Size and Location
- Nasolot National Reserve covers an area of
approximately 92 square kilometres ( or 35.5 square miles).
- The National Reserve is located in West Pokot
County, Rift Valley Province, Kenya. Nasolot Reserve is approximately 146
kilometers (91 miles) north of Kitale town.
- The reserve is situated to the north of Mount
Melo in the West Pokot District.
Landscape and Access
- Nasolot National Reserve was gazetted as a
national reserve in 1979.
- The terrain includes rugged landscapes
characterized by Nasolot Hill, rocky ridges, expansive plains.
- The national reserve is situated at over 3,000
meters above sea level.
- Nasolot is known for its hot and arid climatic
conditions.
- Accessibility to Nasolot Reserve is somewhat
limited due to its remote location, leading to fewer visitors compared to
other Kenyan parks.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
- The reserve is home to a diverse range of fauna,
including African elephants, lesser and greater kudus, bushbucks, duikers,
lions, leopards, Kirk's dik-diks, spotted hyenas, jackals, impalas,
Sykes' monkeys, beisa and fringe-eared oryxes, waterbucks, olive baboons,
buffaloes, gazelles, and hippopotamuses.
- Bird species at Nasolot National Reserve include
the little egret, secretary bird, African sacred ibis, Eurasian Wigeon,
African black duck, tufted duck, Yellow-billed duck, common teal, comb
duck, rock dove, speckled pigeon, plain nightjar, Abyssinian ground
hornbills, Abyssinian rollers, white-crested turacos, superb starlings,
and others, highlighting the area's rich biodiversity.
- The reserve provides a habitat for various plant
and animal species, contributing to the region's biodiversity.
Activities and Amenities
- Activities available for local and international
visitors include game viewing, bird watching, sport fishing, boating at
Turkwel Dam, guided nature walks, and camping.
- The nearby Turkwel Dam offers opportunities for
sport fishing and sometimes boat rides.
- Although there are no accommodation options
within the reserve, self-catering accommodation and a campsite are available
at the Marich Pass Field Studies Centre, located 80 km south of the
reserve off the A1 Kitale-Lodwar road.
Additional Points of Interest
- Nasolot Hill is a prominent feature within the
reserve, offering scenic views and lending its name to the park.
- The Turkwel River traverses the reserve,
providing a vital water source for the wildlife.
- Its remote location offers a unique opportunity
for visitors to experience a secluded wilderness area, making it a less
crowded destination compared to other Kenyan parks.
How to Access Nasolot National
Reserve
- Visitors can access the reserve by road, with
the entrance lying 6.2 km from the A1 main road.
- Air transport is available, with domestic flights from Nairobi flying to Turkwel Dam and Kaputirr airstrips within the reserve.