It is the smallest national park in Kenya. It has some of the most unique ecological diversity in the area. The park is located near Kitale and is an environmentally protected wetland site known as a “hidden gem,” with rare species and peaceful, leisurely, beautiful surroundings.
The park covers an estimated 3 square kilometres and comprises riverine forest, swamp vegetation, and acacia woodland, creating a delicately balanced ecosystem that supports several wildlife species. The park is also known as the only natural habitat of the rare, semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope, and is a “must-see” for anyone interested in wildlife and/or its conservation.
The park is located along the Saiwa River. It features a series of raised timber boardwalks that allow visitors to safely explore the swamp while observing animals in their natural habitat. The serene atmosphere and dense vegetation within the park provide for a very close, personal, and intimate experience, starkly different from that of other, much larger savannah-type parks in Kenya.
A haven for birdwatchers. You can witness around 372 well-documented bird species, including rare and migratory ones.
Guided visits will allow tourists to investigate this peaceful wetland ecosystem and understand the need for protection and the many rare species that inhabit it.
Saiwa Swamp is a National Park containing many unique/specialized and rare wetland animals.
Nature-based and outdoor activities offer a unique opportunity for guests to connect with nature and conservation.
This unique wetland ecosystem close to Kitale is best experienced at the right time. The dry season (June to October and January to February) is when the boardwalk trails are generally easier to walk on, and some of the more common wildlife (like the rare Sitatunga) can be seen closer to the edges of the swampy areas. The weather is also nice during this period, making for great nature walks and photo shoots.
The wet season (March to May and November to December) is when the park is lush green, with abundant vegetation and many bird species breeding or migrating through. This is a great time to go birdwatching because you will see many more birds than at any other time of year.
Saiwa Swamp is known worldwide for its exceptional biodiversity, particularly in wetland ecosystems and the rarity of many animal species found here. Although Saiwa Swamp is Kenya’s smallest national park, it is home to an incredible variety of animals, including the Sitatunga, which is the most elusive.
With more than 372 identifiable bird species, the area is a birdwatcher’s and nature lover’s dream! It hosts many colourful birds, such as kingfishers, and some rare species that live in swampy habitats.
Location Kenya
It is approximately 10 km from the town of Kitale in Trans-Nzoia County, Western Kenya.
The park has a mild and moist climate, which is conducive to regular rains that support the park's lush wetland vegetation.
The size of Saiwa Swamp is about 3 square kilometers, and it is Kenya's smallest national park.
The top recreational opportunities in Saiwa Swamp include birdwatching, walking along a boardwalk through the park to enjoy nature, seeing a variety of animals, including birds, and taking photographs.
Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to take guided walks and explore elevated trails, which provide visitors with a secure and enriching experience of the environment they are hiking through.
An awesome safari tour with La Pisada ! - With many choices of Kenyan safari tour companies, it can be difficult to choose one. La Pisada was the best decision I made!! Communication is key for me and... read more La Pisada did not disappoint. All of my inquiries were met with a prompt response & an itinerary was set which met our needs. Our experienced tour guide was prompt, professional, enthusiastic and quite informative (we had many questions about wildlife). The open roof-top vehicle was clean, comfortable & even had a charging port !! We saw rhinos and were so lucky to see lions twice during our safari. Our guide made sure we had the best views & stopped in order for us to capture the perfect photo. I will be certain to use La Pisada again !
Thank you La Pisada - Our La Pisada driver showed up at our apt on time. He offered to drive us to get coffee, offerred us the use if his personal phone charger, and... read more gave us alot of personal attention and care. He explained alot about the different type of animals that we saw at Nairobi Game Park. You can tell that conservation of wildlife was a passion for our driver and we reallly connected and had a great time. Overall a great service by La Pisada.
Wonderful holiday - Fred arranged a fly-in Masai Mara safari for us, followed by five days on the beach at Diani. All of the arrangements, flights and transfers went smoothly with no problems,... read more and it was a pleasure to meet Fred in person at the end of our trip.
We stayed at the Royal Mara in the Mara North conservancy which was superb, and Sands at Nomad in Diani, which has a great restaurant on the beach and wonderful service. We will definitely use La Pisada again for future bookings.
Greatest experience in Kenya with Fred team - We spent 12 stunning days in Kenya. We are 2 families with kids 10-12 yo.
First if all, Fred designed for us the custom-made plan of the trip.... read more We added to the classical safari experience different activities - rafting, hiking, biking and even the horseriding and night safari! And All these providers were of very good quality.
Then Fred thought out the logistics to include all these activities in safari plan. We were in Masai Mara, Amboseli, Aberdare, Ol Pejeta, Lake Naivasha.
The choice of lodges was fabulous. We discovered so many beautiful lodges - tented camps, rooms, with views on nature, with animals, with observation points on animals, nature luxury lodges with no fences - sooo different impressions from our hotels. Wow!! And the lodges are very important in your experience, since you spend a lot if time there. All was great!
The guides Farah and Julias were so nice and friendly people and experienced professionals. They took care of us for our comfort and safety, and did extra effort for us to see animals. Kids were fans of Farah!
The safari in Kenya is just a MAGIC! 🪄 you need to come to experience it)))
Maruska_77
Nairobi National Park Tour - Each time I visit Kenya, myself and family always make a point to enjoy a Safari tour. Of my many tours, this recent tour with La Pisada is without a... read more doubt the best! Our tour guide was passionate and a wealth of knowledge of Kenyan wildlife; they were on time and professional. I plan to return to Kenya in the near future and will be using La Pisada to book our next tour.
Top quality Safari planner and an AMAZING trip! - Fred from La Pisada Africa Safaris planned two safaris for us in 2023: 3-days to Masai Mara, and 3-day in Amboseli. Those 6 days were amazing and every detail was... read more planned perfectly. Fred made the logistics smooth and simple so we could focus on just enjoying the safari. The driver guides were very knowledgeable and personable.
We were so impressed with how Fred arranged our trip that when we had the opportunity to visit Kenya a second time, we booked two more safaris through Fred. This trip had a small snag that was totally OUTSIDE of Fred’s control and NOT the fault of La Pisada Africa Safaris. As a true professional with years of experience, Fred jumped in to help solve the issue, even though neither he nor his company caused it! THAT is the quality customer service that Fred provides!
I highly recommend La Pisada Africa Safaris for anyone looking to have an awesome safari in East Africa.














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