Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.
Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.
Saiwa Swamp National Park is Kenya’s smallest national park. It basically 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.
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 forest and savannah woodland dotted with acacia trees.
Weather & Climate
As Saiwa Swamp is situated near the equator, there’s little variation in month-to-month temperature. 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 precipitation 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.
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. The area is best avoided from April to August, when the rain is consistently heavy.
Philip is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many guidebooks, including the Bradt guides to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya and South Africa.
Kenya’s Smallest & Most Pedestrian-friendly Park
4/5
This tiny and little-known park in western Kenya is not likely to be of interest to mainstream tourists. But for more experienced wildlife enthusiasts, it offers the opportunity to see several rare creatures. Foremost among these is the...