Kora National Park was once home of famed wildlife conservationist George Adamson, known as Baba ya Simba (Father of Lions). It was here that the lion Elsa, of ‘Born Free’ fame, lived. Following decades of poaching, the park is slowly recovering and wildlife can be scarce. Kora’s main appeal is its wild backcountry feel and a real sense of adventure.
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Best Time To Go
- June to October (Little to no rainfall)
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High Season
- December to March and July to October (Not busy)
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Size
- 1,787km² / 690mi²
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Altitude
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202-533m /663-1,749ft
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Pros & Cons
- Excellent wilderness appeal
- Great birding
- Beautiful scenery with several waterfalls
- Historic sites associated with George Adamson's life
- Relatively low animal densities and no habituation to vehicles and people
- No tourist facilities or accommodations
Wildlife
Kora is connected to Meru National Park. Although many big safari animals roam across the border and can be found in Kora, animal densities are quite low. Elephant, hippo, hyena and lion are present. The grave of Elsa (the lioness from ‘Born Free’) lies just across the border in Meru National Park.
Scenery
Kora’s scenery is its main appeal. The endless plains are interrupted by inselbergs (domed hills). It was from one of these near Adamson’s former camp that he used to call his lions home each day. The beautiful Tana River runs through the park, and magnificent doum palms line its banks. Features of the river include Adamson’s Falls, Grand Falls and the Kora Rapids.
Activities
There are no organized activities in Kora National Park. The only way to get around is on a guided game drive, which allows you to explore and appreciate the scenery, wildlife and birdlife of the park. You can also visit Adamson’s former camp, where he lived and worked until he was killed by poachers in 1989.
Weather & Climate
The weather and climate of Kora is comparable to that of Kenya in general. More info:
Best Time To Visit
Kora can be visited throughout the year, but the best time is in the Dry season from June to October. In the Wet season (November to May), roads can become very difficult to navigate. The grass is also very long in the Wet season, making animals harder to spot. Many animals disperse beyond the park at this time.
Getting There
Kora is 280km/174mi northeast of Nairobi. A fully equipped 4x4 is essential. If visiting independently, it’s advisable to travel in a party of at least two vehicles.
There are no domestic flights to Kora. The nearest airstrip is in Meru National Park.
Health & Safety
Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Kenya and our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ for more info: