Malka Mara National park
Malka Mara National park is national park in Kenya, situated along the Dawa River on the Kenya Ethiopia border. It is approximately 1,500 square kilometers (370,000 acres) in size .The Malka Mari national park was gazette in 1989 as a game park, the park is located in the extreme northern region of the country within the Mandere plateau, the Malka Mari national park is generally dry and hot, and the River Dawa is dominated by palms and riparian woodlands.
It’s the least visited national park in Kenya, the park is mostly semi- arid bushland and scrubby grassland with riparian woodland and along the river as well there are plants in the park that are unique to the area.
Malka Mari National park has got animal species like the Somali giraffe, crocodile, hyena, agama lizards, antelopes, vultures, dik-dik, Nile crocodiles, zebra and genet and over 20 species of birds can be found here like the streptopelia decipiens, cichladusa guttata, ploceus dichrocephalus and the rare Corvus ruticollis and among others.
Attractions in Malka Mari national park.
Wildlife.
Malka Mari national park is a habitat for various wildlife, like the reticulated giraffes, Oryx, lesser kudu, grater kudu, impalas, Thompson Gazelles, Waterbuck. In the park there are also carnivores such as the lion, cheetah, spotted hyena, jackals, Leopard and wild dogs are also found here, as well as Crocodiles, hippos and fish are found in River Dawa inside the park.
Plant species.
The park area has been identified as unique plant endidimism, various trees, shrubs, herbs, Forbes and grass species which includes the Delonix elata, Terminalia sp Euphorbia sp, Acacia sp, Mellia vulcansii, Aristida sp and among others, also some medicinal plants are also found in the park for viewing while on Kenya Safaris.
Bird species.
Malka Mari national park has over 20 bird species that includes the streptopelia decipiens, cichladusa gutta, and ploceus dichrocephalus and among others, though they are rare Corvus ruficollis.
Not only the bird species, plant species and the wildlife, the park also has other attractions like the Malka Mari fort, valleys and hills, culture, beautiful scenery for photographic activities, and several others, these physical features provides beautiful and attractive scenery, a worthwhile experience for tourists and visitors thus Malka Mara National park.
Activities done in Malka Mari National park.
Game viewing.
Malka Mari National park is blessed with various wildlife which includes the dik- dik, antelopes, zebra, and genet, Nile crocodiles at the River Dawa, gazelles, and giraffes. During the game viewing activity the guests can be able to view those animal species in the national park.
Cultural experience.
Experience the unique African culture by visiting the people and acquire some unique hat- made crafts to take back home for remembrance or to your loved one.
Hot air ballooning.
In Malka Mari national park offers the great wildlife viewing to tourists, here the tourists can adopt for Hot airballoon safari this normally takes place in the morning hours it’s rewarding as you see hyenas returning back to their dens after hurting it’s also a good opportunity for taking photos.
Guided Nature walks.
Guided nature walks are also done in the national park, this is where the guests are taken around the park by the tour guides as they are showing them various animals in the park, and also the guests get the chances to be closer to the animals in the park by identifying them thus Malka Mara National park.
Hiking, view crocodiles at the River Daua, visit Malka Mari ort, and many other tourist activities.
Park Entry fees of Malka Mari National Park.
| Category | Citizen (KSH) | Resident(KSH) | Non- Resident(USD) |
| Adult | 250 | 250 | 20 |
| Child | 100 | 100 | 15 |
Where to stay in Malka Mari national park.
The park accommodates guests from the Budget, mid- range and luxury in terms of accommodations including the Al- Marwa Hotel, Galana Palace Hotel, De LHorloge the park is also well known for its camping because there is enough space for camping, for you it’s a matter of carrying tent with you during your Kenya Safari Tour.
How to get to Malka Mari National Park.
The park can be accessed in two different ways that is the road and air transport.
By Road Transport.
Take A2 route of northern Tarmac Road to Isiolo and then proceed to Moyale Town on the Ethiopian border, from Moyale you take the D504 Road on the eastern side through Yabdus and Sara Hills through Takaba. Drive at least 160 km before diverting to North until you reach Bannissa Town a distance of 65 km from Takaba. This is the safest and most secure route to access the park.
By Air Transport.
Takaba airstrip is in Takaba town south of Bannissa town, its 165 km from Bannisa Town, it’s in good condition and currently there is local passenger flight operating in this area twice a week (Sunday and Tuesday). These are Shillow Tours and Buko Travelers, for you to access the park you need to hire a vehicle, drive north to Bannissa through Takaba- Bannissa Road.
