Overview–kenya

Marsabit National Park

Marsabit National Park is in northern Kenya, a part of the country that will only appeal to the intrepid, adventurous traveler. Anybody traveling this far north will find a stopover in this little-visited park very worthwhile. Its wildlife-viewing centerpiece is a forest-fringed crater lake overlooked by Marsabit Lodge. Elephants (relatives of Ahmed, a former big tusker who received ‘presidential protection’ in his day) pass by the lake daily.

Best Time

Like most of Kenya’s parks, it is possible to visit Marsabit National Park year-round and see wildlife. However, the best months are when it is dry, from June to September and January to February. If visiting during the height of the short rains (November), and especially during the long rains (April and May), the wildlife experience may not be as good. Road conditions deteriorate in the wet months and animals tend to disperse.

June to September –Dry Season

Wildlife viewing is best in the dry months when animals regularly come to drink at the crater lakes
It is sunny and there is almost no rain
Very little malaria in the Dry season
It is very dry and dusty
The sky is hazy and the scenery is less beautiful

October to May –Wet Season

The scenery is beautiful and lush
The best time for bird watching and migratory birds is in the reserve
Road conditions can be bad in April and May
Rain can interfere with your activities in the peak rainfall months, especially in April

Scenery

The densely forested Mt Marsabit is a fine example of a basalt shield volcano. The mountain is peppered with extinct volcanic craters, known as gods (the name given to them by the local Borana people). The craters are lined with stands of juniper. Scenic Gof Sokorte Dika lies immediately in front of Marsabit Lodge.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Jan

Feb

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

April

May

Nov

Mar

Dec

Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: June to September and January to February

High Season

From: December to March and July to October (Not busy)

Size

From: 1,554km² / 600mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Wildlife viewing in Marsabit National Park is rather restricted due to lack of facilities. The biggest highlight is the herd of elephants that usually walk around Crater Lake in front of Marsabit Lodge in the afternoon. Other animals that can be spotted coming to drink at the lake are buffalo and bushbuck. Black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys are often around as well.

Wildlife Highlights

Marsabit is renowned as the habitat of one of the most regal of antelopes, the greater kudu. On the other side of the spectrum, the tiny suni antelope can sometimes be spotted dashing off into the undergrowth. Other forest antelope to look out for are three species of duiker: the common, red, and grey duiker. The park also shelters the rare Peter’s gazelle (a local species of Grant's gazelle).

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Marsabit can be visited throughout the year, but the best wildlife viewing is in the Dry season from June to September. At this time, the vegetation is less thick and animals gather around the crater lakes. The dry spell from January to February, between the short and long rains, is also a great time for spotting animals. April is the wettest month and wildlife watching can be difficult at this time.

General Wheather

The climate in Marsabit National Park is hot, although it cools down at night. The average daytime temperature is 30°C/86°F, while the average nighttime temperature is 19°C/66°F. Rain mostly falls during the long and short rains, which peak in April and November respectively.

Dry Season –June to September

There is sunshine during the days, which tends to be hot. There is scarcity of rain, and conditions are very dry.

June & July – Hot conditions with plenty of sunshine. Afternoon temperatures average 30°C/86°F.
August & September – Before the rain breaks, temperatures during the day increase. In September, the average is about 30°C/86°F with higher peaks.

Wet Season –October to May

A dry period is the norm during the months of January and February, which divides the two Wet seasons: the short rains followed by the long rains. Road conditions can deteriorate in April and May.

October, November & December – ‘Short rains’ – The rains typically begin in October. The most rainfall is received in November. Storms in the afternoon are common, but it rarely rains all day. Average temperatures in the daytime are around 30°C/86°F.
January & February – The exact timing of this dry period, which falls between the short and long rains, is unpredictable. Generally, the hottest month is February with afternoon temperatures averaging around 32°C/90°F, although expect higher peaks.
March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – The long rains normally begin in the second half of March. Brief showers in the afternoon are typical, although it hardly ever rains all day. April receives the most rainfall. Afternoon temperatures are about 31°C/88°F.

Prons

Untouristy, little-visited park
Beautiful crater lakes in dense forest
Magical elephant encounters in front of Marsabit Lodge
Excellent birding

Cons

Only one very run-down lodge
Human encroachment
Only one short game-drive track
Very hot climate

How To Get There

Your entry point to the country will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9 mi southeast of the capital city Nairobi.

Marsabit National Park is located 560km/347 mi north of Nairobi. Although very off the beaten track, Marsabit is sometimes visited on a road expedition to Lake Turkana. This safari should only be undertaken by experienced 4x4 enthusiasts.

The new tarred road from Isiolo (near Samburu National Reserve) to Marsabit and continuing towards Lake Turkana might put Marsabit on the tourist map. This area is, however, still very remote and advice should be taken before heading out here.

There are no commercial scheduled flights to Marsabit.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and what tickets would cost.