Saiwa Swamp National Park

Background Information: Saiwa is the smallest park in Kenya, only 3 km2. It was established to protect the semi-aquatic antelope, Sitatunga 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. Location: Situated below the Cherangani Hills, Trans-Nzoia District of Rift Valley Province Climate: Wet and dry. HOW TO GET THERE Roads: Saiwa National Park is located 22 km from Kitale on the Kitale-Kapenguria tarmac road. At Kipsaina junction, a 5 km marrum road leads to the only park gate. Airstrips: The park can be served by the Kitale airstrip, 22 km away from the park. Park Roads: Due to its size and nature of attractions, the park does not have and does not need any roads. Park Gates: Main gate, Sinyerere Gate. MAJOR ATTRACTIONS Game viewing, Sitatunga aquatic antelope. FACILITIES Campsites: Sirikwa Tented Camp on the main Kapenguria road 6 km after the Saiwa Swamp junction is the only facility that is near the park. The facility also offers a camping ground. The park has a campsite at the gate. Trails: The park has well maintained trails and 4 observation towers. ACTIVITIES Bird watching, game viewing, camping. COMMON VEGETATION: 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.