National Reserves in Trans Nzoia
Saiwa Swamp National Park: Sitatunga Sanctum
Saiwa Swamp National Park is a gem for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility, rare wildlife, and a unique wetland experience. Established in 1974, this small 3 km2 preserve, Kenya’s smallest National Park, was created principally to protect the Sitatunga, a rare aquatic antelope. Despite its small size, Saiwa Swamp is a biodiversity hotspot, known for its lush vegetation, serene wetlands, and wildlife.
Other animals at Saiwa Swamp National Park include its primates, Colobus and Syke’s monkeys, genets, mongoose, and variegated reptiles and amphibians. The focal area encloses a goodly tract of swamp. The swamp itself, fed by the Saiwa River, features a lovely blend of forest that can be explored by means of a raised wooden boardwalk. Seats have been fixed up in trees surrounding the swamp so that visitors can sit and observe wildlife without disturbing their natural habitat.
Saiwa Swamp National Park is also a birders haven, with over 370 species sited. Common species include the Ross’s turaco, lesser jacana, and grey-headed king fisher. Best time to visit is during the dry Season – December to February, June to September – when wildlife are easier to spot. For birders, the wet Season – March to May, October to November – is prefered as the migratory birds arrive, to roost.
Kenya Wildlife Service operates Saiwa Swamp picnic site, Sitatunga campsite, and the Tree Top Hut, a self-catering tree house. There is also the privately-run Sirikwa Tented Camp which is located just 6 km from the turnoff into the park. Saiwa Swamp National Park is worth visiting on any trip that plans to take in Mt. Elgon National Park. It lies 24 km northeast of Kitale via A1 Kitale-Kapenguria Rd.
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
Trans Nzoia County is a vital region for Kenya’s agricultural and ecological balance. Its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty make it a unique and valuable part of the Rift and Western Kenya. The county’s potential for growth remains immense, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and environmental conservation.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Saiwa Swamp National Park
A Guide to Trans Nzoia County
A Summa Digest of Trans Nzoia
About Trans Nzoia Way Back When
30 Destinations in Trans Nzoia County, arranged as one would visit these - south, west then north - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Mount Elgon National Park, Koitoboss Peak Hike, Wagagai Peak Hike, Chesurur Falls, Kitum Cave, Macking’eny Cave, Ngwarisha Cave, Endebess Bluff, Chepnyalil Cave, KWS Koitoboss Guesthouse, Kapkuro Bandas, Mount Elgon Lodge, Suam Gorge, Mt. Elgon Orchards, Mount Elgon Guesthouse, Kamariny Cave, Kitale Plains, Kitale War Memorial, Kitale Museum, Kitale Club, Treasures of Africa, Kitale Nature Conservancy, Sirwo Resort, Cranes Haven, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Tree Top Hut, Kapolet Fishing Camp, Kapcherop Forest, Cheranganis, Barnley’s Guest House, Kaisagat Hill
Know More About Trans Nzoia: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - with the aid of strip maps, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Trans Nzoia can be split into three definitive ecological zones: Upper Highland Zone, Upper Midland Zone, and the Lower Highland Zone. These zone lie between 4,313 m in Mount Elgon to 1,700 ms asl.
Trans Nzoia has a highland equatorial type of climate. Rainfall is well distributed throughout the year, the higher areas in the west receiving more. Average annual temperature is 24oC.
