Saiwa Swamp National Park

Kenya’s Smallest & Most Pedestrian-Friendly Park

This tiny and little-known park in western Kenya is unlikely to be of interest to mainstream tourists. But for more experienced wildlife enthusiasts, it offers the opportunity to see several exciting rarities. Foremost among these is the elusive sitatunga, a marsh-dwelling antelope that’s easily observed from one of several viewing platforms overlooking the swamp. Saiwa is also the best place in East Africa to look for the ultra-localised de Brazza’s monkey, which I’ve seen on two previous visits (a troop often visits the campsite in the late afternoon). The birding is a treat: likely highlights include grey crowned crane, black sparrowhawk, broad-billed roller, blue-headed coucal, double-toothed barbet, the stunning Ross’s turaco, and two real rarities in the form of yellow-billed barbet and grey-winged robin-chat. As a bonus, you might go an entire day here without seeing another tourist on the network of walking trails. A low-key gem!