Marsabit National Park

Overview

Far toward the north of Kenya, a thickly forested mountain and three pit lakes give a safe house to an assortment of birdlife, mammals and reptiles. The excellent Marsabit National Park is an asylum for tremendous tusked bull elephants, various birdlife and reptiles. Hikes in the thick backwoods, wreathed in fog can be appreciated alongside camel rides, bird watching and visits to the singing wells.

High Season

December to March and July to October

Best Time to Go

June to September and January to February

Pros & Cons

Very little visted park
Amazing crater lakes in dense woodlands
Beautiful birding experience
Magical elephants can be spotted in front of the lodge

Only one lodge is available in the park
The park is still under development
Single short game drive track
Very hot and dry climate

Map in Kenya

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Gallery Images

Explore the stunning beauty of Marsabit National Park through our curated collection of photographs showcasing its landscapes, wildlife, and natural wonders.

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Wildlife & Animals

The forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife such as Elephants, rhinos, lions, Buffalo and leopards. Other animals that can be spotted coming to drink at the lake are Buffalo, sunis and bushbuck. Black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys are often around as well. 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.

Wildlife Highlights

The downside of Marsabit is that the forest is so thick that game viewing is very challenging. However, it can be very rewarding if you have patience. The Park is home to the greatest number of graceful Greater Kudu Antelope and the rare Grevy's Zebra and Reticulated Giraffe. Other forest antelopes to look out for are three species of duiker: the common, red and grey duiker. The park also shelters the rare Peters’ gazelle.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Marsabit National Park can be visited all year round. However, the best time for wildlife viewing will be in the Dry season from June to September as animals are easier to observe as they congregate near freshwater sources, rainfall is minimal, foliage is less dense and mosquito levels are reduced. The heaviest rain is in April and May, so these months are less ideal.

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Birds

The park contains some 350 species of birds in total, of which 52 are birds of prey. The park has many extinct volcanic craters known as Gofs. One of the largest of these is Gof Sokorte Guda which has Lake Paradise at the bottom of it. The lake is ringed with scenic forest and the birding is fantastic. It is also a refuge for the rare Lammergeyer Vulture and is known for the diversity of its butterfly species.

Best Time for Birding

Any season will be remunerating for birders visiting Marsabit National Park. Nonetheless, if conceivable, November and April ought to be stayed away from as the rains in these months might meddle with your arrangements. For the most part, a ton of the park's more unusual specials are inhabitants, so they can be spotted at any time. November to April sees the appearance of migrant species.

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Best Time to Visit – Marsabit National Park

High Season

December to March & July to October

Low Season

April to June

Best Weather

June and December

Worst Weather

April

June to October (Dry Season)

Due to short grass and less water sources, Animals can be spotted easily
Best time for Wildlife viewing when animals regularly come to drink at the crater lakes
Fewer mosquitoes and less chance of catching malaria