Background Information

Saiwa is the smallest park in Kenya, only 3 km2. It was established to protect the semi-aquatic antelope, Sitatunga and encloses the swamp fed by the Saiwa river together with its fringing belts of rain forest. The park is enclosed by subsistence farming settlements.

Location:
Situated below the Cherangani Hills, Trans-Nzoia District of Rift Valley Province

Climate:
Wet and dry.

HOW TO GET THERE

Roads:
Saiwa National Park is located 22 km from Kitale on the Kitale-Kapenguria tarmac road. At Kipsaina junction, a 5 km marrum road leads to the only park gate.

Airstrips:
The park can be served by the Kitale airstrip, 22 km away from the park.

Park Roads:
Due to its size and nature of attractions, the park does not have and does not need any roads.

Park Gates:
Main gate, Sinyerere Gate.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Game viewing, Sitatunga aquatic antelope.

FACILITIES

Campsites:
Sirikwa Tented Camp on the main Kapenguria road 6 km after the Saiwa Swamp junction is the only facility that is near the park. The facility also offers a camping ground.

The park has a campsite at the gate.

Trails:
The park has well maintained trails and 4 observation towers.

ACTIVITIES

Bird watching, game viewing, camping.

COMMON VEGETATION:

Vegetation is a mixture of forest and swamp vegetation. The swamp is dominated by tall bullrushes and sedges. The swamp is bordered by a mixture of grassland, riverine forests and Acacia.