Nasolot National Reserve is a little-visited protected area in northwestern Kenya, situated in the Rift Valley near West Pokot district. Its 92 km² of arid plains and rocky ridges shelter wildlife typical of East Africa's dry savannas, in a landscape still largely untouched by mass tourism.

Why visit Nasolot

Nasolot remains one of Kenya's least-visited reserves. Its appeal lies in several key factors:

• diverse wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards and beisa oryx, observable without the tourist pressure of major southern parks;
• contrasting terrain, from grassy plains to rocky hills culminating at Nasolot Hill;
• the Turkwell River, which flows through the reserve and offers boat excursions and sport fishing;
• an off-the-beaten-path atmosphere, away from conventional circuits.

The park's relative isolation explains its modest visitor numbers, but this is precisely what makes it appealing for independent travelers, unlike more accessible sites such as Hell's Gate National Park.

History of the reserve

Nasolot was officially declared a national reserve in 1979, as part of Kenya's policies to protect Rift Valley ecosystems. Its creation aimed to preserve an ecological corridor between the semi-arid zones of the north and the more forested ecosystems of Mount Mtelo, while safeguarding the Turkwell River's water basins. Today, the reserve forms part of a network of protected areas that also includes South Turkana Reserve, managed in coordination with the Pokot communities living on its borders.

What to see and do

Wildlife viewing

Land-based safaris allow you to observe a representative range of East African megafauna: African elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, hippopotamuses, lesser kudus, Kirk's dik-diks, beisa oryx and baboons. The open landscapes facilitate spotting, particularly during the dry season.

Boat safaris and fishing on the Turkwell

The Turkwell River, which flows through the park, is navigable along several stretches. Boat excursions offer opportunities to approach hippopotamuses and water birds. Sport fishing is also available, featuring notably the Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and the Rudolf's Lates (Lates longispinis), endemic to the region.

Hiking and birdwatching

Guided walks through the reserve offer a different perspective on the landscape, with sweeping views over the plains from Nasolot Hill's heights. The birdlife includes raptors, wading birds and water birds along the Turkwell; early morning and late afternoon hours are most rewarding.

Camping

On-site accommodation remains rustic. The Marich Pass field research center's campground, located nearby, is the most popular option for visitors wishing to explore from a modest but well-positioned base.

Practical information

The reserve is visited by 4x4 vehicle, essential given the condition of the tracks. Services on-site are limited: plan to bring water, fuel and provisions from Kitale or Kapenguria. Allow half a day to a full day for a worthwhile visit. Entry fees are modest, collected by Kenya Wildlife Service.

When to visit

The dry season, from June to October, offers the most favorable conditions: vegetation is low, wildlife concentrates around water points and tracks are passable. The short dry season of January-February also provides good conditions. The April-May rains make some tracks difficult.

How to get there

By car

Main access is via the A1 highway or the A104 Kitale-Lodwar road. The main entrance is 146 km north of Kitale, roughly 10 hours' drive from Nairobi, situated approximately 528 km to the southeast. An alternative is to take the B4 Nakuru-Sigor road, allowing roughly 7 hours from Nakuru.

By air

Charter flights can land on airstrips near Turkwel Dam and at Kaputirr. It is also possible to take a scheduled flight from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Kitale or Lodwar, then continue by road or charter.

Combining with the region

Nasolot fits well into an itinerary across northwestern Kenya. To extend your visit, several options are worth considering:

• the Kakamega Forest Reserve, the last remnant of rainforest in the country's west;
• Hell's Gate National Park, on the return route to Nairobi via the Rift Valley;
• a stopover in Nairobi at the start or end of your circuit to visit the Giraffe Centre.

Frequently asked questions

Planning your trip

To incorporate Nasolot into a tailor-made itinerary across northwestern Kenya, explore our suggested itineraries on the Kenya travel page.