Discover Malka Mari National Park
Characterized by undulating scenes of semi-arid bush and scrubby grasslands with dots of riparian woodland and palms along the Daua River, Malka Mari National Park was gazetted in 1989 due to its reportedly high concentration of wildlife. The area is considered a site for plant endemism (NBU, 1992) and a potential Important Bird Area.
The park covers an area of 876 km2 and lies along the Daua River on the Kenya-Ethiopia border to the extreme northeast of Kenya, on the Mandera plateau, Mandera County. Coupled with spectacular scenery, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, birds, aquatic species, important ecosystems, and a water catchment that provides refuge for wildlife during the dry seasons.
When Should I Go To Malka Mari National Park?
January to March is the dry season, with the rest of the year being a little bit wetter, but don’t let that deter you. Malka Mari National Park is open all year round for visitors and has three campsites, walking trails for hikers, and numerous areas to have a picnic surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful views.
Malka Mari National Park Entry Fees
Malka Mari National Park Entrance Fee
Below are the Malka Mari National Park entry fees for 2024
| Citizen | Resident | Non-Resident |
| Adults KSH | Child KSH | Adults KSH | Child KSH | Adults USD | Child USD |
| 300 | 125 | 300 | 125 | 22 | 13 |
Please note the rates are subject to change.
How to Pay for Malka Mari National Park Fees
How do you pay for Malka Mari National Park Fees? To pay for Park Fees, you will have to visit the KWS E-Citizen Account, create an account, and select Malka Mari National Park to pay for the park fees.
1. Download the e-Citizen mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and create an account or sign in if you already have an account.
3. Tap on the “Services” tab.
4. Scroll down and select “Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)”.
5. Select the park or sanctuary that you want to visit.
6. Enter the number of adults and children in your party.
7. Select the payment method.
You can pay using M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or a credit/debit card.
8. Review your payment details and tap on “Pay”.
You will receive a confirmation message once your payment is successful.
The transaction will be mirrored in the Kenya Wildlife Service system, facilitating the visitor’s entry to the park upon arrival at the entrance. On the day of Visit, ensure you have the ticket, and share it with the gate wardens for entry to the park.
Best Time to Visit Malka Mari National Park
Generally, Kenya is best to visit in the dry-season months of July – October when the parks are dry and wildlife viewing is dramatic, easy, and action-packed.
1st April to June 15th and 15th Nov to 15th Dec
If you are looking for an intimate, exclusive safari but an affordable Kenya Safari, this is the best time to visit. The best places to visit include the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Lake Nakuru, among many others.
Jan 10th to 1st April and 1st Nov to 15th Dec
One of the most considered seasons to travel and visit East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Easy to spot the big five and the big cats of the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu other major parks.
15th June to 30th Oct, 15th Dec to 10th Jan
An action-filled season to witness the great wildebeest migration and crossings in Kenya is during this season. In case you are looking for the best adventures, then this is the best fit for you
How to Get to Malka Mari National Park
Malka Mari National Park From Nairobi by Road.
- The first step is to take the A2 route of the northern Tarmac Road to Isiolo and then proceed to Moyale Town on the Ethiopian border. From Moyale, you take the D504 Road on the eastern side through Yabdus and Sara Hills via Takaba for around 160 km before diverting to the North pass through a colonial military center of Derkale until you reach Bannissa Town distances of 65 km from Takaba. This is the safest and most secure route to access the park.
- The second step is driving through B9 North Eastern road -Thika -Garrissa – Wajir -Mandera Road until You Arrive at the border Town Of Elwak in Mandera County. Then you proceed west and take the Elwak –Takaba road before reaching the rocky town of Takaba distance of 140 km. From Takaba, you drive North to Bannissa town, a distance of 65 km. It’sa journey of an estimated distance of 1400 km from Nairobi to Bannissa.
From Nairobi by Air.
Airstrips in Malka Mari National Park
- Rhamu This airstrip is in Rhamu town in the Mandera North constituency and good condition. To access the Park you need to hire a vehicle and drive west to Bannissa distances of 140km through Rhamu-Ola-Bannissa road. Currently, there is no daily local flight operating in this area.
- Bannissa This airstrip is in Bannissa town and is only 12km from the park boundary but it’s not in good condition and it has some undergrowth. Currently, there is no daily local flight operating in this area.
- Takaba airstrip. This Airstrip is in Takaba Town south of Bannissa town 65 km from Bannissa, it’s in good condition and Currently, there is a local passenger flight operating in this area but Twice a week only on Sunday and Tuesday. They are called Shillow Tours and Buko Travellers. For you to access the Park need to hire a vehicle and drive North through Takaba – Bannissa A distance of 65 km until you reach Bannissa town.
- Malka Mari air strip -This is an old colonial Airstrip inside the park but it’s not in good condition and it has some undergrowth. Currently, there is no daily local flight operating in this area.
- Mandera main airstrip -This Airstrip is in Mandera Town. Its operation is under the control of Kenya Defense forces. It’s in good condition, they have daily local Passenger flights provided by local flight companies Shillow Tours and Buko Travellers. For you to access the park you need to hire a vehicle to drive Through B9 road west of Mandera town before arriving at Rhamu town and Divert from The B9 to Rhamu-Ola-Bannissa road before arriving at Bannissa town. It’s an estimated distance of 270 km from Marram Road.
- Elwak airstrip airstrip is in Elwak town and good condition. Currently, there is a local passenger flight operating in this area but twice a week only by Shallow Tours and Buko Travelers on Sunday and Tuesday. To access the park you hire a vehicle and proceed west and take the Elwak –Takaba road before reaching the rocky town of Takaba distance of 140 km from Elwak . From Takaba you drive North to Bannissa town a distance of 65 km.
Recommended Route to Access Malka Mari National Park.
By Road
Take the A2 route of the northern Tarmac Road to Isiolo and then proceed to Moyale Town on the Ethiopian border. From Moyale you take the D504 Road on the eastern side through Yabdus and Sara Hills via Takaba. Drive at least 160 km before Diverting to North until you reach Bannissa Town a distance of 65 km from Takaba. This is the safest and most secure route to access the park.
By Air
Takaba airstrip. This Airstrip is in Takaba Town south of Bannissa Town. It’s 65 km from Bannissa Town, it’s in good condition and currently, there is a local passenger flight operating in this area twice a week only (Sunday and Tuesday). These are Shillow Tours and Buko Travelers. For you to access the Park you need to hire a vehicle, drive north to Bannissa through Takaba-Bannissa Road
Best Places to Stay at Malka Mari National Park
Gallery and Photos of Malka Mari National Park
Safari Packages to Malka Mari National Park
Other National Parks to visit
