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.