Overview–kenya

Saiwa Swamp National Park

Saiwa Swamp National Park is Kenya’s smallest national park. It protects a swamp fed by the Saiwa River, which provides shelter for a viable population of the rare sitatunga antelope. There are several observation towers overlooking the swamp, and with some patience, sightings are almost guaranteed. The park is only accessible on foot.

Best Time to Visit

While Saiwa Swamp National Park can be visited year-round, the dry season from December to March is generally considered the best time for visits. During this period, migratory birds are present and young Sitatunga antelopes are often seen.

December to March –Dry Season

It is mostly sunny and there is little rainfall
There are many migrant birds
Sitatunga antelope have their newborn

April to November –Wet Season

The scenery is very lush
You’re still likely to see the sitatunga antelope and other wildlife
It rains a lot, which might interfere with your activities

Activities Available

Visitors to Saiwa Swamp National Park can engage in several activities that enhance their experience:

Wildlife Viewing: Since vehicles are not permitted inside the park, wildlife viewing occurs on foot along designated trails. Observation towers are strategically placed around the swamp for optimal viewing opportunities.
Bird Watching: The Park is a haven for bird enthusiasts due to its abundant avian life. Various observation points allow for excellent birdwatching experiences.
Nature Walks: Guided nature walks provide an intimate exploration of the park’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Camping: Camping facilities allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature overnight while enjoying sounds from local wildlife.
Photography: The scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife offer ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts.

Scenery

Most of the park is taken up by the reed-choked Saiwa Swamp, fed by the river with the same name. Around the swamp are several walking trails passing through riverine forests and savannah woodland dotted with acacia trees.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Jan

Feb

Mar

Dec

April

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Rates

From: $264 to $663 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: December to March (Little rain)

High Season

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

Size

From: 3km² / 1mi²

Wildlife & Animals

The main attraction at low-key Saiwa Swamp National Park is a small population of sitatunga antelope, which can be spotted in their natural swamp environment. These rare antelope have special hooves adapted to wading through water, which makes them semi-aquatic. Other antelope that can be spotted on the water’s edge include defassa waterbuck, bushbuck and bohor reedbuck.

Wildlife Highlights

Aside from the sitatunga antelope, another swamp special is the rare de Brazza's monkey, which is also known as the swamp monkey. The giant forest squirrels and red-legged sun squirrels are some of the smaller mammals to look out for in the forest canopy. Two types of otter inhabit the swamp and can sometimes be spotted swimming between the reeds – the African spot-necked otter and the African clawless otter.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Saiwa Swamp can be visited throughout the year, but heavy rain can be expected from April to August.

General Wheather

Saiwa Swamp National Park has a warm and humid climate with high rainfall. Due to its proximity to the equator, temperatures don’t vary much. The average afternoon temperature is around 26°C/79°F, but it gets cooler overnight with a temperature of about 12°C/54°F. There is rainfall throughout the year, but a distinct Wet season brings plenty of rain from April to November.

Dry Season –December to March

December & January – December and January are dry, although it can still rain occasionally. The days are mostly sunny.
February & March – The rain usually picks up a bit in February and increases through March. There are still a lot of sunny days.

Wet Season –April to November

April, May, June, July & August – This is a long period of high rainfall. There are many overcast days and it can sometimes rain all day. Road conditions might deteriorate.
September, October & November – Rain decreases a little in September. It can sometimes rain for days, but there are many days with sunshine as well.

Prons

One of the best places to see the rare sitatunga antelope
Off the beaten track and little visited
Unguided walking on forest trails is permitted

Cons

Out of the way and not on any tourist circuit
Little variety of mammal species
The very small walking circuit
Limited accommodation options outside the park

How To Get There

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

Saiwa Swamp National Park is located 385km/239mi from Nairobi and 27km/16mi 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.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

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

www.skyscanner.com

Domestic Flights

Charter flights that shuttle you between parks and reserves are booked by tour operators as part of your safari package. Domestic flights from Nairobi leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4mi south of the city. Domestic flights to Kitale can be booked with the following: