National Park
Malka Mari National Park
A Unique Water Catchment
Overview
About Malka Mari National Park
Malka Mari is one of Kenya’s most remote national parks, occupying semi-arid bushland, scrub grassland and riverine woodland along the Daua River. KWS highlights wildlife including reticulated giraffe, oryx and kudu, aquatic life in the river, colonial-era remains, local village experiences and extremely dark skies suited to stargazing.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Daua River ecosystem
Remote Mandera Plateau scenery
Colonial-era graves, buildings and airstrip remains
Goro Ade ruins
Plant endemism
Dark skies and star watching
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Game drives
- Birdwatching
- Camping
- Fishing
- Camel rides
- Village visits
- Stargazing
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Reticulated giraffe
- Oryx
- Lesser and greater kudu
- Impala
- Gazelle
- Crocodile
- Hippo
- Lion
- Cheetah
- Wild dog
Stay nearby
Accommodation
Use the current KWS source page and Courtesywide Adventures hotel inventory to confirm in-park and nearby accommodation; availability and operating status can change.
Conservation story
Park history
KWS states the 876 km² park was gazetted in 1989, in part because of its reported wildlife concentrations and the ecological value of the Daua River landscape.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
Remote road access in Mandera County requires careful planning; KWS recommends 4WD vehicles.
Before you go
Visitor tips
Carry drinking water, sun protection, a camera or binoculars, and a basic first-aid kit.
Use clothing and footwear suited to the terrain and expected weather.
Confirm road, weather and gate conditions with KWS before departure.
Opening/entry times and activity hours can vary by protected area and season. Confirm current KWS gate or facility hours before travel.
Single-use plastics are not permitted in Kenya's protected areas. Travel with reusable alternatives.
Responsible travel
Safety guidelines
- 1
Respect wildlife space and always give animals right of way.
- 2
Do not carry or use prohibited single-use plastics inside protected areas.
- 3
Follow normal road rules; avoid hooting and never drive under the influence of alcohol.
- 4
Observe the official gate opening and closing times unless you are an authorised overnight guest.
- 5
Drive and move quietly so wildlife is not startled or disturbed.
- 6
Keep unnecessary noise, phones and sound devices to a minimum around wildlife.
- 7
Remain in your vehicle except at places specifically designated as safe for visitors to alight.
- 8
Observe the posted park speed limit; KWS commonly limits game-viewing roads to 40 km/h.
- 9
Stay on authorised roads, tracks and trails and do not drive off-road.
- 10
Keep a safe viewing distance from wildlife and follow ranger instructions.
- 11
Never feed wild animals or interfere with their natural behaviour.
- 12
Carry your litter out and leave campsites, picnic sites and viewing areas clean.
- 13
When camping, never leave a fire unattended and extinguish it completely before leaving.
- 14
Protected-area visits are undertaken subject to KWS rules, conditions and current safety guidance.
Conservation fees
Park entry rates
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East Africa CitizenKES | KES 500 | KES 250 |
| Kenya ResidentKES | KES 675 | KES 350 |
| Africa CitizenUSD | USD 20 | USD 10 |
| Non-ResidentUSD | USD 40 | USD 20 |
Effective from 2025-10-01
Rates captured from the official KWS Conservation Fees 2025 schedule, effective 1 October 2025. Verify the latest KWS conservation fees before publishing a final client quotation or invoice.
View official fee sourceUseful answers
Malka Mari National Park FAQs
What is Malka Mari National Park best known for?
Malka Mari National Park is especially known for Daua River ecosystem, Remote Mandera Plateau scenery, Colonial-era graves, buildings and airstrip remains, Goro Ade ruins. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Malka Mari National Park?
Road: Remote road access in Mandera County requires careful planning; KWS recommends 4WD vehicles. Season: Accessible throughout the year; KWS notes March–April and November–December rains can make the landscape especially green. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Malka Mari National Park?
The KWS 2025 fee schedule lists East African citizen adults from KES 500 and non-resident adults from USD 40 for this fee category. Child, resident and African-citizen rates are stored in this record. Always verify current KWS fees before issuing a final quotation.
What should I carry when visiting Malka Mari National Park?
Carry drinking water, suitable clothing and footwear, sun protection, a camera/binoculars where useful, and any personal medication. Follow KWS safety rules and avoid single-use plastics in protected areas.
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