Malka Mari National Reserve

The Malka Mari National Reserve lies on the Daua River, bordering Kenya and Ethiopia. It offers great landscapes that overshadow semi-arid bushlands, scrubby meadows, and small pockets of riparian woodland dotted with palm trees. Lying on the Mandera Plateau in northeastern Kenya’s Mandera County, this gem of a region measures 876 square kilometers and boasts healthy biodiversity and striking landscapes. The reserve was created in 1989 because of its supposedly high concentration of plant and animal species and is still a prospective Important Bird Area and hotspot for plant endemism.

Its arid environment, with unique ecosystems, supports an incredibly varied fauna, both aquatic and otherwise, and gives sanctuary to the resident and migratory species of birds during the dry seasons. Malka Mari National Park forms a critical water catchment during most dry seasons, while the meandering Daua River through the reserve adds to the ecological richness of the area by sustaining riparian habitats that contrast with the arid surroundings.

Whatever one is-whether it be a nature enthusiast, a birdwatcher, or an advocate of conservation-Malka Mari National Reserve presents something no other place does. The scenery here, from the rolling bushlands down to the riverine forests, invites one to come and appreciate some of Kenya’s less well-known natural beauty. Visiting this region promises not only breathtaking scenery but also a closer touch with the region’s important ecosystems and the life struggle in adverse conditions.