Getting to Kora National Park is an adventure worth taking if you’re looking to explore the beauty of Kenya’s wilderness. Kora National Park is located in Tana River County, Kenya. The park covers an area of 1,788 square kilometers. It is located 125 kilometers east of Mount Kenya. The park was initially gazetted as a nature reserve in 1973. It was gazetted as a national park in 1989, following the murder of George Adamson by poachers.
The northern edge of the park is bordered by the Tana River, which offers stunning sights like Adamson’s Falls, Grand Falls, and the energetic Kora rapids. To the east, you’ll find the Misadvise River, along with several seasonal rivers that flow through the park.
If you’re planning to visit, you have two main options for getting there: by road or by air.
By Road:
Kora National Park is about 280 kilometers (or 173 miles) northeast of Nairobi, a journey that typically takes around 4 to 5 hours. The route takes you through Thika, Mwingi, and Kyuso villages. There’s a small airstrip located just 10 kilometers east of the park, which is often utilized by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). A bridge links Kora with the nearby Meru National Park. Keep in mind, that a sturdy 4×4 vehicle is a must to navigate the rough terrain. If you’re traveling alone, it’s wise to bring a friend along for safety.
By Air:
If you prefer to fly, you can land at one of three airstrips: Kyethoni Airstrip, Kampi ya Simba Airstrip, or Masanduku Airstrip, which is situated within Meru National Park.
Tips for Your Visit:
Kora tends to be warmer than other regions in Kenya, so make sure to pack plenty of water to stay hydrated in the heat and humidity. It’s a good idea to arrive a day early to fully explore the park and soak in its natural wonders. Spending a night in Kora can be a great experience, but be aware that there are no accommodations directly within the park. You’ll need to arrange for camping or head over to Meru for lodging.
TOURIST ACTIVITIES TO DO KORA NATIONAL PARK
Game drives
Game drives are one of the best ways to see the park’s wildlife and the surrounding landscape. The park is home to a variety of wildlife species such as s elephants, cheetahs, wild dogs, striped and spotted hyenas, leopards, lesser kudu, genet, hippos, caracal, lion, serval, and very many other small mammals. You can visit the abundant game park at any time of the year for Game viewing and rock climbing.
Birdwatching
Kora national park is an ideal birding spot with various bird species such as Crested Francolin, Laughing Dove, Dideric Cuckoo, Tawny Eagle, Western Barn Owl, Green Woodhoopoe, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Lesser Honeyguide, Chinspot Batis, Pied Crow, Common Bulbul, Superb Starling, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver and White-browed Sparrow-Weaver among others
Rock climbing
Kora National Park is a fantastic spot for rock climbing, making it a top choice for adventure seekers. Here, visitors can challenge themselves by climbing Kora Rock, a site with a rich history. It’s known for being a place where George Adamson once interacted with lions; they would respond to his calls with roars and sometimes even come together around the rock.
Exploring Kampi Ya Simba
Visiting Kampi Ya Simba is like stepping into a story. Not too long ago, this camp was home to George’s lions, where he cared for them, taught them to hunt, and eventually set them free into the wild. The reality of that history hits you when you see the lion enclosure and some old tires suspended from a tree. Kampi Ya Simba is open for anyone who wishes to visit it is recommended to go with a KWS ranger, but if you want to spend a night consult with the caretaker beforehand. There are no set costs for anyone who visits and stays at Kampi Ya Simba, just pay the caretaker an amount that you feel appropriate. This, of course, should be based on how many people there are in your group and how many nights you plan to stay.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Kora National Park is a great destination throughout the year, but the best time to visit the park is during the Dry season, which typically runs from June to September. This is the time when there are fewer grasses, making it easy to spot the wildlife from a distance as they also tend to collect themselves around the water points. The dry season also makes camping amazing and easy to drive to the area.
