ABOUT MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK
Marsabit National Park is a distinguished national park and nature reserve situated at the majestic Mount Marsabit in the northern region of Kenya, conveniently located near the town of Marsabit. This remarkable park lies approximately 560 kilometres north of Nairobi, serving as an accessible natural haven for both wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike. Established in 1949, Marsabit National Park encompasses an expansive area of 1, 554 square kilometres, characterized by its ethereal mist-wreathed montane environment in the upper regions and semi-arid bushland that dominates the lower portions. The park is renowned for its unique ecological features, which include a forested mountain that appears like a verdant oasis amidst the surrounding arid desert landscape. This mountainous terrain is not only striking in its beauty but also functions as a vital source of permanent surface water for the region, supporting diverse flora and fauna. Within its boundaries lie three spectacular crater lakes that create an ideal habitat for a multitude of bird species, contributing to the area’s rich biodiversity. Among these lakes, Lake Paradise stands out as particularly picturesque and has gained fame from its depiction in early films and writings by renowned explorers Martin Johnson and Vivien de Watt Ville. The scenic allure of this lake draws visitors from far and wide who are eager to witness its breath-taking vistas. Moreover, Marsabit National Park is home to large herds of elephants, which roam freely within this protected environment. Notably among them was Ahmed, perhaps one of the most famous elephants globally due to his impressive tusks. He garnered significant attention when he was placed under round-the-clock protection within Marsabit National Park by Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta. This initiative underscored not only Ahmed’s significance but also highlighted broader conservation efforts aimed at preserving these magnificent creatures within their natural habitat. Through such measures, Marsabit National Park continues to play an essential role in safeguarding wildlife while offering visitors insight into one of Kenya’s most enchanting ecosystems.
CLIMATE IN MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK
The weather conditions at Marsabit National Park exhibit distinct seasonal variations throughout the year, particularly from January to March, when temperatures can be quite hot and dry. During this period, visitors may experience elevated temperatures under a clear blue sky, with minimal rainfall contributing to the arid conditions. In contrast, the months of April to June usher in a hot and wet season characterized by increased humidity and regular precipitation. The lush vegetation becomes more vibrant as rain nourishes the landscape. Following this period, from July to October, the park can experience extreme heat accompanied by dry weather once again. This phase often results in clearer skies and higher temperatures during the day, which can create harsh conditions for both wildlife and visitors alike. Finally, from November to December, the climate transitions into a warm and wet phase once more; during this time, rainfall begins to resurface intermittently. This season not only brings relief from the preceding heat but also revitalizes the ecosystem within Marsabit National Park as various species thrive in response to the renewed moisture levels.
WILDLIFE AND BIRDS OF MARASABIT NATIONAL PARK
Marsabit National Park is a remarkable and ecologically rich area that serves as a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife, showcasing the stunning variety of species that inhabit this unique ecosystem. Among the most notable residents are majestic elephants, which roam the park in search of food and water, embodying strength and grace. The park is also home to both greater and lesser kudu, two species of antelope renowned for their striking spiral horns and elegant movements through the dense bushland. Other significant inhabitants include formidable buffaloes, stealthy hyenas, nimble Kirk’s dik-dik, as well as the iconic Grevy’s zebras known for their distinctively narrow stripes. Additionally, one cannot overlook the presence of reticulated giraffes with their extraordinary patterns that serve as effective camouflage among the trees. The apex predators here include lions and leopards—both awe-inspiring creatures that play crucial roles in maintaining the ecological balance within this region. Furthermore, Peter’s gazelles add to the park’s allure with their graceful presence. In terms of primate diversity, visitors may encounter olive baboons and vervet monkeys engaging in social behaviors typical of these intelligent mammals; their playful antics contribute to the vibrant atmosphere within Marsabit National Park. Moreover, at the northern end of Lake Paradise in Gof Sokorte Gurda rise dramatic cliffs which provide nesting sites for numerous bird species. Here one can observe magnificent Rüppell’s griffon vultures soaring majestically overhead alongside agile peregrine falcons known for their incredible speed during hunting dives. Mountain buzzards can also be seen perched upon rocky outcrops while black kites glide effortlessly on thermal currents above. The lake itself teems with avian life; it serves as a vital habitat for various duck species including garganeys, southern pochards, and teals—each contributing to the rich tapestry of life found at this aquatic oasis. Additionally, red-knobbed coots navigate its waters alongside hammerkops with their distinctive hammer-shaped heads. The shores are frequented by ibises probing into mudflats searching for food while purple herons stalk silently through shallows in pursuit of fish prey. Yellow-billed storks complete this vibrant tableau with their striking appearances bringing splashes of colour to an already picturesque landscape. Overall, Marsabit National Park stands not only as a refuge for these myriad species but also as an essential component of Kenya’s natural heritage—a place where nature thrives in all its splendour amidst breath-taking scenery that captivates all who visit.
ATTRACTIONS
- Three craters – There are three beautiful crater lakes on Mount Marsabit and the rainforest on the mountain is a refuge for the wild animals in the region. Sokorte dika crater, its estimate terrain elevation above seal level is 1479 meters. Gof Sokorte guda crater, its estimate terrain elevation above seal level is 1333 meters. Bongole crater, its estimate terrain elevation above seal level is 845 meters.
- Lake Paradise – Lake Paradise has been famed as one of the jewels of Northern Kenya and the home to the legendary elephants Ahmed and Abdul among many others. These are elephants that had the longest tusks in Kenya. It sits atop an extinct volcano at the height of 1,340 meters above sea level and on the cliff edges of Mt Marsabit. It is a beautiful crater lake where life for years has remained remarkably the same and wildlife is flourishing.
- Birds – Marsabit National park is a birder’s paradise. It has almost 500 species recorded including 52 different raptors, the rarest of which is the bearded vulture lammergeyer. The crater lakes are great to spot many waders. Just north of the reserve lies the black lava Galgalla desert, which is the best place to look for the endemic Williams’s lark, restricted to Kenya and a number of near-endemics restricted to Kenya and marginal areas beyond including Somali bee-eater, masked lark and Somali sparrow.
- Butterflies – Marsabit National Park is home to 30% of Kenya’s butterfly population.
- Wildlife – Wild game includes the Elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, greater kudu, hyena, aardwolf, caracal, klipspringer, Grant’s gazelle, oryx and the reticulated giraffe.
- Culture – The Marsabit region shelters a fascinating array of nomadic herders. Most noticeable are the Rendille, fantastically clothed in animal skins and elaborate beadwork and with intricately braided hair. Camel grazers like the Samburu and the Maasai, the Rendille show little interest in adopting a more sedentary lifestyle and prefer to roam the desert. Other major ethnic groups include the Boran and the Gabbra, both pastoralists who graze cattle rather than camels. All bring their animals in from the desert to water them in the mountain springs – known as the ‘Singing Wells’.
ACTIVITIES
There are several activities that tourist can undertake on their visit to Marsabit national park which include the following;
- Visit the singing wells – You will get a chance to watch the Samburu families taking their herds of cattle to the Singing Wells, where they dig for water to fill up troughs for their cows, goats and camels. For a large majority of the year, these wells run deep, requiring almost a chain of people to pass up a bucket in order to quench the thirst of their cattle. Whilst doing so, each family chants or sings their individual family song, which leads the cattle to their family well, and quite astoundingly, the cattle recognize their song.
- Game viewing – Game viewing in this park is rewarding with sightings of animals such as Zebras, Elephants, Lions, Giraffes, Buffaloes, Black and White Colobus, Blue Monkeys, Bushbucks, Sunis, and Leopards among others
- Hiking – Marsabit national park’s landscape consists of an extinct volcano standing 1,707 meters above the sea level, this volcano is dominated with a thick forest with many tree species and the forest hosts a variety animals and birds. Hiking here is done on this volcano using perfectly kept trails, with a help of a ranger guide who will help you hike to the top of the volcano.
- Bird watching – Bird watching safari experience in the park is done following trails with a help of a birder guide who is knowledgeable about where to find the birds. Birds spotted on this experience include Somali bee-eater, masked lark and Somali sparrow and migratory bird species. Bird species in Marsabit national park include African olive pigeon, bearded vulture, hartlaub’s turaco, Heuglin’s bustard, little grebe, masked lark and many more.
- Rock climbing – It is an amazing activity carried out on stark massif of Ol Olokwe, south of Marsabit, offers some wonderful climbing routes which can be conducted by a trained guide with some good local knowledge.
- Corporate and special events
ACCOMMODATION IN MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK
There is accommodation within the park but there are plenty of overnight options from Marsabit town near the park, they include; Ahmed campsite and Abdul campsite where camping is offered inside the park, Camp Ndotto, Jirime Hotel and Resort and Nomads Trail Hotel.