The Saiwa Swamp National Park derives its name from the River Saiwa, which runs and drains the park area. The river is the main source of water for the Park. The smallest national park in Kenya stretches for just 3 square kilometers. Saiwa Swamp National Park was established in 1974 as a natural habitat for the rare sitatunga antelope species. The sitatunga antelope is a rare breed often seen in very few protected areas of Africa. They dwell mostly in wetland areas since they are adaptable and well-built for muddy terrain and are excellent swimmers. The sitatunga antelope is sometimes considered endangered because their habitats are greatly destroyed.
Saiwa Swamp National Park hosts not only the sitatunga antelopes but also other species like birds, other mammals, plants, and reptiles, to mention but a few. It is situated near the province of Kitale in Trans-Nzoia County. The vegetation zone in Saiwa Swamp National Park is predominantly riverine, with tall bull rushes, shrubs, forests, and savannah grassland.
What is there to see in Saiwa Swamp National Park?
As we saw in the introduction, Saiwa National Park has plenty to see, although it may seem to be a small protected area in Kenya. Its attractions revolve around the many flora and fauna species the national park harbors. Below are some of these eye-catching tourist attractions.
Birdlife
By nature, wetland areas have always been the perfect places to find plenty of bird activity given the abundant water and food they provide to the birds. Saiwa Swamp National Park is not any different as it harbors approximately 370 bird species. These bird species in the park range from migratory to endemic birds. Migratory birds are seasonal and seen in specific seasons like the wet season since fly into the park from far like Europe and Asia such as the rare Ross turaco. Endemic birds are the common residents of the park. The birds in the park in crowned hornbills, eastern grey plantain eaters, Narina trogon, grey-crowned cranes, ibis, duck, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, paradise flycatchers, Ludher’s bush-shrike, long-crested eagles, Hartlaub’s marsh widowbird, yellow bishop, double-toothed barbets, blue-headed coucals and black-headed gonoleks to mention but a few.
Wildlife
Saiwa Swamp National Park is a haven for several wildlife species most notable is the rare sitatunga antelope. Due to the small size of the national park, it does not accommodate big wildlife like buffaloes and elephants but it has small species like serval cats, bush backs, genet cats, giant forest squirrels, spotted-necked otters, etc. The swamp park also hosts primates like black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, vervet monkeys, and de Brazza monkeys, to mention but a few.
Plant life
Just as much as there is plenty of wildlife activity in the swamp park, several flora and plant species harbor Saiwa Swamp National Park. The riverine vegetation zone is dominant in the park since the park is drainage by the Saiwa River, however, there is also savannah grassland, mixed forests, and shrubs.
Insect species
Saiwa Swamp National Park breeds life in everything it touches and insect species are no exception with several of them hosted in the park. The dragonflies and damselflies dominate the swamp in the insect world with jewel-hued butterflies adding color and beauty to the mixture.
Reptiles and Amphibians
A wetland with no reptiles and amphibians would be deemed unreal and Saiwa Swamp National Park takes the front lead in housing these creatures. As you traverse the park in the wet season presumably after a rainstorm, giant frogs and toads welcome you with loud noises. Snakes are also not missed as they navigate through the swamp for a meal. These include the forest cobra and the African rock python.
What can one do in Saiwa Swamp National Park?
Since there are several species available to spot in Saiwa Swamp National Park, these come in handy with the different activities to accompany them. These include the following.
Birding
With approximately 370 bird species in Saiwa Swamp National Park, it can be ranked as an important birding area in Kenya. This birder’s paradise exhibits bird species from all over the world as migratory species. The endemic residents are also still popular providing birders with the best birding experience. Several designated birding trails crafted in the park ease the experience.
Wildlife viewing
Spotting wildlife in Saiwa Swamp National Park is one of the main tourist activities. This activity is only done on foot as there are no vehicles allowed in the park. However, several scattered designated observation towersin the park provide the best views of the wildlife. It is important to note that with no vehicles in the park, it remains natural and conserved.
Guided nature walks
Professional and experienced guide ranges with plenty of knowledge about the park species lead you on a walking safari experience along designated trails in the plant. While on these guided natural walks, visitors can spot several bird species, wildlife, and reptiles like snakes, and also enjoy nature at their display.
What is the cost of touring Saiwa Swamp National Park?
Saiwa Swamp National Park is an amazing place to visit and explore various flora and fauna species as you bond with nature. The entry fees to Saiwa Swamp National Park vary in nationality, age, and region the visitors come from. Adult foreign non-residents pay USD 22 while children pay USD 13, foreign residents and East African citizens adults pay KSH 300,and children pay KSH 125 when accessing the park.
What to pack on a safari tour to Saiwa Swamp National Park?
Below are some of the essentials that should be packed as you take on a safari tour to Saiwa Swamp National Park.
- Lightweightclothes like trousers and shirts
- Raincoat
- Wide bummed hat
- First aid kit
- Walking shoes
- Binoculars
- Reusable water bottle
- A camera with enough battery
- Accessories like sunscreen, sunglasses, etc.