Where to stay in Marsabit National Park & Reserve
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Overview
Marsabit National Park and Reserve lie on and around Mount Marsabit, a forested volcanic mountain in the middle of the deserts of northern Kenya. The mountain rises about 1,000 m above the plains and catches mist and rain, so it’s green while the land around it is dry.
The park is made of montane forest, crater lakes and volcanic craters called gofs. Lake Paradise, a crater lake surrounded by forest, is the best-known sight.
Marsabit was once famous for its big-tusked elephants, such as Ahmed, which was protected by presidential decree. Today it’s a quiet stop on the road north to Ethiopia and Lake Turkana.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Mammals
Elephant, buffalo, greater kudu, bushbuck and leopard live in the forest, and reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra live on the plains.
Birds
More than 400 bird species have been recorded, including many raptors that nest on the crater cliffs.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: June to October and January to March, during the dry seasons.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Mar | Dry season | Hot and dry. Good for travel. |
| Apr – May | Long rains | Some roads become impassable. |
| Jun – Oct | Dry season | Windy and dry. The best time to travel. |
| Nov – Dec | Short rains | Storms can cut off roads. |
Mornings on the mountain can be misty and cold, even in the dry season.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), Nairobi | Most international visitors | About 9 to 10 hours by road. |
| Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi | Scheduled bush flights | Charter flights to Marsabit airstrip. |
By road
From Nairobi, drive north via Isiolo on the A2, which is tarred to Marsabit town. The park gate is on the edge of town.
Entrance & Fees
Kenya Wildlife Service charges a daily conservation fee per person, paid electronically through eCitizen. Marsabit is one of KWS's special-interest parks.
| Visitor | Adult | Child / student |
|---|---|---|
| Non-resident | US$40 | US$20 |
| African citizen | US$20 | US$10 |
| Kenyan resident | KSh 675 | KSh 350 |
| East African citizen | KSh 500 | KSh 250 |
Vehicle fees are extra.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the KWS conservation fees schedule (October 2025).