In this section we will look at
1.)About National Park in Kenya
2.)List of National parks in Kenya
3.)FAQ about National parks in Kenya
4.)National park entry fee
5.)Activities to do in National parks
Kenya's national parks are vital for wildlife conservation, tourism, and research. They offer visitors the chance to see the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), as well as numerous other species of flora and fauna. The parks vary widely in terms of ecosystems, ranging from savannahs and forests to lakes and mountains.
National parks are large, publicly- protected areas owned by the governments that usually cover vast distances and cover a large distance
1.)Central Island National Park
Central Island National Park is located in the middle of Lake Turkana in northern Kenya, a unique and remote national park known for its dramatic volcanic landscape, crater lakes, and diverse wildlife.Central Island is accessible only by boat from the town of Kalokol on the western shores of Lake Turkana
Image of Central Island National Park
The Central Island National Park covers an area of 1235.53 acres and is part of the Lake Turkana National Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also includes Sibiloi National Park and South Island National Park. These parks are recognized for their unique ecosystems and the significant fossil sites in the area, which provide insights into human evolution .
Image of boat cruising Lake Turkana
The Central Island is made up of three active volcanoes that belch sulphurous smoke and steam .Out of this, Several craters have merged to form three crater lakes namely; Crocodile Lake named for its population of Nile crocodiles, which use the lake as a breeding ground. The lake’s warm, alkaline waters are perfect for these reptiles, and visitors may see adult crocodiles sunbathing along the shore or catch glimpses of juveniles in the water.
Image of Central Island national park
Flamingo Lake as this lake attracts both lesser and greater flamingos due to the presence of algae that serve as their primary food source. The sight of pink flamingos against the dark volcanic rock is a highlight of the park. and Tilapia Lake .The Tilapia Lake at Central Island is Known for its tilapia fish, this lake supports a small but significant population of fish that are adapted to the harsh alkaline environment.
Image of Central Island in Lake Turkana
The lakes provide conducive breeding grounds for the world’s largest concentration of Nile crocodiles and home to thousands of endemic fish.
Activities to do in Central Island National Park include
Image of a Crocodile at Central Island National Park
Hiking to the crater lakes and exploring the volcanic cones is one of the main activities. The island offers scenic views of Lake Turkana and provides excellent photo opportunities of the volcanic landscape.
Birdwatching as birdwatchers can enjoy spotting flamingos, African skimmers, pelicans, and other bird species around the crater lakes and shores
Crocodile Viewing as you can Observe the large population of Nile crocodiles in their natural habitat around Crocodile Lake is a unique experience
Image of Central Island National Park
Central Island Entrance Fee
Lake Turkana is often called the "Jade Sea" because of its striking blue-green color, which resembles the semi-precious stone jade. This unique color comes from the algae and phytoplankton present in the lake, combined with reflections from the lake’s mineral-rich, alkaline waters
Citizen Adult | 300Ksh |
Citizen Child | 125Ksh |
Resident Adult | 300Ksh |
Resident Child | 125Ksh |
Non -Resident Adult | 22USD |
Non-Resident Child | 13USD |
FAQ about Central Island National Park
Where is Central Island located?
Central Island is located in Lake Turkana(the largest desert lake in the world) in Turkana County, the second Largest county in Kenya and is about 800 kilometers north of Nairobi.
Central island is a an active volcano hence the park exhibits low vegetation due to high temperatures and salinity of water catalysed by the volcanicty
Image of Central Island National park
What is Centre Island known for?
Central Island is a volcanic island formed by eruptions that created multiple craters and lava formations. It features three main volcanic crater lakes: Crocodile Lake, Flamingo Lake, and Tilapia Lake. While the island is small and isolated, it supports a variety of wildlife species adapted to the arid environment such as the Nile Crocodiles
Image of Sibiloi National park
Sibiloi National Park is a remote, semi-arid park that covers an area of 150734 acres and is located in northern Kenya, on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana. Established in the year 1971 and is Known as the "Cradle of Mankind,"
Aerial view of sibiloi national park
Sibiloi is renowned for its fossil discoveries, many of which provide insight into human evolution. The most famous fossil sites include Koobi Fora, where fossils of early hominids like Homo habilis and Australopithecus were discovered.
Image of Koobi Foora at Sibiloi National Park
Sibiloi National park's significance to anthropology is immense, with findings dating back millions of years, making it a focal point for scientists studying human ancestry. Sibiloi National Park is part of the Lake Turkana National Parks and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997
Image of Fish Drying at Sibiloi National Park
Activities to do in Sibiloi National Park include
Fossil and Archaeological Tours
The Koobi Fora site within the park is one of the most famous paleoanthropological locations in the world. It has produced a wealth of fossil evidence about early hominids and prehistoric animals.Key fossil discoveries were made by the Leakey family and other scientists in the 1970s
Image of Koobi Foora archeological site at Sibiloi National Park
Wildlife Viewing and Birdwatching
Image of Sibiloi National park manyatta alongside lake
Visitors can explore the rugged terrain to spot unique wildlife and enjoy birdwatching along the shores of Lake Turkana.The area around Sibiloi is inhabited by several indigenous communities, including the Turkana, Gabbra, and Dassanach,
Sibiloi National park is characterized by a desert habitat and open plains flanked by volcanic formations including Mount Sibiloi, where the remains of the petrified forest can be seen, casts of elephants, giant tortoise, Koobi fora museum, TBI museum.
Sibiloi National Park Entry Fee
Citizen Adult | 300Ksh |
Citizen Child | 125Ksh |
Resident Adult | 300Ksh |
Resident Child | 125Ksh |
Non-Resident Adult | 22USD |
Non-Resident Child | 13USD |
FAQ about Sibiloi National Park
The desert museum at loyangalani
What is Sibiloi National Park known for?
Sibiloi National Park is known for its unique combination of fossil-rich archaeological sites, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes. It’s often referred to as the "Cradle of Mankind" due to its significant contribution to the study of human evolution.
Sibiloi National park is a three day drive from Nairobi via Marsabit and North Horr, or Maralal and South Horr
Which County is Sibiloi National Park
Sibiloi National Park is located in Marsabit County in northern Kenya.
Which Animals are found at Sibiloi National Park
Image of a pangolins found in Sibiloi the only mammals in the world covered in scales
Sibiloi National Park hosts a variety of wildlife, including grevy’s zebras, oribi, Grant’s gazelle, lion, leopard, and cheetah. Large Nile crocodiles inhabit the shores of Lake Turkana, and hippos can also be found in the lake’s waters.
3.)South Island National Park
Image of elephants at south island national park
South Island National Park is a remote, protected area located in Lake Turkana, Marsabit County Kenya and covers an area of 9637 acres and a breeding ground for Nile crocodile and a range of venomous carpet snakes
Beautiful Views of South Island National Park
The South Island National Park is Part of the larger Lake Turkana National Parks and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Biosphere (MAB) reserve and Kenya’s Important Bird Areas (IBA) as defined by Birdlife International as it is a key stopover for 34 species of Palaearctic migrant water birds. The park covers South Island, one of the three volcanic islands in Lake Turkana,
South Island National park
South Island National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, particularly bird species and aquatic life adapted to the harsh conditions of Lake Turkana. It is a critical breeding site for Nile crocodiles and a habitat for fish such as Nile perch and tilapia.
South Island National Park Entrance Fee
South Island National Park is a great place for hiking and picnicking. It's a two-hour boat ride from Eliye depending on the lake currents and 30 minutes, from Kalokol.
Citizen Adult | 300Ksh |
Citizen Child | 125Ksh |
Resident Adult | 300Ksh |
Resident Child | 125Ksh |
Non resident Adult | 22 USD |
Non-Resident Child | 13 USD |
Activities to do at South Island National Park
Image of South Island National Park
Birdwatching
South Island’s remote location and rich birdlife make it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers looking to observe species in a pristine, isolated environment.
Wildlife Viewing
Image of a crocodile at south island national park
Besides birds, visitors may spot large Nile crocodiles sunning along the shores or observe fish populations in the lake.
Cultural Interaction
Image of South Island national park
The park is accessible from the nearby towns inhabited by indigenous communities, including the Turkana, Dassanach, and Gabbra. These groups have traditionally relied on the lake for fishing and sustenance despite the arid conditions
While South Island is less populated with terrestrial mammals compared to other national parks, it is known for its aquatic life and birdlife that thrive in Lake Turkana’s unique ecosystem major animals at South Island National Park include Reptiles such as Nile crocodile ,monitor lizards ,fish species, such as Nile tilapia, Nile perch , migratory and resident bird species include Greater and Lesser Flamingos While the shallow areas of Lake Turkana around South Island also provide habitat for hippos
4.)Marsabit National Park
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 -KWS
Image of marsabit national park abdul gate
Marsabit National Park is a protected area located in Marsabit County on the slopes of Mount Marsabit (an extinct volcanic mountain ) in northern Kenya, near the town of Marsabit and covers an area of 384001.8 acres .Key geographical features at Marsabit National Park include
Image of Lake paradise a in marsabit National park
Lake Paradise (Gof Bongole )
This crater lake, surrounded by lush forest, is one of the park's most picturesque spots. It attracts a variety of wildlife, especially elephants and bird species.
Aerial view of Marsabit National park
Gof Sokorte Guda and Gof Sokorte Dika
These two crater lakes are scenic natural formations that provide water sources for animals and attract a variety of birdlife.
Gof Sokorte Guda which is said to be a local Borana word for 'Big sweet water crater'.
'Gof Sokorte Dika' or 'Small sweet water crater' — a popular hangout for elephants.
Forested Slopes
Aerial view of Marsabit forest
The dense forest, fed by mist and rainfall, contrasts starkly with the dry surroundings, offering a unique ecological setting within the arid region.
This park is renowned for its lush forests, picturesque craters, rugged landscapes, and rich wildlife, making it a unique oasis amid the arid surroundings of northern Kenya.
Image of Lake paradise at Marsabit National Park
Marsabit National Park Entrance Fee
Did you know that Marsabit means 'place of cold' due to its thick and dense cloak rain forest
Citizen Adult | 300Ksh |
Citizen Child | 125Ksh |
Resident Adult | 300Ksh |
Resident Child | 125Ksh |
Non resident Adult | 22USD |
Non resident Child | 13 USD |
Marsabit National Park is also known for Lake Paradise, a seasonal lake that attracts diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and lions.
Image of elephants at marsabit national park
FAQ about Marsabit National Park
What animals are in the Marsabit National Park?
Marsabit National Park is known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife. The park is home to an array of animals, including:
Elephants
Elephant at marsabit national park
Marsabit is famous for its elephants, particularly for the now-legendary bull elephant named Ahmed, who was protected by a presidential decree due to his magnificent tusks.
Buffaloes
Large herds of buffaloes roam the park, especially around Lake Paradise, where they gather to graze and drink.
Greater Kudu
Image of marsabit national park
These elegant antelopes, known for their impressive twisted horns, are commonly seen within the park's woodlands.
Lions and Leopards
Marsabit's dense forest provides ideal cover for predators, and while spotting them is a challenge, both lions and leopards are known to inhabit the park.
Reticulated Giraffe
This distinct subspecies of giraffe, known for its unique pattern, is frequently spotted in the park.
Image of Lake paradise directions at Marsabit National Park
Which tribe lives in Marsabit?
The surrounding Marsabit region is home to several indigenous communities, including the Rendille, Borana, and Samburu tribes. Cultural tours offer visitors insights into local traditions, customs, and way of life.
What type of volcano is Mount Marsabit?
Mount Marsabit is an extinct shield volcano located in northern Kenya .Although it is an extinct volcano with no recent volcanic activity, its past eruptions helped shape the terrain and contributed to the fertile soils that support the forests on its slopes.
Which lake is found on top of Mt Marsabit?
The lake found on top of Mount Marsabit is Lake Paradise a seasonal crater lake that fills up during the rainy season and may shrink or dry up during drier periods
Image of road inside Marsabit National Park
Mount Marsabit is located in Marsabit County in northern Kenya
Image of Marsabit forest
What is the Marsabit known for?
Marsabit is famous for its elephants, particularly for the now-legendary bull elephant named Ahmed, who was protected by a presidential decree due to his magnificent tusks.
Is Marsabit a game reserve?
Image of animals grazing at marsabit national park
Marsabit National park is a national park with a portion designated as a game reserve. The National Park is a protected area focusing on the conservation of wildlife and forested regions around Marsabit Mountain ,while the National reserve surrounds the national park and serves as a buffer zone. This area permits regulated livestock grazing and other sustainable land uses, helping balance conservation with the needs of local communities.
Image of Zebra at marsabit national park
How to Get to Marsabit National Park
Marsabit National Park is accessible from Nairobi via road or air. The journey by road from Nairobi to Marsabit town takes approximately 8-10 hours. Alternatively, chartered flights are available, with the nearest airstrip located in Marsabit town,
Activities to do at Marsabit National Park
Wildlife Viewing
Image of Mount ololokwe while heading to Marsabit National Park
Safari drives around Lake Paradise and other parts of the park offer a chance to see elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Bird Watching
The park’s unique combination of forests, lakes, and plains attracts diverse bird species, making it ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Crater Lakes
Visiting the scenic crater lakes, especially Lake Paradise, is a highlight of Marsabit. The lakes are surrounded by forests and often attract wildlife, creating a beautiful, peaceful setting.
Image of Marsabit county
Hiking and Nature Walks
The park’s varied terrain allows for hiking and guided nature walks, especially around the forested areas and scenic viewpoints.
5.) Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is situated about 150 kilometers northeast of Nairobi, within the larger Mount Kenya Forest Reserve.
Image of Mount kenya national park sign post
The park encompasses the central peaks of Mount Kenya, which include Batian (5,199 meters), Nelion (5,188 meters), and Lenana (4,985 meters). Covering an area of 715 square kilometers .Established in 1949, Mount Kenya National Park was created to protect the area’s ecosystem from deforestation, hunting, and agricultural encroachment. In 1997, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site due to its ecological and cultural significance.
Mount Kenya National Park Entry Fee
Citizen Adult | 300Ksh |
Citizen Child | 215Ksh |
Resident Adult | 300Ksh |
Resident Child | 215Ksh |
Non Resident Adult | 43 USD |
Non-Resident Child | 26 USD |
Activities to do at Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya Climbing Fee
Image of road headed to Mount kenya national park
6.)Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is Located in
7.) The OL Donyo Sabuk National Park
Image of Oldonyo sabuk board past Thika
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park also referred to as Kyanzavi by the Kamba community is a scenic wildlife park located in Machakos county Kenya and is about 65 kilometers northeast of Nairobi and closer to Thika town .
Image of Lord Macmillan non native at Ol donyo Sabuk National park
Oldonyo Sabuk is referred by the local Kamba community as ‘The mountain of the buffalo’, Oldonyo sabuk National park covers an area of 4942.11 acres and is known for its rich biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and cultural significance.
Image of Oldonyo Sabuk National Park
Key Features and Attraction at Oldonyo Sabuk National park include :
Ol Donyo Sabuk Mountain
Image of Oldonyo sabuk mountain
The mountain, also known as "Kilima Mbogo" (Buffalo Mountain), stands at an elevation of 2,145 meters (7,037 feet) and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding plains.
Wildlife
Image of Oldonyo sabuk wildlife
Oldonyo Sabuk National park is home to diverse wildlife, including buffalos, monkeys, baboons, bushbucks, and various bird species. Birdwatchers will appreciate the variety, with sightings of eagles, buzzards, and weaver birds. The abundance of buffalos is notable, as they are one of the park's main attractions.
The Kikuyu people, who also live near the area, refer to the mountain as "Kilima Mbogo," which means "Buffalo Hill"
Fourteen Falls
Image of fourteen falls at Oldonyo Sabuk
Located near the park, Fourteen Falls is a spectacular series of waterfalls along the Athi River. Although technically outside the park, it’s a popular addition to the itinerary for visitors looking to enjoy the beautiful cascade and explore the surrounding natural landscape.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Image of a Grave yard at oldonyo sabuk
Oldonyo Sabuk National park is historically important due to its association with Lord William Northrop MacMillan, an American philanthropist who owned much of the land around Ol Donyo Sabuk in the early 20th century. His gravesite, as well as those of his wife and dog, are located near the summit of the mountain.
Oldonyo Sabuk Entrance Fee
Citizen Adult | 300Ksh |
Citizen Child | 215 Ksh |
Resident Adult | 300Ksh |
Resident Child | 215 Ksh |
Non-resident Adult | 26 USD |
Non-resident Child | 17USD |
FAQ about Oldonyo Sabuk
What is the meaning of Ol Donyo Sabuk?
Ol Donyo Sabuk" is derived from the Maasai language, where "Ol Donyo" means "mountain" and "Sabuk" translates to "buffalo." Therefore, Ol Donyo Sabuk means "Mountain of the Buffalo." The name reflects both the geography and the abundant wildlife in the area, as buffalos are one of the most prominent animals found around the mountain and within the national park.
What is there to do in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park?
Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park is an excellent destination for a day trip or overnight camping adventure for nature enthusiasts, history buffs. Major activities to do around Oldonyo sabuk include:
Camping and picnicking
Wildlife viewing and bird watching
Hiking and mountain climbing .
Exploring the Gravesite of Sir William Northrup McMillan
What animals are in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park?
The variety of animals in Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park include Buffalo,Baboons ,Colobus Monkeys ,Bushbucks ,Duikers ,Leopards ,Warthogs ,African hawk-eagle ,Augur buzzard ,Weaver birds ,White-browed sparrow-weavers ,Sunbirds and bee-eaters
8.)Hells Gate National Park
Hells Gate National Park is Located in
9.)Ruma National Park
Ruma National Park is Located in
10.)Ndere Island National Park
Ndere Island National Park is Located in
11.)Mount Elgon National Park
Mount Elgon National Park is Located in
12.)Longonot National Park
Longonot National Park is located in
13.)Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park is Located in
14.)Meru National Park
Meru National Park is found in Meru
Nairobi National Park is located in the Kenyan capital Nairobi county and was established in the year 1946 .It is one of the first national parks in the world created specifically to protect wildlife in an area influenced by human development.
Nairobi National park covers an area of 28911.3 Acres and is a remarkable wildlife sanctuary located just a short distance from the bustling capital of Kenya, Nairobi National park is unique for its proximity to a major urban center, offering a distinctive blend of natural beauty and urban life.
16.)Amboseli National Park
Kajiado County, near Mount Kilimanjaro
Area: 392 square kilometers
17.)Tsavo West National Park
Tsavo West National Park is Located in
18.)Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East National Park is Located in
19.)Arabuko Sokoke National Park
Arabuko Sokoke National Park is Located in
20.)Kisite Marine National Park
Kisite Marine National Park is Located in
21.)Watamu Marine National Park
Watamu Marine National Park is Located in
22.)Malindi Marine National Park
Malindi Marine National Park is Located in
Kora National Park is Located in Tana River County, Kenya. The park covers an area of 1,788 square kilometers. It is located 125 kilometres east of Mount Kenya. The park was initially gazetted as a nature reserve in 1973. It was gazetted as a national park in 1989, following the murder of George Adamson by poachers .Kora National Park is famous for the Kampi ya Simba which was home to former conservationist Adamson and Joy Adamson .
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