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Arawale National Reserve is a protected wildlife sanctuary located in Garissa County in northeastern Kenya. Covering approximately 533 square kilometers, the reserve is a hidden gem known for its remote and untouched natural beauty. It was gazetted in 1974 primarily to conserve the critically endangered hirola antelope (Hunter’s hartebeest), which is found nowhere else in the world.
Unlike Kenya’s more famous national parks and reserves, Arawale is relatively less explored and offers a raw and authentic wilderness experience. The reserve lies between the Tana River and the Garissa-Lamu road and is surrounded by open savannah, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands. Its remote location makes it ideal for adventurous travelers, researchers, and wildlife enthusiasts who seek off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Reaching Arawale National Reserve requires planning due to its remote location. The reserve is situated approximately 77 kilometers south of Garissa town. From Nairobi, it takes about 7 to 8 hours to drive to Garissa (around 370 km), followed by an additional 1.5 to 2 hours on off-road tracks to reach the reserve.
The most practical way to reach Arawale is via road using a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the dry season. Visitors can also opt for chartered flights to Garissa or nearby airstrips, though these are limited. It’s advisable to coordinate with local tour operators who are familiar with the region and road conditions. Since there is no public transport to the reserve itself, private travel arrangements are necessary.
Arawale lies in a semi-arid climate zone, which means it experiences hot temperatures and sparse rainfall. Daytime temperatures often range from 30°C to 38°C (86°F to 100°F), with nights being moderately cooler.
The region has two main rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May, and the short rains from October to December. The dry seasons—January to February and June to September—are the best times to visit, offering better wildlife visibility and easier travel access. Visitors should prepare for hot, dusty conditions and carry enough water, sunblock, and protective clothing.
Arawale National Reserve is open to visitors all year round, but accessibility and viewing conditions are best during the dry seasons. The recommended visiting hours are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, allowing for early morning and late afternoon wildlife activity.
Since the reserve is not a developed tourist park, visitors are encouraged to coordinate visits through local Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) offices or approved tour guides. There are no formal entry gates or reception centers, so visits must be prearranged for security and logistical support.
Arawale is best known for being the only officially protected area for the endangered hirola antelope, one of Africa’s rarest mammals. The reserve was established with the specific goal of protecting this species, whose numbers have drastically declined due to poaching, habitat loss, and disease.
Aside from the hirola, the reserve hosts a range of other wildlife including giraffes, lesser kudus, gerenuks, ostriches, warthogs, and occasionally predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The area is also rich in birdlife, making it a great destination for birdwatching. Arawale's fame also lies in its remote and pristine setting, offering a quiet refuge away from commercial tourism.
Entry into Arawale National Reserve is controlled by the Kenya Wildlife Service and may require permits or advance notice. There is no fixed entry fee listed online due to the reserve’s underdeveloped tourism infrastructure, so it is best to contact the KWS Garissa office or a local guide for updated information.
There are no tourist lodges or camps within the reserve itself. Most visitors stay in Garissa town or arrange mobile camping trips with experienced tour operators. Travelers must bring their own food, water, camping gear, and fuel, as facilities in and around the reserve are very limited.
The Arawale National Reserve was established in 1974 in response to the rapidly declining population of the hirola antelope. The area had long been used for traditional pastoralist grazing, but its conversion into a protected area marked a major milestone in Kenya’s conservation efforts.
The reserve does not feature any built architecture or permanent infrastructure. Instead, it has been left in its natural state to support wildlife conservation and ecosystem health. Occasional ranger posts and research camps exist, but the overall approach is low-impact and focused on habitat preservation rather than tourism development.
Due to its remote nature and conservation focus, activities at Arawale are mostly for experienced travelers and wildlife researchers. Popular things to do include:
Arawale National Reserve is a unique destination for those seeking an authentic Kenyan wilderness experience away from tourist crowds. Its role in conserving the critically endangered hirola makes it an ecologically important area, and its isolation adds to its mystique and charm. While it may not offer luxury amenities, it provides something far more valuable: an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.
