The tourist activities to do at Marsabit National Park are too many and they extend simply from driving inside the park sitting comfortably in your vehicle as you enjoy the astonishing views of the park to camping in the wild to enjoy the true African wilderness. The park is located at Mount Marsabit in northern Kenya, near the town of Marsabit. It is located 560 km north of Nairobi in Marsabit County in the former Eastern Province and its reserve is noted for its zebra population and bird sanctuary. The park features an extinct volcano at its center, creating a microclimate that supports a lush indigenous forest and a diverse array of wildlife. Marsabit National Park was established in 1949 to protect the wildlife in the area and is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service. The park covers an area of 1,554 square kilometers and consists of a forested mountain that rises, such as an oasis in the middle of the desert wilderness, and is the only permanent water source in the region. However, there are many activities visitors can enjoy or participate in while on a safari in Marsabit National Park and we are going to discuss some of the most popular activities such as;
Mountain and Rock Climbing
One of the tourist activities to do at Marsabit National Park is the exhilarating rock-climbing experience on the striking Ol Olokwe massif. With expert guides who know the area well, climbers can enjoy various routes that cater to different skill levels.
Game drives
Game drive safaris in the park are best done early in the morning or late in the afternoon. During the heat of midday, many animals seek refuge in the thick bushes, making them hard to spot. The park is known for having elephants with huge tasks and contains a wide variety of wildlife, including Grevy’s zebras, lions, leopards, buffalos, bushbucks, numerous greater plus lesser kudus, prevalent zebras, Grant’s gazelles, and several other tiny antelopes. On the lower slopes of the forest of the park, marked by scrubland, there are populations of olive baboons, vervet monkeys, Peter’s gazelles, beisa oryxes, striped hyenas, caracals, and aardwolves. During your game drive safaris, you will have the opportunity to encounter these fascinating creatures roaming in their natural habitat. You will also have the chance to spot a variety of bird species as well as scenic landscapes.
Bird Watching
Bird enthusiasts will find Marsabit National Park a true gem, home to over 500 bird species, making it one of the best Kenya birding destinations. This park is perfect for spotting unique birds such as the Somali bee-eater, masked lark, and Somali sparrow, as well as various migratory species. The cliffs in the northern end of Lake Paradise, in Golf Sokorte Gurda, are home to a number of birds, including Ruppell’s griffon vultures, peregrine falcons, mountain buzzards, black kites, and African fish eagles. Ducks such as garganeys, southern pochards, and teals are found on the lake, which is also home to Red-knobbed coots, hamerkops, ibises, purple herons, and yellow-billed storks. While on your birdwatching tours, you will have the chance to spot these colorful birds roaming in their habitat. The different habitats, from savannahs to forests, make it a paradise for anyone interested in bird watching.
Camel Safaris
Taking a camel safari across the nearby plains can be a unique experience. Led by local guides, you’ll ride alongside them while they share fascinating stories about the region and its culture.
Visiting the Singing Wells
Visit the “singing wells’ where the locals sing various interesting songs as they draw water from the well for their livestock, this will reward you with a great moment, as you see how the local pastoralists fetch water for their livestock, as they accompany with great beautiful melodies
Exploring Lake Paradise
Lake Paradise, a breathtaking sight within Marsabit National Park, is located on the slopes of Mount Marsabit, just a short drive from the park’s entrance. Nearby, you’ll also find a smaller lake known as ‘Golf Sokorte Dika,’ which draws elephants and other wildlife. Both lakes are excellent spots for observing animals, especially on hot days when they come to drink.
Visting Bongole Crater
Bongole Crater, located in eastern Kenya, is an impressive natural formation with a diameter of about 2.5 kilometers. This crater is home to a lake that changes with the seasons, shaped by the mix of volcanic activity and underground water. The crater serves as a great animal spotting ground as very much wildlife is spotted around to feed on the grasses during drier times and to drink water as well as leaking the salty soils.
Cultural Experience
Visiting local villages provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about the culture. You can tour their farms, interact with the community, or even join them in their daily activities. Some hotels may also arrange cultural performances in the evening to enhance your experience.
Camping Adventure
For those who love outdoor adventure such as camping, there are two campsites available, well equipped with a great environment to spice your visit to this remote area as you explore the park.
Trekking
Marsabit is an excellent place for trekking, with many hiking trails starting from Marsabit town. You can explore local sites, including fascinating volcanic craters. You’ll also find Borana wells nearby, which are crucial for watering cattle. Visiting these deep wells, where locals work together to haul water, offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Borana community.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK
The best time to visit Marsabit National Park is during the Dry season which runs from June to September. This is the ideal time for wildlife viewing, as animals are more visible in the open. The Wet season from October to May offers lush landscapes, making it suitable for birdwatching.
WHERE TO STAY AT MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK
While there are a range of accommodation options available in Marsabit National Park, the accommodation facilities in the park range from luxury, mid-range to budget-friendly. Some of the accommodation facilities options here include Marsabit Lodge, Ahmed Campsite, Sand and Rock Resort/ hotel, Nomads Trail Hotel, Chico Hotel, Jirime Hotel and Resort, Silvia Inn Hotel, Gof Hotel, Jinjimanna lodge and Abdul Campsite among more
HOW TO GET TO MARSABIT NATIONAL PARK
You can get to Marsabit National Park by either flying or driving.
By Road
The park has two main entrances: Ahmed Gate and Abdul Gate, both near the park’s headquarters. If you are coming from Nairobi, you’ll travel about 570 kilometers through Nanyuki and Isiolo to reach the park. It’s best to use a 4×4 vehicle or a private car for this journey, as some sections of the road can be rough.
By Air
For those who prefer to fly, there’s an airstrip located just 4 kilometers from the park’s main entrance. A flight from Nairobi takes about 2 hours, and you’ll land at a well-maintained airstrip that’s about 1 kilometer from the center of Marsabit town.
Contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about tourist activities to do at Marsabit 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.
