The Kora National Park is situated in Kenya’s Coast Province. A total of 1,787 square kilometers make up the park. Its 125 miles (200 kilometers) east of Mount Kenya. In 1973, the park was first designated as a wildlife reserve. After poachers killed George Adamson in 1990, it was declared a national park. 65 kilometers of the park’s northern border are marked by Meru National Park and the Tana River. Adamson’s fall, Grand Falls, and the Kora rapids are some of the Tana River’s highlights. The Mwitamvisi River serves as its eastern border. There are several seasonal rivers in the park.
The park’s geography gently declines from an elevation of 490 meters in the south-west to 270 meters or so in the north-east. The park’s core is a peninsula that is undulating. Basement ridges rise sharply from the surrounding terrain as inselbergs, domed hills, or hard rocks that protrude above the pen plain’s surface. These inselbergs range in height from 450 to 488 meters, with Mansumbi (488 meters) being the tallest (442m). Numerous herbs, shrubs, and tiny wind-blown trees have established themselves in the dirt that has filled the inselbergs’ cracks and fissures.
The park is home to several different animal species, such as caracals, cheetahs, elephants, genets, hippopotamuses, spotted and striped hyenas, lions, servals, wildcats, and many antelope species. Acacia bushland makes up the majority of the park’s flora. The Tana River and Doum Palm riverine woodlands are also well-known, Kenya Wildlife Safaris .
Scenery of the park
The biggest draw of Kora is its scenery. Isebergs, or domed hills, which appear to “float” above the landscape, break up the unending plains. One of the park’s boundaries is the lovely Tana River, which has exquisite Doum palms lining its banks. Adamson’s fall, Grand Falls, and Kora Rapids are among the features of the Tana River.
The Best Time to visit
The roads in Kora National Park can be challenging to travel on during the wet season, although the park is open all year long. Because of the long grass and the fact that certain creatures do hide in the bushes during the wet season, as well as the abundance of water, wildlife simply disperses, making it more difficult to notice them. Due to a lack of accommodation, it is difficult to camp during the wet season. Persistent rain also affects driving routes. A 4 x 4 safari vehicle is required to navigate the terrain with ease. However, for those who enjoy taking pictures, this wet season is a fantastic time to do so because the grass is green and produces excellent results.
The best time to come is between June and September during the dry season, when there are fewer grasses and it is easier to see the wildlife from a distance because they like to congregate near water sources. Camping is fantastic during the dry season and it is simple to get there by car.
Getting There
A 280-km road connects Nairobi to the Kora National Park by way of the settlements of Thika, Mwingi, and Kyuso. Kenya Wildlife Service frequently uses an airfield in the park’s eastern section, which is 10 km away. The Park is connected to the nearby Meru National Park by a short bridge.
Tourist Attractions: What to see?
If you enjoy flora, you can see over 700 different species—49 of them endemic—at Kora National Park. The most prevalent plants are Acacia Commiphora and Canopy. Recent research has revealed that among the animals that typically inhabit these trees are the world’s largest mammals, birds, and reptiles. At Kora, you may still see wild animals from Africa, including lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and hippos. But regrettably, uncontrolled grazing and agriculture are pushing many of them to avoid the area. Some species are extinct or at risk of going extinct.
Therefore, please keep the need to preserve these animals’ lives in mind while you go on safari at Kora. When taking pictures of them, keep in mind to respect them and never go alone. Always pay attention to the recommendations of the guides to ensure that your journey is risk-free for both you and the wildlife. You can also go fishing in the River Tana, see birds, explore Adamson Falls and Grand Falls, and climb or hike to the top of the cliffs and hills, among other things, in the park.
Tourist Activities: What to do in Kora Park?
Game drives
Due to the great variety of animals in the park that may be viewed on your safari, this is the most profitable experience there. Caracals, cheetahs, hippos, spotted hyenas, elephants, hippos, striped hyenas, serval cats, lions, leopards, antelopes, and many other diverse animals can be found in Kora National Park. In Kora, game drives are conducted throughout the day at various times, including in the morning, all day, and in the evening. Furthermore, full-day game drives allow visitors to view wildlife species at various times of the day as you observe their way of life as they survive, eat, and interact with other mammalian species. Morning game drives are particularly rewarding to travelers because the majority of the wildlife species can be more active and simple to see. Then, during the evening hours of the day, it may be challenging to locate animal species since they may be hiding behind a tree while other species may be leaving for their secret location.
Fishing
The Tana River, located in the park, benefits a number of local populations that rely on fishing for a living. The Tana River has several different types of river features, including meanders, oxbows, sandy floodplains, and others. Fishing along the Tana River in Kora National Park has been impacted by tide variations.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbers who enjoy the adventure one of the locations you should be grateful for is Kora National Park. Visitors can climb up to the legendary Kora Rock, where George Adamson would speak to the lions and they would react by roaring in return, occasionally congregating around the rock.
A guided nature walk
Visitors can take guided tours along the banks of the Forest Rivers and on various routes that lead to wonderful views of many wildlife species and a stunning natural environment.
Kora National Park safari tips: Since Kora is on Kenya’s hotter side, make sure you have enough water on hand. To make the most of this park, schedule your visit a day in advance so you have time to explore all the areas. The park at night is lovely. It should be noted that the park does not yet have lodging. You’ll have to drive or camp your way to Meru.
