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Saiwa Swamp National Park

Saiwa Swamp National Park

The Saiwa Swamp National Park is a forested paradise filled with exotic flowers, trees and birds. Is compact Park is unique in that it is the only place in Kenya where vehicles are prohibited and the walker reigns.

It is also the habitat of the rare and endangered semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope and as a preserve for the rare De Brazza’s monkey. Within this tropical wetlands and mosaic of riverine forest, sedges and acacia woodlands, with fringing dense rushes and grass bedsBird life is abundant. Water birds include the lesser jacana, grey heron and the African black duck while the forest shelters the Narina trogons, the collared and orange-tufted sunbird, the yellow bishop, Hatlaub’s marsh widow bird and the Noisy Ross’s turacos which are difficult to miss.

The tourist destination was established to provide protection to the endangered Sitatunga, a semi-aquatic antelope. Further wildlife species commonly found in the swamp include the Genet cat, Otter, bushbuck, Serval cat, mongoose, and monkeys.  The habitat is also rich in birdlife

OverviewAttractionsWhere To StayWhen To VisitHow To Get TherePhotos

Overview: Saiwa Swamp National Park

Saiwa Swamp National Park is the smallest tour destination park in Kenya, a Sanctuary of the Sitatunga antelope and packed with a lot of wildlife to explore from plants, birds, Insects and reptiles.

A veritable haven for nature lovers, the Saiwa Swamp National Park is a forested paradise filled with exotic flowers, trees and birds. It is also the habitat of the rare and endangered semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope and as a preserve for the rare De Brazza’s monkey.

Saiwa Swamp National Park is located near Kitale, in Trans-Nzoia County, Rift Valley Province, Kenya. It is the smallest national park in Kenya, only 3 km², and was created as habitat for the Sitatunga, a rare aquatic antelope. There are a variety of trees at the national park.

Within this tropical wetlands and mosaic of riverine forest, sedges and acacia woodlands, with fringing dense rushes and grass beds Bird life is abundant. Water birds include the lesser jacana, grey heron and the African black duck while the forest shelters the Narina trogons, the collared and orange-tufted sunbird, the yellow bishop, Hatlaub’s marsh widow bird and the Noisy Ross’s turacos which are difficult to miss.

 

How To Get There: Saiwa Swamp National Park

By Roads: Saiwa Swamp National Park is 22km from Kitale town .At Kipsaina junction, a 5km “murram” road leads to the only park entrance, Saiwa gate.

By Air: Served by the Kitale airstrip, 27km away from the park.

 

Attactions: Saiwa Swamp National Park;

Wildlife;

  • Cool shaded and compact, the park offers an ideal dawn walk
  • An enchanting leafy cernithological,
  • Botanical safaris and revitalizing weekend away from the bustle of town.
  • The park offers an interesting mix of forest and swamp vegetation and extraordinary diverse plant habitat.
  • Dominated by bulrushes and other aquatic plants, Saiwa Swamp is fed by the SaiwaRiver which winds its way through the wetland, and by run-off from the surrounding riverine forest.

    Birding;

    • Bird life is abundant. Water birds include the lesser jacana, grey heron and African black duck among others.
    • The forest shelters the Narina trogons, one of Kenya’s most spectacular forest birds.
    • Watch for the collared and orange-tufted sunbird, sipping nectar from the flowers of the forest edge.
    • The yellow bishop often whirrs above the reeds, its blazing yellow back on display.
    • Hatlaub’s marsh widow bird also frequents the rushes.
    • Noisy Ross’s turaco’s are difficult to miss.
    • Gonolek are easy to see along the trails.
    • Ludher’s bush-shrike is much shier while the square-tailed drongo and the double toothed barbet perch in the lower branches of forest trees.
    • Cinnamon-chested bee-eaters abound, as do crowned cranes, especially when the surrounding farms ploughed or harvested.

      Where To Stay: Saiwa Swamp National Park

      Kenya Wildlife Services Self Catering:

      • Tree Top Hut

      Campsites:

      • Sitatunga Public Campsite
      • Saiwa Picnic & Event Site

        Privately Owned Campsites:

        • Sirikwa Tented Camp

        Gallery

        Best Time To Visit:

        • All year round,Daily 6.00 am -7.00 pm including public holidays. No entry is allowed on foot and visitors will not be allowed entry after 6.15pm