Former home of George and Joy Adamson –’ Kampi ya Simba’ Kora National Park offers a pristine wilderness dotted with tall inselbergs and graced by the Tana River on which the Adamson’s Falls, Grand Falls and Kora Rapids are found.
The park’s topography consists of rocky formations that create a surreal landscape, acacia woodlands, and doum palms. The park is crisscrossed by seasonal rivers and the Tana River forms the northern boundary of this park and Meru National Park
How To Get There
By Road: Kora is located 280 km north-east of Nairobi. Access is via Thika to Mwingi then north-east through Kyuso village. Alternative routes include
- Nairobi – Thika -Mwingi- Tseikuru – Kaningo Gate.
- Nairobi – Thika – Mwingi – Tseikuru – Masyungwa Gate – Kampi ya Simba.
- Nairobi – Embu – Meru National Park – Adamson’s Gate.
- Nairobi – Nanyuki – Meru National Park – Adamson’s Gate.
Adamson’s Bridge that cuts across Tana River links Kora and Meru National Parks. The road network requires a 4WD throughout the year
By Air: The park can be accessed through three airstrips namely; Kyethoni, and Kampi ya Simba airstrips in Kora and Masanduku airstrip in Meru National Park.
What To See
The Adamsons Bridge, Wildlife along Tana River, the Adamsons Camp – Kampi ya Simba which is the former home for George and Joy Adamson, Pristine wilderness, Inselbergs, Tana River with Adamson’s Falls, Grand Falls and Kora rapids, diverse birdlife, George Adamson’s grave, fishing in Tana River and safaris to the national park.
Park Size
1,787 sq. Km
Climate
The climate is favorable (Hot and Dry), all year round therefore you should make an effort to visit the park and enjoy the marvels of nature.
When to go
All year round
Attractions
The park prides itself on the history of the coming together of Joy Adamson’s best-selling book “Born Free”. The script is based on the Adamsons’ lives and research on lions and cheetahs. George and his spouse Joy Adamson are best known through the movie Born Free. The movie is based on the true story of Elsa the lioness; an orphaned cub they had rescued, raised, and later released into the wild. This storyline is a great puller of safari lovers to the park.
Wildlife found in the park include; elephants, lesser kudus, wild dogs, striped and spotted hyenas, leopards, lions, and cheetahs. There are about 500 species of insects and 40 reptile species in the park.
Visitors can enjoy bird watching, hiking, river rafting, fishing, rock climbing, camping, and visits to George Adamson’s grave.
Kora National Park plays host to the annual memorial that celebrates the legendary conservationist George Adamson, famously known as ‘the father of lions’ or ‘Baba ya Simba.’ The event informs and educates visitors about Adamson’s role in the protection of wildlife while reminding the world of the conservationist’s passion.
