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Marsabit National Park & Reserve

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MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE

"A remote paradise for nature lovers"

Marsabit National Park features a dense montane forest and three crater lakes that provide a haven for a variety of birdlife, mammals and reptiles. The lower slopes of the mountain might be scorched and dry but the richly forested scenic views around makes it just as magical and a sight to behold. The beautiful park is a refuge for the huge tusked bull elephants and was home to most famous elephant named Ahmed until his death at an estimated age of 63 years. The patriarch, Ahmed was accorded round the clock protection from poachers through a presidential decree in early 1970. A model of elephant Ahmed now stands tall at the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi. 

Kenya Wildlife Service/ Kenya Forest Service co–jurisdictions compliments other Northern circuit destinations being A2 Highway, airstrip that also connects to South Island, Central Island, S. Turkana, Nasolot through L. Turkana. The park’s shallow wells / aquifers supply water to as far as Chalbi desert while the moss-covered cloud forest taps mist rainfall.

  • Bird watching
  • Corporate & Special Events
  • Game viewing
  • Hiking
  • Singing Wells

By Road: From Nairobi via Nanyuki and lsiolo, a distance of 570 km. The A2 highway is tarmacked all the way to Moyale town.

The park is served by three gates; Ahmed, Ajmarko and Karare Gate. Abdul Gate leads to the to the park headquarters and the guesthouses.

By Air: The nearest airstrip in Marsabit town 4km from Abdul Gate.

 

MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK & RESERVE

Citizen

Resident

Non-Resident

Adults

KSH

Child

KSH

Adult

KSH

Child

KSH

Adult

USD

Child

USD

 300

 125

300

125

 22

 13

MODE OF PAYMENT: Through Ecitizen  (https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/ ) via MPesa, Visa Card, RTGS ,Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Security/Guided tour per guide:

• Ksh. 1,720 – up to 4 hours

• Ksh. 3,015 – Over 4 hours

Vehicle Charges Per Day:

No. of Seats

• Less than 6 seats - KSH.300

• 6-12 seats - KSH.1,030

• 13-24seats - KSH.2,585

• 25-44 seats - KSH.4,050

• 45 seats and above - KSH.5,000

 

 

Wildlife

Elephants, buffalo, greater/lesser Kudu, hyena, Grevy’s zebra, Kirk’s dik-dik, reticulated giraffe, lion, leopard and baboon.

Climate

Jan-Mar is hot and dry, April-June is hot and wet, July-Oct is very hot and dry, and November and December are warm and wet.

What to take with you

Personal effects, drinking water, food, camping equipment if the visitor intends to stay overnight in the camp.

Also important are; Camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, first aid kit, sunglasses and reserve car fuel.

Park Size

1,554 sq. Km

When to go

All year round

Birdlife and reptiles are diverse and rich that any bird lover would be delighted to be here. This destination is basically an ornithologist’s happy place. The extinct volcanic craters locally known as gofs around the Park make Marsabit such a wonderland. Located on the eastern side of the Park, Gof Bongole is the largest and the stagiest of the craters with a dizzying 10 kilometer round rim.

Lake Paradise is the most scenic and famous as it has been featured in quite a number of films. The natural amphitheater of Gof Sokorte Guda has a 150 meters high caldera that shelters the fresh waters of Lake Paradise. Most of these craters are home to a diverse number of bird species. Visitors can enjoy hikes in the dense forest with a closed high canopy wreathed in mist, camel rides, bird watching, bush trekking, camping and visits to the singing wells, Lake Paradise and Elephant pool.

Shallow wells / aquifers water supply to as far as Chalbi desert.

The park hosts some of the elephants with huge tusks. Also present are greater kudu, leopard and multiple birdlife.

Sokorte Cabin: 1 Unit, 7 pax

Bonkole Forest House: 1 Unit, 9 pax

Amenities; The two houses are adequately fitted with large airy windows. The guesthouse entrance features a vast terrace perfect for outdoor wining, dining and relaxation. The space opens up and ushers you into a modern lounging area complete with recliner seats, huge dining area and a fireplace. The kitchens are well equipped with crockery and assorted kitchen utensils. Refrigerators, microwaves and gas ovens are also provided.  Additionally, a modern outside kitchen in close proximity to the guesthouses is provided. Each house features a common washroom. Beddings, towels and toiletries are provided. A house caretaker is also available.

 

Rates;

Sokorte Cabin: Citizens/Residents Ksh 10,000 Non-Residents; USD 120

Bonkole Forest House: Citizens/Residents Ksh 9,000 Non-Residents; USD 110

 

Camping:

Public Campsites:

  • Ahmed
  • Abdul

For this category standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/bathroom and kitchen area. Public campsites do not require prior booking.

Special Campsites:

  • Lake Paradise

For this category, only camping grounds are provided. The visitor has to reserve the special campsite well in advance for exclusive use. Visitors have to bring with them personal effects, drinking water, a source of fire and other necessities.

*Reservation of special campsites is done through the park warden or through KWS headquarters reservations desk; reservations@kws.go.ke 

*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day for both special and public campsites including other park charges.

Email: marsabitnp@kws.go.ke 

Reviews

John Doe

Picturesque, steep forested ravines and open moorland characterise the Aberdare National Park. The park provides a habitat for elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, warthogs and bushbucks among others.

Vicky Rose

Picturesque, steep forested ravines and open moorland characterise the Aberdare National Park. The park provides a habitat for elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, warthogs and bushbucks among others.

KIds  Corner