Dodori national reserve is situated east of Lamu countyin Kenya covering an area of about 877 kilometers squared, the reserve is famous for its beautiful sand beaches and unique culture. The reserve derives it name from a river that flows to the Indian Ocean. The Dodori Creek is a breeding place for dudongs.
Dodori national reserve was established in 1977, the park is characterized by swamps, grasslands, Savannah, forests, thorny bushes, mangroves, gigantic baobabs, andcoastal beaches. The park has been highly recognized by international organizations as an important cultural heritage area, UNESCO also recognized it as biosphere reserve in 1980.
Dodori national reserve tourism has greatly been slowed down as the reserve together with the neighboring Boni is a hideout to rebel groups known as al-Shabaab who currently attacked tourists to the park in 2010, this has led to a dramatic decline in tourism within the reserve as tourists fear to come again but the Kenyan government is trying to make the security more available to avoid such occurring’s in the area.
Activities at Dodori national reserve
Game viewing
Dodori game reserve is renowned for it’s high population of Topis the numbers here are more than in any other part of Kenya, adder’s duiker, zebras, gazelles, lesser kudus, lions, leopards, sea turtles, sea cows, dudongs,
Bird watching
Dodori national reserve has got a wide range of aquatic birds mostly found on the water areas some of the examples are: violet breasted sunbird, Carmine bee eaters, blue hooded kingfisher, honey Buzzard, southern banded harrier eagle, palmnut vulture, brown breasted barbet,
Cultural experience
The coastal people have very rich history about their towns and slavery, visiting the people, knowing their way of life and history would make your stay complete and also get some gifts from the crafts shops to take back home.
Where to stay
There are currently no accommodation sectors with the reserve but can be got from the neighboring towns some of the lodges are; alliance safari beach hotel, Diani reef beach resort, Almanara luxury lodge, Finch Hatton’s camp, diamonds dream of Africa and many more.
How to get there
Dodori national game reserve is bordered by Boni national reserve; it’s approximately 280 kilometers north of Mombasa. The creek can be reached y water through a boat.
Best time to visit
The reserve has got humid and hot climate making it possible to visit all year round but the roads are very remote and in accessible during the rainy seasons, a four wheel drive car might be needed.