Kora National Park

Kora National Park is one of Kenya’s most remote and untamed wilderness areas, often called “The Last Wilderness.” Located in Tana River County in eastern Kenya, it covers approximately 1,788 km² (about 690 square miles) of rugged terrain. The park lies roughly 125 km east of Mount Kenya and is bordered to the north by the Tana River for about 65 km, along with Meru National Park as its sister reserve.

The landscape features dense acacia and commiphora bushland, vast alluvial plains, dramatic granite inselbergs (isolated rocky hills or kopjes), deep gorges, and low hills. The mighty Tana River flows along its boundary, creating scenic features such as Adamson’s Falls, Grand Falls, and Kora Rapids. This combination of riverine habitats and arid bush creates a striking contrast that supports a rich variety of life.

Kora has a deep conservation history. It was first gazetted as a nature reserve in 1973 and upgraded to full national park status in 1989. The park served as the former home of legendary conservationists George and Joy Adamson (famous for Born Free), who lived at Kampi ya Simba (“Lion Camp”). George Adamson was tragically murdered by poachers in 1989, an event that directly contributed to the park’s elevation to national park status. Today, it remains a symbol of raw African wilderness and ongoing conservation efforts, supported by initiatives like the Kora Project.

Wildlife in Kora includes elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs (including the Tanzanian cheetah), African wild dogs, spotted and striped hyenas, lesser kudu, gerenuk, oryx, buffalo, and various antelopes. Hippos and crocodiles inhabit the Tana River, while smaller predators like caracal, serval, and genet are present. The park is also excellent for birdwatching, with over 300 bird species recorded, along with diverse reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Due to its remoteness and past poaching pressures in the 1980s–1990s, animal densities can be lower than in more popular parks, but the sense of true wilderness is unmatched. Recent conservation work has helped stabilize and recover populations.

Activities in Kora focus on immersive, low-impact experiences: game drives, birdwatching, scenic walks (with armed rangers), and visits to historical sites like the Adamson’s camp. The climate is hot and dry year-round, with the best visiting periods during the drier months (June–October and December–March) when wildlife congregates near water sources.

Kora National Park appeals to adventurous travelers seeking solitude and authenticity rather than crowded safari circuits. Managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), it offers a pristine, rugged escape where the dramatic landscape and sense of untouched nature take center stage. For those willing to venture off the beaten path, Kora delivers a profound connection to Kenya’s wild heart.