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Saiwa Swamp National Park |
Saiwa is the smallest park in Kenya, only 3
square km. It was established to protect the semi-aquatic sitatunga
antelope and encloses the swamp fed by the Saiwa river together with
its fringing belts of rain forest.
The park is enclosed by subsistence
farming settlements. Vegetation is a mixture of forest and swamp
vegetation. The swamp is dominated by tall bullrushes and sedges. The
swamp is bordered by a mixture of grassland, riverine forests and
acacia.
Climatic conditions -
The Park has a typical African wetland climate, ranging from warm to cool humid to semiarid.
Major Attractions -
Sitatunga aquatic antelope; game viewing; bird watching; trail walking
Wildlife -
Sitatunga, monkeys, otter, genet, serval, mongoose, bushback and ratel (or honey badger).
Birds: over 372 species including such rarities as Ross’ turaco and blue-headed coucal.
Access -
Road: The park lies 27 km north of Kitale on the Kitale- Lodwar tarmac
road. Approaching Kitale from the direction of Eldoret or Bungoma, turn
right at Kitale Museum and follow the road into a left hand bend. After
0.5 km turn right and follow signs for Kapenguria and Lodwar. After 1.5
km turn left onto the A1 Lodwar Road and
proceed for 18 km to Kipsaina where there is a sign to Saiwa Swamp NP.
Turn right at the sign and follow the murram road for 6.5 km to the
park’s only gate-Saiwa Gate.
Accommodation -
Sirikwa Guesthouse and Campsite Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Catering Accommodation: Tree Top House.
Best time to visit -
All year round
Activities -
Game viewing, bird watching, camping, picnicking, nature walks
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National Parks in Kenya 