Parks & reserves: Bisanadi National Reserve
General info
Bisanadi National Reserve is located in the Isiolo County belonging to the Eastern province. Designated in 1979 with an extension of 606 km², it serves as a wildlife dispersal area for the adjacent Meru National Park, which lies to the west upstream Tana river. This land strip was set under protection with the double purpose of allowing better mobility for the Meru animals and keeping the park safe from human encroachment, since Meru was for many years a poachers' realm. The border between Meru and Bisanadi follows the traditional frontier between the Meru and Boran tribes.
Bisanadi is a stretch of thornbush and arid savannah which gives way to swamps and palm tree forests at the banks of the river Tana and other minor streams.
Access
Bisanadi is devoid of roads and tracks, therefore travelling through the reserve is difficult. It is only accessible in a 4WD vehicle from the neighbouring Meru National Park's Murera Gate or from the Tana river, at the reserve's south border.
In any case and mainly due to the safety problems in the area, the reserve is not developed for tourism and access is restricted. If you want to arrange a visit, ask the rangers at Meru to be directed to the senior warden. Alternatively, you can try to arrange a visit through Kenya Wildlife Service's Main Headquarters in Langata, at Nairobi National Park.
Access by air is provided through an airstrip in Korbessa.
Wildlife
Bisanadi is a dispersal area for Meru National Park's wildlife, hence the same animals can be found here. Elephants and buffalos are usual visitors, specially during the rainy seasons.
Lodging
There is no accommodation in the reserve, but the neighbouring Meru National Park offers lodging facilities.
Camping
There are no designated campsites in Bisanadi. You may contact the Isiolo County, since special camping permits may be issued in some cases.
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Managed by: Isiolo County
