Nasolot National Reserve

The expansive 9,200 hectares of Nasolot National Reserve, situated at altitudes ranging from 500 to 1500 meters within the Great Rift Valley, provide a distinctive and secluded wilderness experience in the northern region of Mount Melo. The reserve is approximately 146 kilometers north of Kitale and features a harsh terrain characterized by rocky hills and vast plains of Nasolot Hill.

The reserve is home to African elephants, greater and lesser kudu, antelopes, bushbucks, waterbucks, duikers, buffaloes, gazelles, hippos, lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, and many primate species, including Syke’s monkeys. Nasolot Hill, the reserve’s rocky outcrop, amplifies its appeal. In addition to other bird species, birdwatchers will like observing Abyssinian ground hornbills, Abyssinian rollers, white-crested turacos, and superb starlings.

Attractions of Nasolot National Reserve

The remarkable beauty and rough terrain of Nasolot National Reserve, coupled with its tranquil and secluded location with minimal visitors, ensure that its safari attractions in Kenya remain pristine and untamed.

Nasolot Peak, a prominent rocky outcrop delineating the boundaries of Nasolot National Reserve, is one of the most sought-after tourist spots for safaris in Kenya, providing a scenic vista of the entire region. The reserve derives its name from this summit.

Fauna

The reserve’s brief savannah plains and forest galleries host a multitude of flourishing animal species, including the African elephant, greater and lesser kudu, bushbuck, duiker, lion, leopard, Kirk’s dik-dik, spotted hyena, jackal, impala, Sykes monkey, beisa and fringe-eared oryx, waterbuck, olive baboon, buffalo, gazelle, and hippopotamus, among others.

In addition to its natural attributes, the Nasolot National Reserve hosts a varied array of bird species. This list comprises tiny egrets, secretary birds, African sacred ibises, Eurasian wigeons, African black ducks, tufted ducks, yellow-billed ducks, common teals, comb ducks, rock doves, speckled pigeons, plain nightjars, and various other avian species. The optimal times for bird watching are in the morning and evening to observe a broad variety of bird species. Birdwatching excursions entail traversing several regions of the park in pursuit of avian species.

Explore the attractions of Nasolot National Reserve through morning and evening game drives, comprehensive nature walks, and additional activities such as boating, sport fishing, and camping to fully experience this pristine National Reserve.

Directions to Nasolot National Reserve

Access to Nasolot National Reserve can be achieved via air or vehicle. The most efficient and rapid approach is to utilize air transportation. Nasolot National Reserve is located 528 miles northwest of Nairobi and 146 km north of Kitale, adjacent to the west of the A1 Kitale-Lodwar road.

Via Road

The A1 main road serves as a conduit from Nairobi to the A104 Kitale-Lodwar, situated west of the National Reserve and 146 kilometers north of Kitale. The journey from Nairobi to the National Reserve requires 10 hours of driving. Visitors can readily visit the reserve by ground transportation in a customized 4×4 vehicle. The journey from Nakuru town to Nasolot National Reserve via the Nakuru-Sigor B4 route, which connects to the A104 road, requires seven hours of driving. Despite necessitating an extended travel duration, vehicle transport remains the most economical means of reaching Nasolot National Reserve.

Via Air Transport

Air travel serves as an alternative means of accessing the area, with regularly scheduled charter flights available to and from the airstrips situated within the National area. Two airstrips are situated nearby for fly-in safaris: one at Turkwel Dam and the other at Kaputirr. An alternative is to organize a private charter from any adjacent park that links to the Nasolot National Reserve. Alternatively, you may organize a private charter from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi’s primary transit center, to Kitale or Lodwar Airports, followed by a drive or another private charter to the reserve.

Typically, Safari Link conducts flights to Kitale or Lodwar airports, and it possesses numerous Safari Link is the primary airline servicing the majority of flights to Kitale. These flights are the most commonly scheduled, with the majority departing from Nairobi.

Activities in Nasolot National Reserve

Wildlife Observation

The primary attraction for tourists at Nasolot National Reserve is the game viewing safari, which entails traversing the reserve’s plains to observe diverse wildlife grazing and roaming from the luxury of one’s vehicle. Due to minimal tourist activity in the reserve, one may encounter the Big Five, excluding the rhinoceros, along with various other wildlife species inhabiting the region, such as elephants, lesser kudu, bushbuck, duiker, lion, leopard, Kirk’s dik-diks, spotted hyena, jackal, impala, beisa and fringe-eared oryx, waterbuck, olive baboon, buffalo, gazelle, and hippopotamus residing in the waters of the River Turkwel.

Birding

Nasolot National Reserve is one of Kenya’s premier destinations for avian observation. Birding expeditions here will offer a captivating experience; while your adventure, remain vigilant to observe a diverse array of bird species. The ideal times for bird watching are in the morning and evening to observe a broad variety of bird species. The birdwatching experience involves exploring various sections of the reserve in pursuit of avian species.

Nature excursions

Nature walks provide an opportunity to examine the landscape and species of the Nasolot National Reserve more thoroughly. These bushwalks will provide stunning vistas of the Nasolot hills and opportunity to observe diverse species, including tiny primates such as monkeys and baboons, as well as insects and reptiles.

Spot Fishing

Sport fishing at Turkwel Dam is the most exhilarating activity during a visit to this reserve in Kenya. Incorporating camping into your Kenya safari adventure activities can render it exceptionally distinctive.

Boat excursions on the Turkwel River

Experience the serene tranquility and refreshing breeze of a boat trip on the Turkwel River, traversing the Nasolot National Reserve. This will assist you in evading the intense heat you will experience while participating in various safari activities in Kenya.

Camping

Camping provides an opportunity to appreciate nature from within a tent, and Nasolot National Reserve offers camping opportunities for tourists eager to deepen their understanding of this activity. Camping is another kind of tourism in the Nasolot National Reserve, offered at the Marich Pass Field Studies Centre campsite, located 80 km south of the reserve and accessible by the A1 Kitale–Lodwar route.