The ultimate guide to visiting Saiwa Swamp National Park: Saiwa Swamp National Park is a national park situated near Kitale in Trans-Nzoia County, Rift Valley Province, Kenya. The park covers an area of approximately 3 square kilometers, making it the smallest national park in Kenya. The swamp here is dominated by very tall bull rushes and it is bounded by the riverine forests and the open savannah grasslands. This park was gazetted in 1974 to protect the sitatunga antelopes. Saiwa Swamp National Park is the best destination for birdwatching in Kenya and features more than 370 bird species seen in the small area. This is the best area within the park where the western bird species can be found such as the Rare and Unique Ross Turaco. The park is also home to other mammal species such as the Serval Cat, bushbuck, the otter, Genet cat, monkeys, and the mongoose primate species.
What are the best safari activities to do while on the Saiwa Swamp National Park safari?
Birding
Saiwa Swamp National Park is the best destination for birding in Kenya. The park is home to over 370 bird species recorded in this small area. During your bird-watching tours, you will have the chance to spot other bird species that dwell in the park such as Ross Turaco, yellow-billed stork, long-tailed cormorant, hamerkop, Gray heron, intermediate Egret, Little bittern, Goliath Heron, Hadada Ibis, African sacred, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Black Goshawk, African Hawk-Eagle, African Marsh-Harrier, speckled mousebird, Narina Trogon, Greenwood hoopoe, black and white caused Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, woodland Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, European Bee-eater, Double-toothed Barbet, yellow-rumpled Tinkerbird, yellow-billed Barbet and Broad-billed roller among others.
Wildlife viewing
Exploring the wildlife at Saiwa Swamp National Park is an exciting adventure you shouldn’t miss while on your safari in Kenya. This park is home to a variety of amazing animals, including the Serval Cat, bushbuck, giant forest squirrel, grey duiker, otters, Genet cats, white and black colobus monkeys, and different types of mongooses. During your wildlife viewing tours, you’ll have the opportunity to see this wildlife in their natural habitat.
Guided nature walks
Guided nature walks are one of the exciting activities to do while visiting Saiwa Swamp National Park. this activity offers you the chance to connect with the hidden gem of the park on foot. The park has got variety of stunning trails where you can walk while observing the park’s stunning ecosystem. During your guided nature walks, you’ll have the chance to encounter a variety of wildlife such as Serval Cat, bushbuck, giant forest squirrel, grey duiker, otters, Genet cats, different colorful birds as well as flowering plants.
Hiking
Hiking in Saiwa Swamp National Park is one of the unique activities to do while in the park. the park is one of the few national parks in Kenya where you can explore the natural beauty on foot. Hiking through the park allows you to truly connect with nature and see the stunning scenery up close. During your hiking tours, you will have the chance to encounter with variety of creatures such as different mammal species, reptiles, amphibians, insects, birds, and amazing plant species on your way.
Sitatunga Antelope Spotting
One of the main attractions at Saiwa Swamp National Park is the Sitatunga Antelope. These unique animals are quite special and are often seen in viewing areas around the park. Visitors can watch as the Sitatunga gently glides in and out of the swamps, searching for food while also keeping a lookout for any potential threats. It’s a fantastic opportunity for nature lovers to catch a glimpse of these graceful creatures in their natural habitat.
Exploring the Plants at Saiwa Swamp National Park
Sitatunga antelopes are one of the main highlights of the park. The Sitatunga exhibits a range of specialized adaptations suited to its unique habitat. Distinguished by its elongated, splayed hooves, the sitatunga is adept at navigating through muddy, vegetated swamplands. You can easily catch a glimpse of them from designated viewing areas as they skilfully navigate the swamps, feeding and avoiding predators.
Camping.
Camping in Saiwa Swamp National Park is truly rewarding as you can experience a night in the wild. Enjoy a restful night with the chattering of flirty monkeys and piping frogs and toads, the morning attracts you with the sweet melodies of birds as you rest in the observation platforms to watch the beautiful African sunrise as it majestically peeks over the horizon.
Packing list for a Kenya safari Saiwa Swamp National Park
When planning a safari to Saiwa Swamp National Park in Kenya, it’s important to pack wisely. Start with lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with a good pair of walking shoes for exploring the trails. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses or sun protection. Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, a camera to capture your memories, and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. A small first aid kit is essential as well as insect repellent to keep bugs at bays. Finally, include sunscreen and a light jacket for cooler evenings, you’ll be well prepared for your adventure
Where to stay in Saiwa Swamp National Park.
Tourists planning to explore the hidden gems of the Saiwa Swamp National Park shouldn’t worry about where to sleep or stay. The park has a variety of accommodation options to cater to its visitors while on a Kenyan safari in Saiwa Swamp National Park. These accommodation facilities range from luxury, midrange, and budget levels such as Treetop hotel, and Sirikwa Tented Camp other accommodation units can be found in Kitale town like Muremba Retreat Kitale, Aturukan, and among others.
How to get to Saiwa Swamp National Park.
Getting to Saiwa Swamp National Park from Nairobi can be done in two ways:
By Road: You’ll need to drive about 22 kilometers from Nairobi to reach the Kipsaina junction. From there, it’s just a 5-kilometer stretch of unpaved road to the park’s entrance, known as Saiwa Gate. Traveling by road allows you to soak in the beautiful countryside filled with lush greenery and wildlife.
By Air: Alternatively, you can fly. Look for a domestic flight from Wilson Airport, which you can book through a tour operator. Saiwa Swamp National Park is located 385km/239 mi from Nairobi and 27km/16 mi from Kitale. There is a small airport in Kitale, Kitale Airport (KIT), but most people visit Saiwa Swamp on a safari in western Kenya by 4WD.
Contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about the Ultimate guide to visiting Saiwa Swamp National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.
