Saiwa Swamp National Park

	Protected Area
	Park Authority: Kenya Wildlife Service Headquarters: PO Box 40241 Nairobi, Kenya Tel: +254 (0)2 501081/2 – 602345 – 506671/4 E-mail: kws@kws.org - tourism@kws.org Park Headquarters: PO Box 4506 Kitale, Kenya Tel: +254 (0) 325 55022 Area: 15.5 km2 (swamp area: 3 km2) Towns: Kitale Established in: 1974 Further information: www.kws.org
	Saiwa Swamp National Park
	On behalf of the people and government of Kenya, Kenya Wildlife Service welcomes you to Saiwa Swamp National Park. As our country's smallest park, Saiwa Swamp is popular, especially among bird-watching enthusiasts. Walking safari discoveries await you! Home to rare and endangered species, notably the Sitatunga Antelope and De Brazza's Monkey as well as the Narina Trogan and Spotted Creeper birds, this secluded wetland domain offers spectacular bird life. Here nature reveals some of her finest aquatic wildlife. We're confident you’ll agree! Opened in 1974, Saiwa Swamp National Park is popular among residents of western Kenya and also receives many national and international visitors. It is suited for small or large groups, especially ornithologists! Many travellers visit this park as part of an expanded safari itinerary which includes Mt. Elgon National Park, the Kakamega Forest Reserve and the greater Lake Baringo and Lake Boaoria circuits within the Rift Valley.

	Location It lies 400 km northwest of Nairobi, below the Cherangani Hills within the Trans-Nzoia District of Rift Valley Province. Saiwa Swamp is east of the Kitale-Kapenguria road. The turn-off is clearly signposted about 15 km out of Kitale. Climate Typical of African wetland habitats, the wet and dry climate ranges from warm to cool and humid. Rainfall peaks around April, August, and November to deliver an annual average of 1,250 mm. When to go All year round, but the lead roads can become temporarily impassable during an extreme wet season. The Park is open daily, from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. No entry after 6:15 p.m.
	Swamp Facts
	Dominated by bulrushes and other aquatic plants, Saiwa Swamp is fed by the Saiwa River which winds its way through the wetland, and by run-off from the surrounding riverine forest. Saiwa Swamp National Park was established to protect the endangered semi-aquatic Sitatunga Antelope and as a preserve for the rare De Brazza's Monkey. Saiwa Swamp abounds with birds and wildlife plus diverse and plentiful flowers and trees.