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Forest Reserves

Discover Kenya's forest reserves protecting vital mountain forests, water catchments, and endemic species. These critical ecosystems serve as the lungs of our nation, regulating climate and providing essential water resources for millions of people.

45
Forest Reserves
7.2%
National Forest Cover
70%
Water Supply Source
150+
Endemic Species

Kenya's Forest Reserves

Protecting vital forest ecosystems and water catchments

Aberdare National Park
National Park

Aberdare National Park

Nyeri
765.7 km²
Est. 1950

High-altitude biodiversity hotspot

Key Features:
Species_list: ['elephant', 'leopard', 'bongo'] Count: 3
Arabuko Sokoke National Park
National Park

Arabuko Sokoke National Park

Kilifi
6.0 km²
Est. 1970

100% endemic bird forest

Key Features:
Species_list: ["Ader's duiker", 'Sokoke scops owl'] Count: 2
Chyulu Hills National Park
National Park

Chyulu Hills National Park

Makueni
471.0 km²
Est. 1970

Scenic hiking, volcanic features

Key Features:
Species_list: ['elephant', 'leopard', 'buffalo'] Count: 3
Kakamega National Reserve
National Reserve

Kakamega National Reserve

Kakamega
44.7 km²
Est. 1980

National reserve in Kakamega county providing habitat for diverse wildlife

Marsabit National Reserve
National Reserve

Marsabit National Reserve

Marsabit
1122.0 km²
Est. 1980

National reserve in Marsabit county providing habitat for diverse wildlife

Mount Elgon National Park
National Park

Mount Elgon National Park

Bungoma
169.0 km²
Est. 1968

Cross-border park with unique montane biodiversity

Key Features:
Elephant Buffalo Antelope Primates
Mount Kenya National Park
National Park

Mount Kenya National Park

Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu
2124.0 km²
Est. 1949

UNESCO World Heritage Site with alpine biodiversity

Key Features:
Elephant 130+ Bird Species Colobus Monkey Elephants Colobus_monkeys Buffalo
Mount Longonot National Park
National Park

Mount Longonot National Park

Nakuru
52.0 km²
Est. 1983

Dormant volcano perfect for hiking and crater exploration

Key Features:
Buffalo Zebra Giraffe Hartebeest
Mt. Kenya National Park
National Park

Mt. Kenya National Park

Meru
715.0 km²
Est. 1949

National park in Meru county protecting Kenya's wildlife and ecosystems

Mt. Kenya National Reserve
National Reserve

Mt. Kenya National Reserve

Meru
2124.0 km²
Est. 1949

National reserve in Meru county providing habitat for diverse wildlife

Proposed Marsabit National Park
National Park

Proposed Marsabit National Park

Marsabit
N/A km²
Est. 1970

National park in Marsabit county protecting Kenya's wildlife and ecosystems

Shimba Hills National Reserve
National Reserve

Shimba Hills National Reserve

Kwale
192.5 km²
Est. 1980

Official KWS conservation area: Shimba Hills National Reserve

Forest Conservation Importance

Water Catchment

Forest reserves provide 70% of Kenya's water supply through natural water catchments.

Climate Regulation

Forests regulate local climate, moderate temperatures, and influence rainfall patterns.

Endemic Species

Mountain forests host over 150 endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

Carbon Sequestration

Forests absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, playing a crucial role in climate change mitigation.