Boni National Reserve

Boni national reserve situated in Garissa county at the coastal region in Kenya, the park boarders Somalia with humid hot climate influenced by the south, north east and eastern monsoon winds, Bonj national reserve covers an area of 1339 kilometers squared and the forest reserve has got all of tree species not found in other forests.

The Boni forests in which the reserve is named after the Boni forest it hasalso beendeclared as a biodiversity hotspot due to numerous plant species, the rainfall ranges from 750- 1000 mm and temperature from 15-38°c there are normally two rainy seasons.

Boni forest national reserve is renowned for its large herds of elephants and other animals not forgetting bird species, the park derives its name from the Boni tribe surrounding the area. Some of the trees in the reserve are very rare such as: Excoecaria bussei, croton megalocarpoides, homallium abdesseamadii and many more, the reserve is characterized by lowland forests, marshy glades and ground forests eco system.

Boni national reserve was established in the year 1976 to protect elephants due to heavy poaching that was carried out in the reserve and is now managed by the Keyan wildlife service. The forest offers raw materials for woodcarving industry.

Activities at Boni national reserve

Game viewing

Boni national reserve boasts with numerous wildlife namely; elephants, topis, buffalos, duiker, generuk, aardwolf, African wild dog, water buck, honey badger, Oribis, porcupine, squirrel, aardwolf, hippos, bush pig, Kirk’s Dik Dik, lesser kudu, warthogs, lycaon pictus, black backed jackal, wild dog,caracal, grants gazelles, spotted hyenas, primates like, yellow baboon and vervet monkey among others

Bird watching

Boni national reserve is endowed with various bird over 150 species both migratory and residential birds some if the birds found at the park are; violet breasted sunbird, African fish eagle, sanderling, honey Buzzard, brown headed kingfisher, Carmine bee eater, African darter, hammerkops, sokoke pipit, Chestnut fronted helmet shrike, Fischer’s turaco, fiery necked nightjar, Hartlaubs bustard, black bellied and Mombasa woodpecker to mention a few.

Nature guided walks

Tourists can take nature guided walks to the Boni forests and come across many trees species some not recorded else where in Kenya, they will also have high chances of seeing elephants and other wildlife not forgetting a birding experience.

Cultural experience

Tourists visiting Boni forest reserve can get involved with people by visiting the locals and see how life can differ from different parts of the world, there also a number of gifts you can acquire from the crafts local shops to take home for remembrance or loved ones.

Best time to visit

Boni game reserve climate is hot and arid therefore making it suitable for visits throughout the year, however the only thing that spoils the rainy season which makes the roads a bit impassable.

Where to stay

The park currently has no accommodation within but there are accommodation units at Lamu and other surrounding towns

How to get there

Boni national reserve can be accessed by road through Garissa which is 7 hours from the park, Garissa town is 12 hours 27 minutes from Nairobi.

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