Kora National Park: Overview
The extensive 1,787 km² Kora National Park is located about 135km from Mount Kenya. It was the home of George Adamson "Baba Simba" (Father Of Lions), and his wife Joy Adamson for more than 20 years. It is in this park where the Lion Elsa of the famous "Born Free" book and movie lived. George Adamson died in the hands of poachers in 1989 and was buried in tga park. Gazetted as a park in 1990 to protect and continue the Adamson's conservationist values, the park remains popular for its untouched and unexplored wilderness.
Wildlife and Birds in Kora National Park
Kora National Park is not as endowed with wildlife as some of the main parks in Kenya. However, the park, bordering two other national parks including Meru national park is home to a variety of free-ranging wildlife. Poaching has drastically reduced the population of wildlife in the park but you will easily land any of the big safari animals in Kora. All the big cats are also available and birdwatching scenes are exemplary. Wildlife viewing at Kora is not out of the ordinary, and the highlight of the park's visit remains the pristine wilderness consisting of inselbergs seemingly afloat the endless plains. The Tana River, lined with magnificent doum palms along its banks add to the beautiful scenery.
Tourist Attractions in Kora National Park
George Adamson's grave
Adamson's Fasll, Kora rapids and Grand Falls along the famous River Tana
Diverse bird species
The magnificent scenery
Fishing in Tana River
Weather and Climate in Kora National Park
Kora lies in a generally hot and dry climate region. Temperatures may soar to more than 30°C in the dry season of June to September with lows of about 20°C. Short rains begin in October and end just after November while the long rains start in March and end in the month of May. A shorter dry season is sandwiched in between the two rainy seasons.
When is the best time to visit Kora National Park?
Kora National Park is an ideal all year round destination, thanks to the generally hot and dry climate of the region. However, roads will be difficult to navigate during when it is wet. To avoid such risks as getting stuck in the wilderness, it is best to consider visiting during the dry season of June to September. Moreover, the grass is too tall during the rainy seasons and wildlife are difficult to spot.
How To Get to or access Kora National Park
The park is averagely 280 kms northeast of Nairobi and you can drive your way there. There are three major routes from Nairobi. Both the Nairobi-Embu and Nairobi-Nanyuki routes through Meru National Park lead to Adamson's Gate. The Nairobi-Thika Highway through Thika and Tseikuru leads to Masyungwa Gate and the first sighting is the famous Kampi ya Simba in the park. Masanduku Airstrip, Elsa's Kopje Airstrip, Kyethoni Airstrip and Kampi Ya Simba Airstrip service the park.
Accommodation: Hotels, camps, lodges in and around Kora National Park.
Accommodation facilities are available within the park and in the neighbouring Meru town. The facilities include Leopard Rock Lodge, Elsa's Kopje, Kina Bandas, Murera Bandas, Meru Luxury House, Makutano Campsite, Kitanga Campsite, Kampi Baridi Campsite, Mugunga Campsite, Ekime Campsite, Ken Mare Campsite, Kanjoo Campsite and Rojoweru Campsite.
Malaria, Vaccination and Safety while in Kora National Park.
Kenya falls within the tropical malaria zone. Antimalarials will do before you jet out. No other serious risks posed. Local tour operators will prepare you adequately for this trip. The park has a relatively good road network and tour operators know how to prepare for it. If travelling independently, ensure you rent out a stable 4x4 to avoid the risk of getting stuck. And please travel with a companion.
