Marsabit National Park is a stunning oasis of lush forest, extinct volcanic craters, and scenic landscapes located in Marsabit County, northern Kenya. The park is known for its unique ecosystem amidst an otherwise arid region and is home to large tusked elephants, rare bird species, and diverse wildlife. Often referred to as a “true desert gem,” the park serves as a vital ecological sanctuary in the heart of a semi-desert environment and provides a peaceful escape for nature lovers, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
How to Reach Marsabit National Park, Marsabit
Marsabit National Park is located about 560 kilometers north of Nairobi. It can be accessed by both road and air:
- By Road: The most common route is via the A2 highway from Nairobi, passing through Isiolo and Archers Post. The road has improved significantly with parts of it being tarmacked under the LAPSSET corridor infrastructure development.
- By Air: There is an airstrip near Marsabit town. Chartered flights are available from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, which is convenient for tourists who prefer faster travel.
- By Bus: Public buses and matatus operate from Nairobi and Isiolo to Marsabit town, from where local taxis or tour vehicles can take you to the park.
Weather at Marsabit National Park
The climate in Marsabit is semi-arid, but the park itself has a cooler and wetter microclimate due to its elevation and forest cover:
- Dry Season: June to October and January to March. This is the best time for game viewing.
- Rainy Season: April to May and November to December. The park is lush and green during this time, perfect for birdwatchers and photographers.
- Temperatures range between 15°C to 30°C depending on the season, with cooler nights due to higher altitudes.
Timing and Operating Hours
Marsabit National Park is open daily, including public holidays:
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- It’s advisable to enter early in the morning for the best wildlife sightings and cooler weather conditions.
Why Famous for Marsabit National Park, Marsabit?
Marsabit National Park is famous for several reasons:
- Large Tusker Elephants: The park is known for elephants with massive tusks, including the legendary Ahmed, who was once protected by presidential decree.
- Crater Lakes: Lake Paradise and Gof Sokorte Guda are picturesque volcanic crater lakes within the park that attract a variety of animals and birds.
- Bird Watching: Home to over 500 bird species, including rare and endemic ones like the masked lark and Somali bee-eater.
- Unique Landscape: A green, mist-shrouded forest in the middle of a desert is an extraordinary sight in northern Kenya.
Entry and Visit Details about Marsabit National Park, Marsabit
The park is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Here are the essential visitor details:
- Entry Fee:
- Citizens: KES 300 (adults), KES 215 (children)
- Residents: KES 1,030 (adults), KES 515 (children)
- Non-Residents: USD 52 (adults), USD 35 (children)
- Payment: Payments are made via KWS eCitizen platform or M-PESA at the gate.
- Accommodation: Lodges, guest houses, and camping sites are available both inside and near the park, including the Marsabit Lodge overlooking Lake Paradise.
- Guided Tours: Local guides and KWS rangers are available for walking safaris and birding tours.
History and Architecture
Marsabit National Park has a rich history tied to both its natural significance and colonial legacy:
- Established as a reserve in 1949 and later gazetted as a national park in 1962.
- The park gained international recognition due to Ahmed the elephant, who was given 24-hour surveillance in the 1970s to protect him from poachers. His taxidermied body is now displayed at the Nairobi National Museum.
- The park’s historic Marsabit Lodge was originally built in colonial times and remains a charming spot with views of Lake Paradise.
Things to Do at Marsabit National Park
Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities:
- Game Drives: View elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, Grevy’s zebra, and more.
- Bird Watching: Spot hornbills, turacos, secretary birds, and other forest and arid-land species.
- Visit Lake Paradise: A serene crater lake surrounded by forest – ideal for scenic photography and picnics.
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Guided treks through the forest and crater rim provide stunning views and encounters with flora and fauna.
- Cultural Tours: Learn about the Borana, Rendille, and Gabra communities who live near the park.
Facts about Marsabit National Park
- Marsabit means "place of cold" in the local language due to its cooler highland climate.
- It covers an area of 1,554 square kilometers.
- The forest within the park is classified as a montane cloud forest – extremely rare in arid regions.
- Ahmed the Elephant had tusks weighing over 67 kg each.
- The park is part of a larger ecosystem that supports pastoral communities and migratory wildlife.
Tips about Marsabit National Park, Marsabit
- Travel in a 4x4 vehicle, especially during rainy seasons when roads may be slippery or flooded.
- Carry enough drinking water, snacks, and fuel when traveling long distances from Nairobi or Isiolo.
- Pack warm clothing for mornings and nights – it can be chilly despite the surrounding desert.
- Bring binoculars and a camera for bird watching and wildlife photography.
- Consider hiring a local guide for cultural insight and enhanced wildlife tracking.
