Saiwa Swamp National Park in Kipsaina, Kitale: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Kipsaina, Kitale
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Saiwa Swamp is Kenya's smallest national park, a walking-only park near Kitale where you can see sitatunga antelope and De Brazza's monkeys. Entry is KSh 500 per adult and KSh 250 per child for East African citizens, paid online. Gates open at 6am.
What is Saiwa Swamp National Park?
Saiwa Swamp National Park is Kenya's smallest national park, about 3 sq km, set up in 1974 to protect the rare sitatunga, a semi-aquatic antelope. It lies about 20 to 25 km from Kitale and is visited only on foot, along boardwalks, trails and observation towers through papyrus swamp and riverine forest. De Brazza's monkey, bushbuck, otters and many birds also live here.
The best chance of seeing sitatunga is at dawn, so be at the gate when it opens at 6am. KWS fees are paid online, and a visitor has reported that cash, card and M-Pesa are not accepted at the gate. There is a campsite with views over the swamp.
Saiwa Swamp National Park ticket prices 2026
| Visitor type | Adult | Child (3 to 17) |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya / East African resident | KES 500 | KES 250,317 |
| Non-resident | KES 40 | KES 20 |
KWS conservation fee schedule (October 2025) for special-interest parks: East African citizens KSh 500 adult / KSh 250 child; Kenya residents KSh 675 / KSh 350; African citizens USD 20 / USD 10; non-residents USD 40 / USD 20. Fees are valid for 24 hours. Camping is reported at KSh 500 (citizens) and USD 30 (non-residents).
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Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 6–9 years | Okay | Needs patience to wait for sitatunga | 10–12 years |
Key details
- Address
- Saiwa Swamp National Park, about 20 to 25 km from Kitale via the Kipsaina junction and a 5 km murram road, Trans-Nzoia County, Kitale
- Opening hours
- Daily 6am to 6pm
- How long to plan
- Half a day
- Suitable ages
- All ages (walking only)
- Setting
- Outdoor
What to expect when you visit
Pay online through KWSPay, then show your receipt and ID at the gate and meet your ranger or guide. The park is explored only on foot, along boardwalks and trails to the viewing towers.
Arrive at 6am for the best chance of sitatunga, and carry water and binoculars.
Family essentials
- Safety notes
Walk only on the boardwalks and marked trails. All KWS parks are single-use plastic free.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Ranger or guide, camping
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Dawn, when sitatunga feed
- How to get there
From Kitale take the Kitale–Kapenguria road to the Kipsaina junction, then follow a 5 km murram road to the park entrance.
- By car
- About 385 km from Nairobi (roughly 6 to 7 hours) via Nakuru and Eldoret to Kitale
- Combine with
Kitale Museum
- What to bring
Binoculars, camera, water, hat, comfortable shoes, KWS receipt and ID
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to visit Saiwa Swamp National Park?
- Kenya and East African resident adults pay KES 500 and resident children (ages 3 to 17) pay KES 250,317. Non-resident adults pay KES 40 and non-resident children pay KES 20. KWS conservation fee schedule (October 2025) for special-interest parks: East African citizens KSh 500 adult / KSh 250 child; Kenya residents KSh 675 / KSh 350; African citizens USD 20 / USD 10; non-residents USD 40 / USD 20. Fees are valid for 24 hours. Camping is reported at KSh 500 (citizens) and USD 30 (non-residents).
- What are the Saiwa Swamp National Park opening hours?
- Daily 6am to 6pm.
- How long do you need at Saiwa Swamp National Park?
- Plan for Half a day.
- What is the best time to visit Saiwa Swamp National Park?
- Dawn, when sitatunga feed.
- How do you get to Saiwa Swamp National Park?
- About 385 km from Nairobi (roughly 6 to 7 hours) via Nakuru and Eldoret to Kitale. From Kitale take the Kitale–Kapenguria road to the Kipsaina junction, then follow a 5 km murram road to the park entrance.
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