Saiwa Park is the smallest in Kenya’s National Park and located in Trans Nzoia District, Rift Valley Province with an altitude of 1,820-1,880 meters above sea level. It is 385km from Nairobi, 27km from Kitale, 97km from Eldoret and 21km from Kapenguria. The park was created to ensure the preservation of the Sitatunga antelope. Its swamp is fed with water by two rivers such as the Kipsaina originating from Mt Elgon and the Kapenguria originating from the Cherangani Hills. The Park lies 27km north of Kitale town on the Kitale-Lodwar tarmac road turning off after 18km before Kipsaina road passable with 2WD all year round. By air, Kitale airstrip, 37km away.

You can only visit it by foot, and bridges and trails meander through the swamp dotted with observation decks. Bird watching is emphasized because of the presence of 372 bird species, including such rarities as Ross’ turaco and the blue-headed coucal.

Saiwa National park also inhabits black-and-white colobus monkey, giant forest squirrel, grey duiker, and the endangered De Brazza's monkey, otter, genet cat, serval cat, mongoose, bushbuck and ratel. The swamp is located east of the Kitale-Kapenguria road and the turnoff is clearly sign posted about 15km out of Kitale.

ACCOMMODATION

• Saiwa Swamp public campsite
• Sirikwa Tented campsite