Kora National Park : Every safari-goer dreams of having an adventurous trip but a few of them achieve it while others don’t. This is due to wrong choices of destinations. You don’t have to worry much because Africa has got you the spectacular destinations for your wildlife safaris. Africa is home to splendid national parks, which are located in various countries in this gracious continent. Kora National Park is one of such alluring parks which are found in Africa.
Kora National Park is a stunning park that is located in the Tana River County of Kenya 125 kilometers east of Mount Kenya. The park was initially known as a national reserve from 1973 until 1989 when it was upgraded into a national park. It is well-known as it has been featured in several films and television including the famous Born Free film (1966) which originated from a best-selling book of the same name, Born Free (1960). The book was written by a famous British conservationist and author, George Adamson and it is based on a true story of Elsa the Lioness, an orphaned lioness cub which, George and his spouse Joy Adamson raised and later released into Kora National Park.
Attractions in Kora National Park
Rock Inselbergs: The topography of Kora National Park is dotted with rock inselbergs making it a perfect place for rock climbing. Some are noticeable and have significant heights including Mansumbi which is 488 meters high, Kumbulanwa which is 450 meters high and Kora Rock which is 442 meters high. The rocks are also dotted with shrubs and small trees that grow in soil-filled cracks and crevices.
Wild animals: Kora National Park is home to a diverse of animal species. These include African leopards, cheetahs, lions, elephants, wild dogs, serval, caracal, spotted and striped hyenas, hippos, genet, antelopes and wild cats. This park also boasts about 500 species of insects and over 40 reptiles.
Stunning vegetation and topography: Nature lovers will be left mouth open by the evergreen vegetation of Kora National Park, which is mainly made up of acacia woodlands and riverine forests along the Tana River.
Tana River: To the north of Kora National Park, is the majestic Tana River, which is a boundary separating Kora National Park from Meru National Park. The scenery of this magnificent river is incredibly beautiful, especially its riverine forests of doum palm and Tana River poplar. It is home to crocodiles, hippos and some iconic water birds. Along this river, are wonderful features including Adamson’s falls, Grand falls and Kora rapids.
Things to do in Kora National Park
A visit to the grave of George Adamson: George Adamson was a famous British conservationist and author who spent his life in the “Kampi Ya Simba” in Kora National Park in Kenya. Between the 1980s and 1990s, poaching was a serious problem. George Adamson and his two assistants were murdered by poachers in 1989. The same year, Kora National Reserve was declared as Kora National Park.
He and his wife Joy Adamson spent their life in Kora National Park. His best-selling book, Born Free (1960), and it was later converted into a film with the same name Born Free (1966). Apart from Born Free, Adamson has been featured in many films and documentaries, some of which include The Lions Are Free (1967), and An Elephant Called Slowly among many others.
After he died in 1989, George Adamson was buried in Kora National Park. His grave is situated close to two graves of lions he raised and then released into the wilderness of Kora National Park. The lions were named the Super Cub and Mugie.
Rock climbing: The landscape of Kora National Park is dotted with several rock ridges, kopjes and inselbergs. You can go for a hike through these rocks, especially the ones with high peaks such as Mansumbi, Kumbulanwa and Kora Rock.
Game viewing: A game drive through Kora National Park will reward you with stunning views of wild animals. A guided nature walk is more rewarding as you will view some beautiful insects and reptiles.
Fishing: Tana River is home to many fishes. If you want to learn how to fish, this is the right place. A fishing trip is conducted on a canoe or boat.
How to get to Kora National Park
This park is accessible from Nairobi through various routes. The first route is via Thika, Mwingi, and finally through Kyuso village. It is a 270-kilometer distance from Nairobi.
Other ways of reaching Kora National Park are by taking flights to any of its airstrips; Kyethoni airstrip, Kampi ya Simba airstrip and Masanduku airstrip which is found in Meru National Park.
The best time to visit this splendid park is from June to October. However, if you are a birder your best time is between December and March. Generally speaking, Kora National Park is a hidden gem that is worth visiting for any traveler.
