Marsabit National Park
Marsabit National Park, with its dense mountain forest and three stunning crater lakes, offers a unique sanctuary for diverse birdlife, mammals, and reptiles. While the lower slopes can be arid and sunbaked, the lush, scenic beauty surrounding the park transforms it into a mesmerizing destination. This haven is particularly renowned for housing giant tusked bull elephants, including the legendary Ahmed, whose story remains etched in history.
Ahmed, who lived to an impressive age of 63, was one of the most famous elephants in Kenya and became a symbol of wildlife conservation. To protect him from poachers, a presidential decree in the 1970s granted him round-the-clock security. Today, his legacy lives on, with a statue of Ahmed proudly displayed at the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi.
The three crater lakes—Paradise, Sibiloi, and Bull’s Eye—add a mystical charm, with their tranquil waters surrounded by volcanic formations. These lakes are not just beautiful but also vital for the wildlife and local communities. Marsabit is a sanctuary for rare species and a unique blend of natural beauty.
Activities to do in Marsabit National Park.
- Wildlife viewing
- Crater tour
- Sport fishing
- Photographic safaris
- Nature Camping
- Hiking & Nature walks
- Historical & Archaeological Tours
Climate
Marsabit National Park and Reserve experiences a climate that is influenced by its high elevation. The average temperature ranges between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F) throughout the year, making it cooler compared to surrounding lowland areas. The Park receives annual rainfall between 500mm and 800mm, with the majority falling during the long rains from March to May and the short rains from November to December. The dry season, from June to October, experiences lower rainfall and higher temperatures, but the cool highland climate remains a defining feature of the park. This combination of moderate rainfall and cooler temperatures supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
How to get there
By Road: From Nairobi via Nanyuki and Isiolo, a distance of 570 km. The A2 highway is tarmacked to Moyale.
The Park is served by three gates: Ahmed, Ajmarko, and Karare Gate. Abdul Gate leads to the park headquarters and the guesthouses.
By Air: The nearest airstrip is in Marsabit town, 4km from Abdul Gate.
Best time to visit Marsabit National Park
The best time to visit Marsabit National Park and Reserve is during the dry season, from June to October. During this period, the weather is more predictable with lower rainfall, and the park’s cool, temperate climate provides a refreshing escape from the surrounding heat of the arid lowlands. Wildlife is also easier to spot as animals congregate around water sources.
Additionally, the dry season offers excellent hiking conditions around the volcanic craters and dense forests. However, for birdwatching enthusiasts, the short rains (November to December) offer a great opportunity, as migratory birds are more abundant. Ultimately, Marsabit is a year-round destination, but these periods provide the most enjoyable and accessible experience.
Overview of Marsabit National Park.
- Established in 1974.
- The area was established in 1974.
- The hometown of Ahmed, legendary elephant in Kenya.
The Elephant with a Presidential Decree.
Ahmed, the legendary tusker of Marsabit, passed away on July 25, 1974, at the remarkable age of 63. His death marked the end of an era for one of the most iconic elephants in Kenya’s wildlife history.
Born in the wilds of northern Kenya, Ahmed became a symbol of both the beauty and the peril faced by elephants. In the early 1970s, at the height of rampant poaching, President Jomo Kenyatta issued a rare presidential decree, ensuring Ahmed’s safety with 24-hour protection by armed guards.
This decree, aimed at shielding him from the poaching crisis that threatened the species, was a testament to the government’s commitment to conservation.
Ahmed’s life and eventual death left a lasting legacy, and today, his model stands proudly at the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi, a permanent reminder of his remarkable story and the pivotal role he played in Kenya’s conservation history.