Aberdare National Park
National Park
Northern Kenya Special Interest Park
Marsabit National Park
A Remote Paradise for Nature Lovers
A cool montane forest oasis rising above northern Kenya, with volcanic crater lakes, large-tusked elephants and distinctive desert-to-forest ecology.
Overview
About Marsabit National Park
Marsabit rises dramatically from the arid north into misty montane forest and volcanic crater lakes. The park is especially associated with large-tusked elephants and the conservation legacy of Ahmed, while Lake Paradise, crater landscapes, birdlife and nearby cultural heritage make it a rewarding northern circuit destination.
Attractions
What makes this protected area special
Lake Paradise
Volcanic crater lakes known locally as gofs
Montane cloud forest
Ahmed elephant conservation legacy
Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe
Marsabit cultural heritage
Experience
Activities & wildlife
Things to do
- Game drives
- Birdwatching
- Forest walks
- Photography
- Cultural visits
- Stargazing
Wildlife & biodiversity
- Elephant
- Grevy’s zebra
- Reticulated giraffe
- Greater kudu
- Leopard
- Birdlife
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 highlights Marsabit as a long-standing biodiversity refuge and a key site in the conservation story of giant-tusked elephant Ahmed.
Plan your journey
How to get there
By road
About 570 km from Nairobi via Nanyuki and Isiolo on the A2 toward Marsabit/Moyale.
By air
Marsabit town airstrip is about 4 km from Abdul Gate.
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
Marsabit National Park FAQs
What is Marsabit National Park best known for?
Marsabit National Park is especially known for Lake Paradise, Volcanic crater lakes known locally as gofs, Montane cloud forest, Ahmed elephant conservation legacy. The exact experience varies by season and current park conditions.
How do I get to Marsabit National Park?
Road: About 570 km from Nairobi via Nanyuki and Isiolo on the A2 toward Marsabit/Moyale. Air: Marsabit town airstrip is about 4 km from Abdul Gate. Confirm the latest road, gate, airstrip or marine access guidance with KWS before departure.
What are the current entry fees for Marsabit 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 Marsabit 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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