Saiwa Swamp National Park – Overview

Saiwa Swamp National Park is the best place in Kenya to see two very localized mammals: the semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope and the handsome de Brazza’s monkey. Despite being the country’s smallest national park, it also hosts a remarkably diverse birdlife that includes many colorful rarities. The long, narrow swamp is fringed by forest and overlooked by several stilted viewing platforms. The park is accessible by road but can only be explored on foot.

Best Time To Go

December to March (Little rain)

High Season

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

Size More info

3km² / 1mi²

Altitude More info

1,860-1,880m / 6,102-6,168ft

View Photos View Photos +13 Photos Open Map

Pros & Cons

• One of the best places to see the swamp-dwelling sitatunga antelope
• The easiest place to look for de Brazza’s monkey anywhere in East Africa
• Superb birdlife with more than 300 species recorded in a mere 3km²/1mi²
• Off the beaten track and little visited
• Unguided walking on forest trails is permitted
• A campsite and simple stilted overnight hut overlook the swamp
• Out of the way and not on any tourist circuit
• Limited variety of mammal species
• No upmarket accommodations nearby
• The river that feeds Saiwa is dwindling due to poor agricultural practices

Wildlife

The star attraction of the park is the semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope. With some patience, sightings of the female are almost guaranteed, but the larger and more striking male can be less obliging. Other mammals include bushbuck, African clawless otter, spotted-necked otter, black-and-white colobus and vervet monkey. Saiwa Swamp is the only place in East Africa where you stand a good chance of seeing de Brazza’s monkey, a species associated with forested swamp edges.

Scenery

Most of the park is taken up by the reed-choked Saiwa Swamp. This is fed by the Sinyerere and Kapenguria Rivers, whose flow has diminished in recent years due to agriculture upstream and the planting of water-draining eucalyptus trees. The swamp is fringed by a band of lush riverine forest, while savannah woodland dotted with acacia trees can be found farther from the water.

Activities

A network of signposted walking trails connects the entrance gate to several stilted viewing platforms overlooking the swamp. Guided walks are available, but you can also explore without a guide. The campsite is as good a place as any to look for sitatunga antelope and de Brazza’s monkey. Other monkeys and a variety of forest birds can often be seen along the short road between the entrance gate and the campsite.

Weather & Climate

As Saiwa Swamp is situated near the equator, there’s little variation in temperature throughout the year. The main influences on the weather are the area’s distinctive seasons. The Dry season (December to March) has lots of sunshine-filled days, though rain is still a possibility on most days. The Wet season (April to November) sees a lot of rain falling, often for days at a time.

Best Time To Visit

You can visit Saiwa Swamp at any time of year, but you’ll probably appreciate the environment more in the Dry season (December to March). This is also when migratory birds are passing through (November to April) and when offspring of the local sitatunga antelope appear. Occasional heavy rainstorms are to be expected over April to August.

Want To Visit Saiwa Swamp NP?

• Tour Operators for Saiwa Swamp