Malka Mari National Park is located on the Mandera plateau along the Daua River, which forms the border between Kenya and Ethiopia. It was created in 1989 to protect a significant amount of wildlife on a 1,500 square kilometer piece of land. As one of the least visited national parks in the country, Malka Mari may raise a lot of questions in the minds of many visitors who are unaware of its rich biodiversity, which they can discover during their visit. Malka Mari National Park is a large park with the most beautiful landscape, ranging from anthills to dancing gazelles, where the largest species can be seen, including Somali giraffes, spotted hyenas, dik-dik, cheetahs, and Nile crocodiles, among others. It is very natural in comparison to other national parks in Kenya. All in all, this is a wonderful site to visit.
Despite not receiving a larger numbers of tourists compared to other Kenyan national parks such as Maasai mara national reserve and Amboseli national park, the park is teeming with wildlife and has breathtakingly beautiful terrain. The common vegetation is made up of semi-arid bushland, scrubby grassland, and woods near the river. The park is classified as a category 11 park by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), nonetheless. Fortunately, it’s a tremendous delight to have the park where Mandera had an extraordinary conception in 1974, according to the records that are currently available at the county office.
Mandera Airstrip provides access to Malka Mari national park via air; the area’s hot, dry environment is characterized by semi-arid bushland, grassland, riparian woodland, and palm-filled riverine vegetation along the Daua River. Although they are small in number and frequently spread out over a large area, Gurreh nomadic herders make up the majority of the population in the area.
Tourist attractions at Malka Mari National Park
During a safari in Malka, you can be sure to see these creatures, including reticulated giraffes, lions, spotted hyenas, wild dogs, cheetahs, ostriches, leopards, antelopes, vultures, dik dik, and genet. Primates, including monkeys, baboons, foxes, zebras, many species of antelopes, and water species like hippopotamuses and Nile crocodiles, can also be found in the park.
Bird species.
More than 20 different bird species can be seen at Malka Mari National Park, including the endangered Corvus ruficollis, Streptopelia decipiens, and Cichladusa gutta. The Malka Mara fort, valleys, hills, culture, lovely scenery for photographic activities, and other attractions are just some of the park’s additional attractions, in addition to its diverse bird, plant, and animal species. As a result, Malka Mara National Park offers tourists and visitors an enjoyable experience. The panorama of the plateaus, hills, and valleys can excite you. The park has clear nights, making it a splendid place to watch the stars while camping.
Tourist Activities at Malka Mari National Park
Game watching
A great concentration of species may be found in Malka Mari National Park, including spotted hyenas, antelopes, zebras, Dik-Dik, genets, gazelles, giraffes, gray wolves, mountain lions, Bobcats, Moose, Coyotes, Bighorn sheep, and Nile crocodiles near the Daua River.
Hot air balloon safari
This is one of the most exciting activities you can do here. It usually takes place in the early morning hours, giving you a rewarding aerial view as you observe antelopes, spotted hyenas, and other wildlife as they make their way back to their burrows after grazing.
Cultural exposure
You can also explore the distinctive African culture and purchase some handcrafted items to take back as souvenirs. Other activities to participate in are hiking, guided nature walks, viewing crocodiles at the Daua River, and many more.
Accommodations/ where to stay at Malka Mari National Park
The Malka Mari National Park in Kenya is home to upscale hotels that provide guests with a safe place to stay as well as a plethora of appealing amenities, such as a lounge, a fitness facility, business services, and rooms with special accommodations for people with disabilities. De L’Horloge, Al-Marwa Hotel, and Galana Palace Hotel are just a few places to stay. The park is a nice spot to camp as well, because there are safe camping areas accessible, and you may bring your tent with you when visiting the park.
Other accommodation in and around the Malka Mari National Park includes:
- Kitich Camp
- Sarara Camp
- Ikweta Safari Camp
- Offbeat Meru Camp
- Desert Rose Lodge
- Bush Camp Ol-Tome
- Leopard Rock Inn
- Murera Springs Eco-lodge
- Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
How to get to Malka Mari National Park
The park can be accessed in two different ways; that is, by road and by air transport.
Road transportation Take the A2 route of the northern Tarmac Road to Isiolo, then continue to Moyale Town, which is located just across the Ethiopian border. From Moyale, take the D504 Road on the eastern side, passing through Yabdus and Sara Hills, and then Takaba. At least 160 km before turning north and traveling 65 kilometers from Takaba to Bannissa Town, This is the most secure and safest way to enter the park.
Through air travel. 165 kilometers south of Bannissa Town, near Takaba Town, is the Takaba airfield. It is in good shape, and at the moment, local passenger flights operate in this region twice a week (Sunday and Tuesday).
When to visit ?
Malka Mari National Park can be visited all year round because of its semi-arid dry parts and dense bushes, which allow for clear views of various wildlife species. Malka Maki National Park is a safe area to visit with stunning scenery and a variety of wild animal species, which is an excellent reason for tourists to make a point of visiting this sizable park.
