Marsabit National Park, National park and tentative UNESCO site in Eastern Province, Kenya.
Marsabit National Park is a protected reserve in northern Kenya featuring volcanic craters, montane forests, and three lakes spread across an arid landscape. The park's elevation and varied zones create distinct habitats that support different wildlife communities within a compact area.
The reserve was established in 1949 as protection for the region's wilderness and wildlife. Its creation reflected early conservation efforts in East Africa during a period of growing concern for endangered species and natural habitats.
The Rendille and Samburu communities have herded livestock across this region for generations, and you may encounter pastoral groups moving with their animals. This interaction between herds and wildlife is woven into the daily rhythm of the landscape.
The park is best reached by driving north from Nairobi or by using the airstrip near Marsabit town, though either journey takes significant time. Visiting conditions vary with rainfall, as some routes become difficult during wet seasons.
The park gained international attention in the 1970s because of a single elephant named Ahmed, whose extraordinarily large tusks made him a subject of conservation interest worldwide. His story became tied to the reserve's identity and brought global focus to the region.
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