Westside Hotel - Saiwa Swamp National Park

Westside Hotel is a hotel near Saiwa Swamp National Park.

Location
Saiwa Swamp National Park, Rift Valley Lakes, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
0.997649, 35.007885
Elevation
1,890m
Activities
hotel

PlnrScore: 22/100

Wildlife Near This Lodge

189 species observed within 20 km, 14 mammals, 79 birds.

  • De Brazza's Monkey (Mammalia, 18 observations)
  • Mantled Guereza (Mammalia, 18 observations)
  • Sitatunga (Mammalia, 13 observations)
  • Vervet Monkey (Mammalia, 9 observations)
  • Gray Crowned-Crane (Aves, 7 observations)
  • Long-crested Eagle (Aves, 6 observations)
  • African Thrush (Aves, 6 observations)
  • Common Bulbul (Aves, 6 observations)
  • Little Pansy (Insecta, 6 observations)
  • Speckled Mousebird (Aves, 5 observations)

Best Time to Visit Westside Hotel

The best months to visit Westside Hotel are February, March, December, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 17.92°C, rainfall 56.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 61.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 18.83°C, rainfall 32.7mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 59.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 18.97°C, rainfall 76.8mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 63.3%
  • April: Good, temperature 18.01°C, rainfall 218.1mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 75.5%
  • May: Good, temperature 17.41°C, rainfall 198mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 79.1%
  • June: Good, temperature 16.78°C, rainfall 136.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 78.3%
  • July: Good, temperature 16.28°C, rainfall 238.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 81.8%
  • August: Good, temperature 16.44°C, rainfall 241.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 79.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 16.91°C, rainfall 245.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 78.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 17.37°C, rainfall 209.7mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 75.6%
  • November: Good, temperature 17.16°C, rainfall 124.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 75%
  • December: Great, temperature 17.67°C, rainfall 23.3mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 64.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What unique wildlife experiences can I expect when staying at Westside Hotel near Saiwa Swamp National Park?

Westside Hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring Saiwa Swamp National Park, Kenya's smallest national park, renowned for protecting the semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope. Guests can enjoy guided walks within the park to spot these elusive antelopes, various primates like colobus monkeys, and a rich diversity of birdlife, offering a unique walking safari experience.

When is the best time of year to visit Westside Hotel for optimal wildlife viewing in Saiwa Swamp?

The best time to visit Westside Hotel and Saiwa Swamp National Park is during the dry seasons, from December to February and June to October. During these months, rainfall is minimal, making walking trails more accessible and wildlife easier to spot as animals congregate around water sources.

What facilities and services does Westside Hotel offer for safari travelers visiting Saiwa Swamp?

Westside Hotel provides comfortable accommodation, often including en-suite rooms and dining services with local and international cuisine. While it's a hotel rather than a traditional safari camp, it can often assist guests with arranging guided walks into Saiwa Swamp National Park and local transfers.

How do I get to Westside Hotel from major transport hubs in Kenya?

Westside Hotel is accessible by road, typically via Kitale town, which has an airstrip for domestic flights from Nairobi. Guests can arrange private transfers from Kitale or Eldoret, or utilize local matatus (shared taxis) for a more budget-friendly option to reach the hotel's vicinity.

Are there any specific activities or cultural experiences available directly from Westside Hotel besides park visits?

While the primary draw is Saiwa Swamp National Park, Westside Hotel's location near local communities offers opportunities for cultural interactions or visits to nearby markets. Guests can inquire at the hotel about local village visits or community projects to enrich their stay beyond wildlife viewing.

Other Safari Lodges in Saiwa Swamp National Park

Parks in Rift Valley Lakes

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya