Saiwa Swamp National Park
Background Information
Saiwa is the smallest park in Kenya, only 3 km2. It was established to protect the semi-aquatic antelope, Sitatunga and encloses the swamp fed by the Saiwa river together with its fringing belts of rain forest. The park is enclosed by subsistence farming settlements.
Location:
Situated below the Cherangani Hills, Trans-Nzoia District of Rift Valley Province
Climate:
Wet and dry.
HOW TO GET THERE
Roads:
Saiwa National Park is located 22 km from Kitale on the Kitale-Kapenguria tarmac road. At Kipsaina junction, a 5 km marrum road leads to the only park gate.
Airstrips:
The park can be served by the Kitale airstrip, 22 km away from the park.
Park Roads:
Due to its size and nature of attractions, the park does not have and does not need any roads.
Park Gates:
- Main gate
- Sinyerere Gate.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Game viewing, Sitatunga aquatic antelope.
FACILITIES
Campsites:
Sirikwa Tented Camp on the main Kapenguria road 6 km after the Saiwa Swamp junction is the only facility that is near the park. The facility also offers a camping ground.
The park has a campsite at the gate.
Trails:
The park has well maintained trails and 4 observation towers.
ACTIVITIES
Bird watching, game viewing, camping.
COMMON VEGETATION:
Vegetation is a mixture of forest and swamp vegetation. The swamp is dominated by tall bullrushes and sedges. The swamp is bordered by a mixture of grassland, riverine forests and Acacia.