Kora National Park

Kora National Park is a true gem nestled in Tana River County, Kenya. Spanning across a vast area of 1,788 square kilometres, this park offers visitors an opportunity to indulge in the beauty of nature. The park is located approximately 125 kilometres east of Mount Kenya, and its unique features make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.Initially, Kora National Park was gazetted as a nature reserve in 1973 before being elevated to a national park in 1989, following the tragic murder of George Adamson by poachers. The park is bounded by Meru National Park and the Tana River, which features Adamson’s Falls, Grand Falls, and the Kora rapids. The Mwitamvisi River marks its eastern boundary, while the northern boundary extends 65 kilometres.The park’s topography slopes gently from an altitude of 490 metres in the south-west to approximately 270 metres in the north-east. Its central area is an undulating peneplain, which is dotted with rocky inselbergs, domed hills, and hard rocks that rise steeply from the surrounding area. The highest of these inselbergs are Mansumbi (488m), Kumbulanwa (450m) and Kora Rock (442m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of the park’s flora and fauna.Speaking of which, the park boasts an impressive array of animal species, including the African bush elephant, hippopotamus, African leopard, lion, serval, wildcat, Tanzanian cheetah, caracal, genet, spotted and striped hyenas, and several types of antelope. Visitors can also witness the seasonal rivers that flow through the park, adding to the park’s overall charm.The park’s vegetation mainly comprises acacia bushland, and there are also riverine forests of doum palm and Tana River poplar. These forests provide a serene environment for visitors to relax and soak in the park’s beauty.Unfortunately, Kora National Park had to deal with poaching activities in the past, which resulted in the death of George Adamson and two of his assistants in 1989. Despite this setback, efforts to restart the park are ongoing. The park is now a safe haven for a variety of wildlife species, and visitors can witness the inspiring work of the park rangers and conservationists in action.Kora National Park’s history and unique natural features make it a must-visit destination for any nature enthusiast. The park offers a rare opportunity to indulge in nature’s beauty and relax amidst the serene environment.