Saiwa Swamp National Park
Malaria & Safety
Kenya Parks
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.
Safety
Saiwa Swamp National Park is a very safe destination, in our opinion. Crime is very rare in Kenya’s network of parks and reserves. As is the case all over the world, there is some crime in the cities. Although crime-related issues for visitors are extremely rare, it is recommended to read ‘Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ below for more information.
For more information about traveling to Saiwa Swamp and around Kenya in general, we recommend checking the government travel advisories listed on the ‘Safety & Security – Kenya’ page (see link below).
Malaria & Vaccinations
Get advice from your doctor about which vaccinations you need before coming to Kenya. There is no malaria in Saiwa Swamp because of the high altitude, but as you’re not likely to only visit Saiwa Swamp, it is advisable to take antimalarials. Precautions such as covering up at night and using mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective) are also recommended.
Wildlife Viewing
As there aren’t any dangerous big animals in Saiwa Swamp, wildlife viewing is safe. There are snakes in the forest though. It’s unlikely you’ll encounter any, but it is important to stick to the trails. For more information, please read the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below.