National Parks & Reserves in Garissa
Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary: A Great Story
The 121 km2 Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary, also dubbed Garissa Community Giraffe Sanctuary, is situated 10 km south of Garissa town, making it ideal for a day trip. Even without the possibility of seeing giraffes, though chances are always high, the story of its origin and existence warrants a visit. The story of Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary goes back to 1991, and the collapse, into anarchy, of the Republic of Somalia following the overthrow of the military regime of President Siad Barre.
Part of the blowback from all the tension and aggression was a spike in illegal hunting and destruction of wildlife habitat, followed by an influx of refugees into Kenya. At this time, a colony of 30 reticulated giraffes, some of which, as residents fondly remember, had gunshots wounds, found a refuge along River Tana nearby Garissa town. The affecting initiative to care for the giraffes was seized by Bour-Algi community, within their small village set along the riverine strip of River Tana.
With adequate community protection, and more giraffes naturally populating the unofficial Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary from other parts of the district where illegal hunting was rampant. In time, it received proper recognition and support from Kenya Wildlife Service. Whether in contentious, neutral or beneficial coexistence, the giraffes, thanks to the kind-hearted hosts, adequate protection and a flurry of acacia trees flourished, growing to a heartful herd of nearly 60 within four years.
By 2003, the giraffe population had increased to over 300 individuals. Current estimates of giraffes living in the outskirts of the Bour-Algi village is 1,000. Today, this sanctuary is associated with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, National Museums of Kenya, Wildlife Direct and the Somali locals, who collectively support it. Now a bona fide sanctuary, it focuses on conserving endangered or threatened species by providing them with a protected habitat where they can breed, feed, and thrive without the threat of human disturbance. Other wildlife seen at Bour-Algi include Kirk’s dik-dik, Gerenuk, lesser kudu and warthog.
Kenya certainly has enormous touring resources. There are no less than sixty national narks, reserves and game sanctuaries, covering approximately 11% of the land surface. Each of these diverse and stunning national parks and reserves offers unique wildlife experiences and unique, breathtaking landscapes.
Index of National Parks & Reserves in Kenya
Baringo County - Lake Baringo National Reserve, Lake Bogoria National Reserve, Kerio Valley National Reserve, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Bomet County - The South Western Mau National Reserve, Busia County - Malaba Sanctuary, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Rimoi National Reserve, Embu County - Mount Kenya National Park; Irangi Forest Station, Mwea National Reserve, Garissa County - Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary, Rahole National Reserve, Arawale National Reserve, Boni National Reserve, Homa Bay County - Ruma National Park, Isiolo County - The Bisanadi National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve, Kajiado County - Amboseli National Park, Kakamega County - Kakamega National Reserve, Kilifi County - Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Watamu Marine National Park, Malindi Marine Reserve, Kisumu County - Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Ndere Island National Park, Kitui County - Mwingi National Reserve, South Kitui National Reserve, Kwale County - Shimba Hills National Reserve, Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve, Lamu County - Dodori National Reserve, Kiunga Marine National Reserve, Machakos County - Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, Makueni County - Chyulu Hills National Park, Ngai Ndethya National Reserve, Mandera County - Malka Mari National Park, Marsabit County - Losai National Reserve, South Island National Park, Marsabit National Park & Reserve, Sibiloi National Park, Meru County - Meru National Park, Mombasa County - Mombasa Marine National Reserve & Park, Nairobi County - The Nairobi National Park, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot National Park, Crescent Island Sanctuary, Hell's Gate National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nandi County - Bonjoge National Reserve, Narok County - Masai Mara National Reserve, Nyeri County - The Aberdare National Park, Samburu County - Samburu National Reserve, Maralal National Reserve, Siaya County - Lake Kanyaboli Reserve, Tana River County - Kora National Park, The Tana Primate National Reserve, Taita Taveta County - Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Tharaka Nithi County - Mutejwa National Reserve, Trans Nzoia County - Mount Elgon National Park, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Turkana County - Central Island Reserve, South Turkana Reserve, West Pokot County - Nasolot National Reserve
outlook
Touring Garissa County offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and opportunities to explore the traditional way of life in northeastern Kenya, unchanged since the days of yore. It’s a chance to experience authentic Somali culture and hospitality while enjoying the serene beauty of northeastern.
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Explore Destinations Near Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary
A Guide to Garissa County
A Summa Digest of Garissa
About Garissa Way Back When
18 Destinations in Garissa County, arranged as one would visit these - west, north, east then south - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
River Tana, Almond Resort, Suuq Mugdi Market, Jamia Mosque Garissa, Garissa Culture and Heritage Center, Garissa Giraffe Centre, Garissa Solar Power Plant, Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary, Rahole National Reserve, Merti Plains, River Ewaso Nyiro, Lorian Swamp, Dadaab Camp, Arawale National Reserve, Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy, Lake Ishaqbini, Boni Forest National Reserve, Lag Badana Reserve
Know More About Garissa County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Temperatures in Garissa County are generally high throughout the year, like clockwork, ranging from 20oC to a high of 38oC. The average temperature is 36oC. February is the hottest month of year.
The vast Garissa County is basically flat and low-lying without notable hills, valleys and mountains. It rises from a low altitude of 200 to 400 ms.