnants of an ancient rainforest that once spanned equatorial Africa.
We were excited to visit this rainforest, known as Kakamega Forest.
Actually, my husband was excited to visit Kakamega Forest, I was a little less excited. That’s because I knew that visiting a rainforest would involve hiking, humidity, and mosquitoes (three of my least favorite things).
But in the spirit of compromise, I went to Kakamega Forest with my husband. He is on a bird-watching kick, and had a grand time finding rare species of birds that only live in Kakamega. I swatted mosquitoes and pretended that I could see the birds hidden in the lush foliage. I also complained a little.
Um, yeah, sure. I totally see that bird you’re talking about.
Looking for birds with our guide.
Meanwhile, I’m swatting at mosquitoes.
In typical travel fashion, things didn’t go according to plan.
I complained a little too much and the guide decided to take us on a short cut, which ended up being longer than the original trail. Luckily, we made it back to our vehicle minutes before the rain started.
Then, the rain was so heavy that we had to cut our tour short because the road had turned into a river. (I mean, it’s a rainforest, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised.)
That used to be a road.
The rain also knocked over a tree on the only road out of Kakemega, stranding us until someone who wisely kept a machete in their trunk could cut apart the tree and remove it from the road.
Let me tell you, it was a long day. Luckily, I had brought plenty of snacks, which kept me placated. And now I feel like my husband owes me a favor. I think I will ask him to serve me cake while I sit on the couch enjoying the dry, mosquito-free air.
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Wow! What a crazy adventure! And look what a good blog post came out of it. LOL .. love the picture of you swatting the mosquitoes.
Thanks, yeah, my husband did a good job with that one!
Oh, Emily, this story is so sad it’s funny!
Haha, glad you enjoyed it. It was sad/funny. I think the picture of me swatting mosquitoes really captures it.
I need to visit Kakamega Forest! It looks beautiful (minus those mosquitoes). I am not the best bird observer either… But the forest looks amazing. A different side of Kenya indeed.
Yeah, for the first several hours of hiking, I was into it. It was quite beautiful and cool to imagine the rainforest that stretched across this whole area of Africa.
Hey Emily, that was a great adventure. And you did take some wonderful photos, too. I personally love hiking and do it at least once a year for a week, and whenever I get the chance – over the weekend, too.
I’m amazed at these beautiful scenes
Glad you enjoyed the photos! Sorry you can’t be here to hike with us. It’s not my thing, so I bet my husband would love having someone who’s a little more positive join him on hikes.
That picture of you swatting the mosquito is perfect! Pure disdain.
Haha, yeah, I didn’t know if I should be angry or glad that my husband captured the moment perfectly.
Wow Emily. I would have been like you, more concerned with mosquitos than anything else. I hate those buggers! Thanks for linking up with the TALU.
What an adventure! But an adventure I’m happy reading about and not experiencing. I am a terrible outdoorswoman, and probably would have been sulking in the car after the first 20 minutes of mosquitos haha
thanks for linking up to TALU!
Yeah, I debated whether sitting in the car would be a better option, but I thought I would get too bored.
I’ve always wanted to visit a rainforest, but the fear of a goliath bird-eating spider dropping down my shirt has made me think twice. Mosquitoes love me, so that wouldn’t be fun either. Glad you didn’t have to stay there overnight!
Visiting from TALU
Good point. If we had to camp out there, I would have lost my mind. I guess I should just be grateful it was day trip.
Your photo is priceless. I love to hike, but I hate mosquitos. Leaves a very small window of opportunity to be sure. As I read, I got nervous that you were going to have to climb those trees to find the birds or escape the floodwaters. Was that a road?!?!? TALU
It was road. A road covered in water. We were a little worried about the floodwaters too, since we were in a Honda Civic!
Yep – I think that is the least he can do. haha
Aside from the mosquitoes, that looks like an awesome adventure! (TALU)
It was certainly an adventure, but I think I prefer the beach.
Cake?! When he’s done serving and clearing the dishes, you better get a foot rub too after that day.
[#TALU]
Good point. After all that hiking, my feet needed pampering too.