Kakamega Rainforest

Yesterday we left early in the morning for a trip to Kakamega Rainforest - the only rainforest in Kenya. Most of the ride was very bumpy with massive potholes. As we passed through villages, all of the the children would yell "mazunga" (a term of endearment basically meaning "whitey"). It is very rare for the people in this area to see caucasians and for many it may be the first time.

We stayed at little homes on the grounds of the rainforest and saw some red-tailed monkeys jumping from the trees when we arrived. Kakamega is home primarily to monkeys, birds, other small animals and butterflies. 70% of all of Kenya's butterflies reside at Kakamega; one is called the map butterfly that has wings which resemble the African continent. We also saw a few Blue Turacos which are huge brilliant blue birds with what looks like a crop of black curly hair on their head.

We went on a walk in the evening with a tour guide. He took us into a bat cave which I have never been in before. It was pitch black, musty, wet, and mud/bat guano covered the floor and walls. It wasn't too scary until Ashley started screaming and freaking out. Her and Isabel ran out of the cave screaming wildly which disturbed the bats and they started flying around. Luckily I don't think I was bitten! After the bat cave, we climbed to a high vantage point to watch the sunset - it was nice but I liked the moon rising in the early nighttime sky even more (see picture with tour guide).

This weekend went by quick and I need to start preparing for rounds tomorrow!