National Parks and Reserves in Kenya you never knew existed
Kenya is one of the countries many would like to call home, the peace, the climate, the incredibly aesthetic landscapes, all the minerals, Flora and Fauna. Kenya is one of the leading tourist attractions in Africa. Boasting of 51 National Parks and Reserves in Kenya, 6National Marine Parks and 4 National Sanctuaries and many more Hidden Gems.
Of the 51 National Parks and reserves, only a few are well known, Lead by Masai Mara National Reserve, followed by Amboseli, Nakuru, Naivasha, Samburu National Reserve and OL Pejeta Conservancy. These are the most popular and most visited Parks and Reserves in Kenya.
Do you know there are more than 13 National Parks and Reserves you probably never heard of before but are well gazetted in Kenya?
They are even more interesting to venture into since they are less explored. So, I compiled the list of National Parks and Reserves in Kenya you most probably never heard of before.
They are rarely given airtime, no one speaks about them, they are untapped, chilled and less explored waiting for you. Without much ado, let’s delve in….
13.) South Island National Park.
This little-known National Park is located in Turkana County, Northern Kenya it is covered end to end by volcanic Ash.
The Island is home to more than 23 Bird Species including 34 Species of European Migrants viewed between March and May.
The Shores of the volcanic shores attract the lesser Flamingoes just like in Lake Magadi. Birds of prey are also in plenty including the Swallow-tailed Kites.
The hook of this Park: It Boasts as one of the world’s largest concentration of Crocodiles.
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
How to get to South Island National Park from Nairobi:
- You have two Options, Air or Road.
- Taking Road via Marsabit, North and South Horr.
- Or take Nairobi to Kalokol on Lake`s western shores, via Kitale and Lodwar.
- Once you are at Kalokol hire a boat to South Island National Park.
12.) Sibiloi National Park.
The list of National Parks and reserves in Kenya, couldn`t Miss Sibiloi National Park. Also known as the cradle of Mankind.
Fossils in this park have contributed a lot to the understanding of human evolution. Mount Sibiloi flanks the park with volcanic formation.
This park is a stopover of the migrant Waterfowl and ground for breeding the Long Nile Crocodiles.
Terrestrial Animals include the adapted Lions, Zebras, Grant Gazelles, The Elusive Leopards, Cheetahs, Greater Kudu just to mention a few.
The hook of this Park: Lake Turkana, which arguably the largest Permanent Desert Alkaline Lake in the World. The Lake shifts colours from blue to grey to Jade.
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
How to get to South Island National Park from Nairobi:
- You have two Options, Air or Road. Taking Road via Marsabit, North and South Horr.
- Or take Nairobi to Kalokol on Lake`s western shores, via Kitale and Lodwar.
- Once you are at Kalokol hire a boat to Aliabay.
11.) Ruma National Park
Located in Homabay County, Ruma is one of the National Parks and reserves you would mention and one becomes startled.
“where the heck is the Park” well, it made it to my list. This park is a Mosaic of undulating landscapes.
Ranging from woodland to riverine and rolling savannah to towering incredibly beautiful cliffs.
Ruma National Park is believed to have the potential of discovering new species. This Park is unexplored and the peace in that park is simply undisturbed.
The birdlife is also incredibly exceptional since it boasts hosting the threatened Blue Swallow which migrates from Southern Tanzania in April through September.
The hook of this Park: It has the only remaining sanctuary for the Endangered Roan Antelope
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
10.) Saiwa Swamp National Park
This park is a forested paradise filled with exotic flowers, trees, bushes, Birds and terrestrial Animals which include the rare De Brazza`s Monkey.
Bird Species include lesser Jacana, grey Heron, the African black duck, the collared and orange tufted sunbird, the yellow bishop just to mention a few.
The hook of this Park: Home to the Endangered Semi Aquatic Sitatunga Antelope
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
9.) Chyulu Hills National Park
Located in Makueni County. Chyulu Hills should not be on my list of Little-Known National Parks and Reserves in Kenya.
The reason being it is neighbour to the well known Tsavo National Park. To make it more engrossing it has a fair terrestrial number of animals which include.
The Elephants, Elands, bushbucks, buffalo, Leopards, hogs, bush pigs’ reedbucks and Giraffes, see this should be a well-known National Park.
This Gem is also home to numerous bird species.
The hook of this Park: Green Hill of Africa, it has breathtaking photogenic endless green rolling hills with great blue sky. While camping there you will feel like you are camping in the clouds.
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
8.) Ndere Island National Park.
Located in Kisumu County, Ndere Island National Park is actually in Lake Victoria, it is a haven for birds covered in grassland.
Ndere Island provides beautiful scenic views of the Homa hills to the south, Mageta Island to the east and glimpses of Kampala in Uganda beyond the southwest horizon.
It has both Bird species which include, Grey-headed Kingfishers, black-headed gonoleks and fish eagle.
Terrestrial Animals include the Sitatunga Antelope, Waterbucks Zebras, Impalas and Warthogs
The hook of this Park: The Air and Lake breeze leaves one with homely, welcoming freshness and buoyancy.
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
The National Reserves
On my list of the little-known National Parks and Reserves in Kenya, you now have some knowledge of some of the parks, lets now delve into the Little-Known National Reserves in Kenya.
7.) Nasolot National Reserve.
Located in dreaded Northern Kenya, Mount Melo Lodwar here we come!
This little-known National Reserve is incredibly beautiful and rugged. It is quite remote and untapped.
If you are looking for a quiet serene environment, this is the kind of your destination as very few visitors visit this National Reserve in Kenya.
Enjoy those views of mount Melo and Nasolot Hill, bird Watching or nature walk is ideal.
The hook of this Park: Nasolot National Park is one of the Little-Known National Parks and Reserves in Kenya. However, it has an incredibly beautiful Rocky outcrop at the periphery of the reserve called Nasolot Hill
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
6.) Mwingi National Reserve.
Kitui County is well known for high temperatures and low rainfall, this National Park is little Known probably because of its remoteness.
It Boasts of Wilderness habitat; game viewing Adamson’s Falls Fishing and boating on Tana River, Kampi ya Simba – the former home of Joy and George Adamson and the grave of Elsa the lioness famed as “the Lioness that Changed the World”.
The hook of this Park: Despite the remoteness, Mwingi National Park has Terrestrial Big Mammals which include, Caracal, elephant, hippo, leopard, lion and several antelope species among others.
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
5.) Bisanadi National Reserve.
Located on the Northern side of Meru, it is usually recommended to visit both for the best experience.
This hot and arid bushland is host to numerous species which include, Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos, Buffaloes and over 400 bird species. You can opt for fishing in River Tana.
The hook of this Reserve: This is the only little-known National Parks and reserves in Kenya list that consist of the Big Five, Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo.
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
4.) Mwea National Reserve.
Located at Embu County, Mwea National Park is a savannah ecosystem that comprises small hills with bushy and scattered trees.
This undulating National park boast of Major Terrestrial Mammals which include, Elephants, Rothchild Giraffes, Zebras, vervet Monkeys, Lesser Kudu, Buffalo, Impala, Rock Hyrax among others.
The hook of this Reserve: Game Viewing, Hippo Point and Boat Ride at Kamuru Dam
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
3.) Arawale National Reserve.
Located 280 Kilometers North of Mombasa, Arawale National Reserve is semi-Arid and driving there you will need a jeep (4WD) Since the tracks are almost untraceable and Impassable.
The undisturbed peace in This National Reserve is Incredibly Magical. It is one of the little-known Reserves in Kenya.
The hook of this Reserve: It is home to the Endangered Antelope known as Hirola or the hunter’s hartebeest.
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
2.) Rahole National Park.
This is a vast wilderness National park, located in the Northern Banks of Tana River, near Garissa Town.
So, you will need a 4WD to access the Park since no traceable tracks, it’s kind of feels like an abandoned Reserve but Animals enjoy the serenity though.
The hook of this Reserve: It is home to the Endangered Antelope known as Beisa Oryx and the rare Gravy Zebra.
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
1.) Rimoi National Reserve.
Located at Elgeyo Marakwet county. This National Reserve is being developed by the county governments after they recently released 30 Zebras to restock the reserve.
The hook of this Reserve: It is being restocked and the Kenya wildlife service and the County Government are in collaboration, making it unpredictable, we may soon be able to spot lions.
Park Fees: Adult Citizen Kes250 Child Kes100
: Non-Resident Adult $20 Child $10
To book your Safari, contact Incredible Kenya Adventures, Which is at the forefront of Rescusite Tourism due to COVID 19 by offering special Rates.
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